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Circuit Breaker Questions For NTS, Interview

Circuit Breaker
1. A sudden short-circuit in an ac system causes a rise in __________ in the short-circuited phase.
2. The voltage appearing across the circuit breaker pole after final current zero is called __________
voltage.
3. Thermal ionization of gases occurs at temperature around __________ C.
4. The electron emission from contact surface caused by incidence of light energy is called __________.
5. De ionization can take place by the processes of recombination or attachment as well as by
process of __________ and __________.
6. The behavior of arc in high vacuum is affected by contact material and __________.
7. Sphere gaps are used for measurement of __________.
8. Current breakers are generally overhauled every __________ years.
9. In circuit breakers, arc is extinguished either by __________ the arc __________ the arc or __________ the
arc.
10. Deterioration of dielectric oil is governed by __________ color.
11. The characteristics of a fuse is governed by material and __________ of the fuse element.
12. A fuse should generally have a normal rating 25 to 50 percent above the normal full load
current to lake care of __________.
13. Skin effect is absent in case of __________ current.
14. Insulators operate under __________ conditions.
15. Melting point of aluminium is __________.
16. Density of aluminium is nearly __________ of the density of copper.
17. Melting point of copper is __________ 0C.
18. Pantograph isolator is preferred for circuits above __________ kV.
19. __________ current is the rms value of the current which a breaker must carry for a stated time.
20. The insulation requirements of switchgear are determined by __________ voltage.
21. In horn gaps the arc is produced at the __________ during high voltage surge.
22. Secondary type lightning arresters are used for the protection of __________ transformers.

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23. The non-linear resistor in lightning arrester offers __________ resistance to the flow of discharge
currents and __________ resistance to power frequency voltage.
24. The surge current which flows through the lightning arrester after the spark over is expressed
in terms of __________ value.
25. The most severe cause of switching over-voltages is __________.

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1.Current ----- 2.recovery ----- 3.3000 ----- 4.photo-emission ----- 5.diffusion, drift----- 6.Conditions
of the contact surface----- 7.high voltages----- 8.three -----9.lengthening,cooling,splitting ----10.dark -----11.shape ----- 12.switching surges-----13.direct -----14.no-load ----- 15. 657 0C ----- 16.
one-third----- 17.1083 ----- 18.400 ----- 19.short time----- 20.transient ----- 21. bottom----22.distribution ----- 23.low,high ----- 24.peak ----- 25.closing of charged line
26 __________ type lightening arresters are designed to discharge the switching over-voltage as well
as lightning over-voltages.
27. Traveling wave gets reflected from short circuited line with reflected current wave of __________
polarity and voltage wave of the __________ polarity.
28. Peterson coil is the reactance used in __________ earthing.
29. The phenomena of arcing grounds is commonly experienced with __________ systems.
30. In solid grounding system, the neutral is connected to ground without any __________ between
neutral and ground.
31. The grounding is generally at the __________ end.
32. Insulation co-ordination of EHV and UHV line is based on __________.
33. In delta connected load, the line current return path. Hence line currents __________ zero
sequence component.
34. The negative sequence network has only negative sequence __________.
35. The smallest value of actuating quantity at which protection starts operating in relation with the
minimum value of fault current in the protected zone, is known as __________ of the protective
scheme.
36. Trip circuit is normally a part of __________.
37. The time elapsed between the instant of occurrence of fault and instant of final arc extinction in
circuit breaker is known as __________.
38. The time interval between occurrence of fault and closure of relay contacts is known as
__________.

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39. The lime interval between closure of trip circuit and final arc interruption is known as __________.
40. Acting ground is also known as __________ fault.
41. Phase fault is __________ fault.
42. A relay which responds to increase in current is known as __________.
43. Power line carrier is a __________ signal sent through the power line conductors.
44. Static relays __________ moving parts.
45. An electro-magnetic relay will operate when operating force is __________ restraining force.
46. __________ is suitable for outdoor UHV and HV traction system.
47. The drop off value to pick-up value of a relay is also known as __________.
48. The holding ratio of a relay is usually __________.
49. A bimetal strip consists of two metal strips having different __________.
50. A directional relay senses __________.

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26. Magnetically blow out type ----- 27.same, opposite ----- 28. Resonant ----- 29.ungrounded ----30.intentional impedance ----- 31.supply ----- 32.switching over voltages----- 33.do not have----34.reactance ----- 35.sensitivity ----- 36. Circuit breakers 37. Fault clearing time----- 38. Relay
time----- 39. Breaker time---------- 40.earth ----- 41.line to line----- 42.over current relay----- 43.high
frequency----- 44.do not----- 45. greater than----- 46. Air blast circuit breaker----- 47. holding ratio---- 48. less than 1 ----- 49. coefficient of thermal expansion----- 50. power

Circuit breakers > Multiple Choice


1. A circuit breaker is
(A) power factor correcting device
(B) a device to neutralize the effect of transients
(C) a waveform correcting device
(D) a current interrupting device.
2. The function of protective relay in a circuit breaker is
(A) to each any stray voltages
(B) to close the contacts when the actuating quantity reaches a certain predetermined
value
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(C) to limit arcing current during the operation of circuit breaker
(D) to provide additional safety in the operation of circuit breaker.
3. Low voltage circuit breakers have rated voltage of less than
(A) 220 V
(B) 400V
(C) 1000 V
(D) 10,000 V.
4. The fault clearing time of a circuit breaker is usually
(A) few minutes
(B) few seconds
(C) one second
(D) few cycles of supply voltage.
5. The medium employed for extinction of arc in air circuit breaker is
(A) SF6
(B) Oil
(C) Air
(D) Water.
6. Which of the following circuit breakers is preferred for EHT application
(A) Air blast circuit breakers
(B) Minimum oil circuit breakers
(C) Bulk oil circuit breakers
(D) SF6 oil circuit breakers.
7. For high voltage, ac circuit breakers, the rated short circuit current is passed for
(A) 0.01 sec
(B) 0.1 sec
(C) 3 seconds
(D) 30 seconds.

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8. Which of the following is not a type of the contactor for circuit breakers ?
(A) Electro-magnetic
(B) Electro-pneumatic
(C) Pneumatic
(D) Vacuum.
9. Interrupting medium in a contactor may be
(A) air
(B) oil
(C) SF6 gas
(D) any of the above.
10. In air blast circuit breakers, the pressure of air is of the order of
(A) 100 mm Hg
(B) 1 kg/cm2
(C) 20 to 30 kg/cm2
(D) 200 to 300 kg/cm2 .
11. SF6 gas is
(A) sulphur fluoride
(B) sulphur difluoride
(C) sulphur hexafluorine
(D) sulphur hexafluoride.
12. SF6 gas
(A) is yellow in color
(B) has pungent odor
(C) is highly toxic
(D) is non-inflammable.
13. SF6 gas
(A) is lighter than hydrogen
(B) is lighter than air
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(C) has density 2-times as compared to that of air
(D) has density 5 limes as compared to that of air.
14. The pressure of SF6 gas in circuit breakers is of the order of
(A) 100 mm Hg
(B) 1 kg/cm2
(C) 3 to 5 kg/cm2
(D) 30 to 50 kg/cm2.
15. While selecting a gas for circuit breaker, the property of gas that should be considered
is
(A) High dielectric strength
(B) non-inflammability
(C) Non-toxicity
(D) all of the above.
16. Out of the following circuit breakers, which one has the lowest voltage range ?
(A) Air-break circuit breaker
(B) Tank type oil circuit breaker
(C) Air-blast circuit breaker
(D) SF6 circuit breaker.
17. Which of the following circuit breaker can be installed on 400 kV line
(A) Tank type oil circuit breaker
(B) Miniature circuit breaker
(C) Vacuum circuit breaker
(D) Air blast circuit breaker.
18. In a vacuum circuit breaker, the vacuum is of the order of
(A) 10mm Hg
(B)10-2mmHg
(C) l0-6 mmHg
(D)10-9mmHg.
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19. In modem EHV circuit breakers, the operating time between instant of receiving trip
signal and final contact separation is, of the order of
(A) 0.001 sec
(B) 0.015 sec
(C) 0.003 sec
(D) 0.03 sec.
20. In a HRC fuse the time between cut-off and final current zero, is known as
(A) Total operating time
(B) Arcing time
(C) Pre-arcing time
(D) Any of the above.
21. Fusing factor for a HRC fuse is
(A) Minimum fusing current / current rating
(B) Minimum fusing current / minimum rupturing time
(C) Maximum fusing current / Minimum fusing current
(D) Minimum fusing current / Prospective current of circuit.
22. Which of the following circuit breakers does not use pneumatic operating mechanism?
(A) Air blast circuit breaker
(B) SF6 blast circuit breaker
(C) Air break circuit breaker
(D) Bulk-oil circuit breaker.
23. The contact resistance of a circuit breaker is. of the order of
(A) 20 micro ohms 10
(B) 20milli ohms 10
(C) 20 ohms 10
(D) 200 ohms 10.
24. The insulation resistance of high voltage circuit breaker is
(A) 1k Ohm
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(B) 10 k Ohm
(C) 20 Mega ohms
(D) 2000 Mega ohm.
25. There is definite objection to use of which of the following medium for extinguishing
the arc in case of a circuit breaker?
(A) Air
(B) SF6 gas
(C) Vacuum
(D) Water.
26. In a circuit breaker if the insulation resistance between phase terminal and earthed
frame is less than the specified limit, the probable cause could be
(A) Moisture
(B) Dirty insulation surface
(C) Carbon or copper particles sticking to the internal surface
(D) Any of the above.
27. If a circuit breaker does not operate on electrical compound, the probable reason could
be
(A) Spring defective
(B) trip circuit open
(C) trip latch defective
(D) Any of the above.
28. The normal frequency rms voltage that appears across the breaker poles after final arc
extinction has occurred, is
(A) Recovery voltage
(B) Re striking voltage
(C) Supply voltage
(D) Peak voltage.
29. The transient voltage that appears across the contacts at the instant of arc extinction is
called

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(A) Recovery voltage
(B) Re striking voltage
(C) Supply voltage
(D) Peak voltage.
30. In a circuit breaker the active recovery voltage depends upon
(A) Power factor
(B) Armature reaction
(C) Circuit conditions
(D) all of the above.
31. The following figure shows the voltage waveform across the pole of a circuit breaker; In
this voltage R represents

(A) System voltage


(B) Re striking voltage
(C) Recovery voltage
(D) Extinction of arc.
32. In the above figure, D represents
(A) Recovery voltage
(B) Re striking voltage
(C) System voltage
(D) Extinction of arc.
33. Best protection is provided by HRC fuses in case of
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(A) Open circuits
(B) Short circuits
(C) Overloads
(D) None of the above.
34. For motor circuit breakers, the time of closing the cycle is
(A) 0.001 sec
(B) 0.01 sec
(C) 0.10 sec
(D) 0.003 sec.
35. A relay used for protection of motors against overload is
(A) Impedance relay
(B) Electromagnetic attraction type
(C) Thermal relay
(D) Buchholz's relay.
36. Which curve in the figure represents inverse time characteristics ?

(A) Curve A
(B) Curve B
(C) Curve C
(D) Curve D.

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37. Fuse protection is used for current ratings up to
(A) 10 A
(B) 20 A
(C) 50 A
(D) 100 A.
38. The fuse current in amperes is related with fuse wire diameter D as
(A) I I/D
(B) I D
(C) I D3/2
(D) I D2.
39. The acting contacts for circuit breakers are made of
(A) Stainless steel
(B) Hard pressed carbon
(C) Porcelain
(D) Copper tungsten alloy.
40. Ionization in a circuit breaker is not facilitated by
(A) High temperature of surrounding medium
(B) Material of contacts
(C) Increase of field strength
(D) Increase of mean free path.
41. Which circuit breaker is generally used in railway traction?
(A) SF6 gas circuit breaker
(B) Air break circuit breaker
(C) Vacuum circuit breaker
(D) Minimum oil circuit breaker.
42. A fuse wire should have
(A) Low specific resistance and high melting point

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(B) Low specific resistance and low melting point
(C) High specific resistance and high melting point
(D) High specific resistance and low melting point.
43. Fuse wire, protection, system is usually not used beyond
(A) 10 A
(B) 25 A
(C) 50 A
(D) 100A.
44. For extra high voltage lines which circuit breaker is preferred?
(A) Bulk oil circuit breaker
(B) Vacuum circuit breaker
(C) SF6 gas circuit breaker
(D) Minimum oil circuit breaker.
45. The number of cycles in which a high speed circuit breaker can complete its operation
is
(A) 3 to 8
(B) 10 to 18
(C) 20 to 30
(D) 40 to 50.
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31.B ----- 32.A ----- 33.B ----- 34.D ----- 35.C ----- 36.A ----- 37.D ----- 38.C ----- 39.D ----40.B -----41.B ----- 42.D -----43.D -----44.C ----- 45.A
46. When D is the diameter of fuse wire, the fusing current will be proportional to
(A) 1/D
(B) 1/D2
(C) D3/2
(D) D1/2 .
47. A material best suited for manufacturing of fuse wire is
(A) Aluminum
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(B) Silver
(C) Lead
(D) Copper.
48. In a circuit breaker the current which exists at the instant of contact separation is
known as
(A) Re striking current
(B) Surge current
(C) Breaking current
(D) Recovery current.
49. A Merz-price protection is suitable for
(A) Transformers
(B) Alternators
(C) Feeders
(D) Transmission lines.
50. 'Kick fuse' has
(A) Square law characteristics
(B) Linear characteristics
(C) Inverse characteristics.
51. Air blast circuit breakers for 400 kV. Power system are designed to operate in
(A) 50 micro seconds
(B) 50 milli seconds
(C) 500 milli seconds
(D) 50 seconds.
52. Breaking capacity of a circuit breaker is usually expressed in terms of
(A) Amperes
(B) Volts
(C) MW
(D) MVA.
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53. Sulphur hexafluoride is a
(A) Conductor of electricity
(B) Semi-conductor
(C) Inactive gas
(D) Dielectric.
54. The contact resistance is least affected by
(A) The mechanical force applied
(B) The shape of the contact faces
(C) The amount of surface contamination
(D) The ambient temperature.
55. The arc voltage produced in ac circuit breaker is
(A) Leading the arc current by 90
(B) Lagging the arc current by 90
(C) In phase with the arc current
(D) In phase opposition to the arc current.
Questions 56 to 59 refer to the following figure :

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56. Various forms of contacts are shown in the figure above. Point contact is (are)
represented by
(A) A only
(B) A and B only
(C) A, B and C only
(D) A, B, C and D.
57. Which contact surface provides line contact only?
(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D.
58. Which form of contact are widely used in switchgear particle?
(A) A and B only
(B) A and C only
(C) C and D only
(D) B, C and D only.
59. For the various types of contacts Shown, for the same force, F, the contact resistance
will be least in case of
(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D.
60. As the force on contact is increased, the contact resistance will
(A) Increase linearly
(B) Increase exponentially
(C) Remain unaltered
(D) Decrease.

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61. The heat produced at the contact point, due to passage of current, will least depend on
(A) Contact resistance
(B) Time during which the current flows
(C) current flowing
(D) temperature of the surrounding medium.
62. For the contact and their material, which of the following should have low value
(A) Contact resistance
(B) Thermal capacity
(C) Thermal conductivity
(D) All of the above.
63. Minimum arcing voltage will be least in case of
(A) Carbon
(B) Graphite
(C) Tungsten
(D) Silver.
64. Minimum arcing voltage for platinum is 16 V. It can be therefore concluded that when
the voltage is below 16 V
(A) It will not be possible to interrupt the circuit
(B) It will not be possible to pass the current
(C) It will be possible to interrupt any value of current without arcing
(D) It will be possible to interrupt any value of current without bringing contact closer to
one another.
65. Oil immersion of contacts is the method of
(A) Arc dispersion
(B) Arc prevention
(C) De ionization
(D) None of the above.
66. Which of the following is not the method of arc dispersion?

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(A) Oil immersion of contacts
(B) Magnetic blow out of arc
(C) Use of rectifiers
(D) De ionization of arc path.
67. Which of the following contact point metals has the highest melting point?
(A) Silver
(B) Tungsten
(C) Gold
(D) Copper.
68. The arc voltage produced in the circuit breaker is always
(A) In phase with arc current
(B) Leading the arc current by 90
(C) Lagging the arc current by 90 .
69. Which of the following figure represents the voltage-current characteristics of arc in a
circuit breaker?

(A) Figure A
(B) Figure B

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(C) Figure C
(D) Figure D.
70. Ionization process during arc is generally accompanied by emission of
(A) Light
(B) Heat
(C) Sound
(D) all of the above.
71. Sparking between contacts can be reduced by
(A) Inserting resistance in the line
(B) Inserting a capacitor in series with the contacts
(C) Inserting a capacitor in parallel with the contacts.
72. For magnetic blow out of arc the magnetic field is produced
(A) In the load circuit
(B) parallel to the axis of the arc
(C) At right angles to the axis of the arc.
73. Cool gases are solids brought into the arc stream assist in quenching the arc mainly by
(A) Reducing current density
(B) Providing arc shield
(C) De ionization
(D) Providing parallel paths.
74. Sparking occurs when a load is switched off because the circuit has
(A) High inductance
(B) High capacitance
(C) High resistance.
75. HRC fuses are
(A) High resistance and Capacitance fuses
(B) Heat reflecting cool fuses

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(C) Holding and Resisting current fuses
(D) High rupturing capacity fuses.
76. Which of the following metals does not amalgamate with mercury ?
(A) Tungsten
(B) Molybdenum
(C) Nickel Alloy
(D) All of the above.
77. For the same current, which of the following fuse wires will have the least fusing time ?
(A) 18 SWG TIN - 12.5 A
(B) 20 SWG TIN - 10 A
(C) 22 SWG TIN-7.5 A
(D) 24 SWG TIN-5 A.
78. An automatic device that operates at present values is known as
(A) Mercury switch
(B) Relay
(C) Fuse
(D) Contactor.
79. The basic function of a circuit breaker is to
(A) Produce the arc
(B) Ionize the surrounding air
(C) Transmit voltage by arcing
(D) Extinguish the arc.
80. In a circuit breaker the arc is indicated by the process of
I. Thermal emission
II. Ionization of oil
III. High temperature of air
IV. Field emission

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(A) I and II only
(B) I, II and III only
(C) II, III and IV only
(D) I and IV only.
81. The power factor of the arc in circuit breaker is
(A) Always zero
(B) Always unity
(C) Always lagging
(D) Always leading.
82. Air blast circuit breakers are usually used for
(A) Instantaneous duty
(B) Permanent break
(C) Intermittent duty
(D) Repeated duty.
83. Flame proof switch gears are usually preferred
(A) On transmission lines of low voltage
(B) Substations
(C) In mines
(D) In high MVA capacity circuits.
84. Pressure of air in air blast circuit breakers is usually
(A) 1 - 5 kg/cm2
(B) 5 - 10 kg/cm2
(C) 10-30 kg/cm2
(D) 35-100 kg/cm2.
85. Air used in air blast circuit breaker
(A) Must have least carbon dioxide
(B) Must be ionized

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(C) Must have oil mist
(D) Must be free from moisture.
86. In a circuit breaker the time duration from the instant of fault to the instant of
energizing of the trip coil is known as
(A) Lag time
(B) Lead time
(C) Protection time
(D) Operation time.
87. In a circuit breaker the lime duration from the instant of the fault to the extinction of
arc is known as
(A) Operation time
(B) Total clearing time
(C) Lag time
(D) Lead time.
88. In a circuit breaker the lime duration from the instant of fault to the instant of closing of
contact is known as
(A) Recycle time
(B) Total time
(C) Gross time
(D) Re closing time.
89. For high speed circuit breakers the total lime is nearly
(A) Half cycle
(B) One cycle
(C) Few cycles
(D) Ten cycles.
90. For a high speed circuit breaker the total clearing time is nearly
(A) 1 to 2 cycles
(B) 5 to 10 cycles

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(C) 10 to 15 cycles
(D) Less than 50 cycles.
91. If the power factor is zero, the active recovery voltage will be
(A) minimum
(B) 0.5
(C) 0.707
(D) Maximum.
92. Which of the following is not a part of the circuit breaker ?
(A) Explosion pot
(B) Fixed and moving contacts
(C) Conservator
(D) Operating mechanism.
93. A circuit breaker will normally operate
(A) When the switch is put on
(B) When the line is to be checked
(C) When the power is to be supplied
(D) Whenever fault in the line occurs.
94. Which of the following circuit breaker will produce the least arc energy ? (A) Minimum
oil circuit breaker
(B) Air blast circuit breaker
(C) Plain oil circuit breaker
(D) All will produce same energy.
95. For a circuit breaker 'break time' is
(A) Same as opening time
(B) Opening time + arc duration
(C) Opening time + arc duration + resistor current duration.
96. The breaking capacity of a circuit breaker in MVA (3 phase) is given by
(A) Rated service voltage x rated symmetrical current
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(B) 1.1 x rated service voltage x rated symmetrical current
(C) (2)1/2 x rated service voltage x rated symmetrical current
(D) (3)1/2x rated service voltage x rated symmetrical current.
97. Which relay is used for feeders?
(A) MHO relay
(B) Translay relay
(C) Merz price protection
(D) Buchholz relay.
98. Which of the following relays is used on transformers?
(A) Buchholz relay
(B) MHO relay
(C) Merz price relay
(D) None of the above.
99. MHO relay is used for
(A) Rectifiers
(B) Circuit breakers
(C) Transmission lines
(D) Feeders.
100. Merz-price protection is used on
(A) Substations
(B) Capacitor bank
(C) Induction motor
(D) Generators.
101. Match the following:
Relay
(a) Static relay
(b) Over current relay
(c) Differential relay
(d) Instantaneous

Operation
(i) Responds to vector difference between two electrical quantities
(ii) Quick operation
(iii) Responds to increase in current
(iv) No moving parts relay

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(A) a - (i), b- (ii), c - (iii), d - (iv)
(B) a - (iv), b - (iii), c - (i), d- (iv)
(C) a - (ii), b - (i) c- (iii), d - (iv)
(D) a - (iii), b - (ii), c - (i), d - (iv).
102. The values of fault current depend on
(A) Voltage at the faulty point
(B) Total impedance up to the fault
(C) Both (A) and (B) above
(D) None of the above.
103. The advantage of neutral earthing is
(A) Simplified design of earth fault protection
(B) Over-voltages due to lightning can be discharged to the earth
(C) Freedom from persistent arcing grounds
(D) all of the above.
104. Match the following:
Material used in circuit breaker
(a) Poly tetra
(b) SF6 gas
(c) Electrolytic
(d) Dielectric oil
(A) a- (i), b - (ii), c - (iii), d - (iv)

Application
(i) Bearing surfaces fluoroethylene and sliding parts
(ii) Insulating medium
(iii) Main contacts copper
(iv) Quenching medium

(B) a - (ii), b - (i), c - (iii), d - (iv)


(C) a - (iii), b - (ii), c - (i), d - (iv)
(D) a - (iv), b - (iii), c - (ii), d - (i).
105. Match the following:

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(A) a - (i), b -(ii), c - (iii), d - (iv)


(B) a - (ii). b - (iii), c - (i), d - (iv)
(C) a - (iii), b - (i), c - (iv), d - (ii)
(D) a - (iv), b - (iii), c - (ii), d - (i).
106. The over-voltage surges in power systems may be caused by
(A) Lightning
(B) Switching
(C) Resonance
(D) Any of the above.
107. The protection against over-voltage due to lightening is provided by
(A) Use of surge diverters
(B) Low tower footing resistance
(C) Use of overhead ground wires
(D) Any of the above.
108. Which of the following is a conducting medium for electric current?
(A) Low temperature gas
(B) High temperature gas
(C) Dissociated gas

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(D) Plasma.
109. In circuit-breakers the contact space is ionized by
(A) Thermal ionization of gas
(B) Thermal emission from surface of contacts
(C) Field emission from the surface of contacts
(D) Any of the above.
110. Which of the following are air-break switching devices?
(A) Isolator
(B) Limit switch
(C) Earthing switch
(D) All of the above.
111. Which of the following statement about SF6 gas is incorrect?
(A) It is non-toxic gas
(B) It is non-inflammable
(C) It has density 5 times that of air at 200C
(D) It has dark yellow color.
112. SF6 gas is transported in
(A) Gas cylinders
(B) Liquid form in cylinders
(C) Solid form in boxes
(D) Air cylinders.
113. during arc extinction SF6 gas
(A) Decomposes into S and F ions
(B) Decomposes into SF4and SF2
(C) Gets oxidized
(D) Reduces to SF3.
114. Dielectric strength of SF6 is

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(A) less than that of air at atmospheric pressure
(B) less than that of oil used in OCB
(C) more than that of oil used in OCB
(D) More at lower pressure and low at higher pressures.
115. Which of the following is the demerit of SF6 circuit breakers?
(A) Sealing problem of gas
(B) In flux of moisture in the gas system is dangerous
(C) Deterioration of quality of circuit breaker affects reliability of circuit breaker
(D) All of the above.
116. Sphere gaps are used for
(A) Measurement of high dc voltages
(B) Measurement of high ac voltages
(C) Measurement of impulse voltages
(D) all of the above.
117. Flash point of dielectric is usually above
(A) 80C
(B) 100C
(C) 140C
(D) 240C.
118. A fuse is normally a
(A) Current limiting device
(B) Voltage limiting device
(C) Power limiting device
(D) Power factor correcting device.
119. Most of the fuses operate due to
(A) Heating effect of current
(B) Magnetic effect of current

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(C) Electrostatic effect of current
(D) None of the above.
120. Normally the fuse elements are in parts which are connected in the middle by ten
bridges. The melting point of tin bridge is
(A) 35C
(B) 88C
(C) 230C
(D) 540C.
121. The material used for bus bars should have
(A) Low resistivity
(B) Higher softening temperature
(C) low cost
(D) all of the above.
122. Insulation resistance of HV circuit breaker is more than
(A) 100 Ohms
(B) 1 M Ohms
(C) 500 kOhms
(D) 100M Ohms.
123. The isolator is interlocked with circuit breaker and earthing switch. While opening
the circuit ................... opens first, then the ............ and only after this the......................... can close
(A) Isolator circuit breaker................... earthing switch
(B) earthing switch ................ isolator................ circuit breaker
(C) Circuit breaker.................. earthing switch ............ isolator
(D) Circuit breaker................. Isolator.............. .. earthing switch.
124. The main factor in favour of the use of aluminium as bus bar material is
(A) Its low melting point
(B) Its high resistivity
(C) Its low cost

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(D) Its low density.
125. Over-current protection for motor is provided by
(A) Cartridge fuses
(B) High resistance fuses
(C) Over-current relay
(D) all of the above.
126. Fuse in motor circuit provides
(A) Over current protection
(B) Short-circuit protection
(C) open-circuit protection
(D) None of the above.
127. In which method of starting a motor, the starting current is the maximum ?
(A) Auto-transformer
(B) Star-delta starter
(C) Stator rotor starter
(D) Direct-on-line.
Questions 128 and 129 refer to data given below :
Transformers 250 kVA, 11/0.415 kV percentage impedance 4.75%.
128. The rated current for LV side fuse should be
(A) 100 A
(B) 174 A
(C) 200 A
(D) 348 A.
129. The rated current for HV side fuse should be
(A) 13.1 A
(B) 23.0 A
(C) 48 A

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(D) 55.5 A.
130. Which of the following are the voltage waves of magnitude higher than the desirable
value?
(A) Over-voltages
(B) Surges
(C) Transients
(D) All of the above.
131. Over-voltage transients may occur due to
(A) Lightning
(B) Switching
(C) Arcing grounds
(D) Any of the above.
132. Which of the following protective devices can be used against lightning surges?
(A) Horn gap
(B) Surge diverters
(C) Lightning arresters
(D) Any of the above.
133. Switching surges may be caused by
(A) Closing of unchanged line
(B) Load shedding at receiving end of line
(C) Switching of magnetizing current
(D) Any of the above.
134. Surge impedance of over-head transmission lines is of the order of
(A) 20 to 30 ohms
(B) 300 to 500 ohms
(C) 3000 to 5000 ohms
(D) 30 k ohm to 60 k ohm.
135. The surge impedance of under-ground cables is of the order of
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(A) 20 to 60 ohms
(B) 200 to 600 ohms
(C) 2 k ohm to 5 k ohm
(D) 20 k ohm to 60 k ohm.
136. Which statement is correct?
(A) SF6 gas is nontoxic
(B) SF6 gas is lighter than air
(C) SF6 gas has pungent smell
(D) SF6 gas is yellow in color.
137. The surge impedance, of a transmission line is given by
(A) (LC)1/2
(B) (C/L)1/2
(C) (L/C)1/2
(D) (L+C)1/2 .
138. Surge modifiers are used to
(A) Reduce the current of wave-front
(B) Reduce the voltage of wave-front
(C) Reduce the steepness of wave-front
(D) Modify the shape of wave-front.
139. The steepness of the wave-front can be reduced by
(A) Connecting a capacitance between line and earth
(B) Connecting an inductor in series with the line
(C) Either of (A) or (B) above
(D) Connecting an inductor between line and earth and connecting a capacitor in series
with the line.
140. In the circuit breaker, the arcing contacts are made of
(A) Electrolytic copper
(B) Copper tungsten alloy
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(C) Aluminum alloy
(D) Porcelain.
141. The disadvantage offered by ungrounded systems is
(A) Frequent arcing grounds
(B) Difficult earth fault relaying
(C) Voltage oscillations
(D) all of the above.
142. Solid grounding is used for voltages
(A) Above 220 kV
(B) Above 11 kV
(C) Below 660 V
(D) Below 115 V.
143. Resistance grounding is used for voltages
(A) Below 220 V
(B) Up to 660 V
(C) Between 3.3 kV to 11 kV
(D) Above 66 kV.
144. Switching over-voltages are more hazardous than lightning surges in case of
(A) Low voltage systems
(B) 11 kV systems
(C) Unbalanced systems
(D) EHV and UHV systems.
145. Current limiting reactors may be
(A) Air cooled, air cored
(B) Oil immersed magnetically shielded
(C) Oil immersed non-magnetically shielded
(D) Any of the above.

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146. Series reactors are installed at strategic locations of power systems to
(A) Bring down the fault level within the capacity of switchgear
(B) Directly pass the fault surges to ground
(C) Pass neutralizing surges of opposite nature
(D) Discharge the capacitors.
147. Fault diverters
(A) Divert the current to earth in the event of short-circuits
(B) Neutralize the surges by resistors
(C) Modify the surge wave shapes
(D) None of the above.
148. In star connected system without neutral grounding, zero sequence currents are
(A) Same as peak value of phase current
(B) Same as RMS value of phase currents
(C) Vector sum of phase currents
(D) Zero.
149. In which portion of the transmission system faults occur most frequently?
(A) Transformers
(B) Overhead lines
(C) Alternators
(D) Underground cables.
150. Bulk-oil circuit breaker is suitable for voltages up to
(A) 10kV
(B) 16 kV
(C) 26 kV
(D) 36 kV.
151. The ohmic value of impedance to be connected in the neutral to ground circuit of a
2000 kVA transformer with earth fault relay set to 40%, with respect to 400 V side will be
(A) 0.2 ohm
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(B) 2.0 ohms
(C) 20 ohms
(D) 200 ohms.
Questions 152 and 153 refer to data given below:
A 3-phase, 5000 kVA, 6.6 kV generators having 12% sub-transient reactance. A 3-phase
short-circuit occurs at its terminals.
152. Fault MVA is
(A) 21.5
(B) 41.66
(C) 53.33
(D) 75.75.
153. Fault current is
(A) 3640 A
(B) 2460 A
(C) frequency
(D) 880 A.
154. The actuating quantity for the relays can be
(A) magnitude
(B) phase angle
(C) frequency
(D) any of the above.
155. Electro-magnetic relays may be operated by
(A) electro-magnetic attraction
(B) electro-magnetic induction
(C) thermal effect
(D) any of the above.
156. Which of the following is not a relay using electromagnetic force
(A) Buchholz relay
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(B) Induction cup relay
(C) Balanced beam relay
(D) Attracted armature type relay.
157. Buchholz relay is operated by
(A) Eddy currents
(B) Gas pressure
(C) Electro-magnetic induction
(D) Electro-static induction.
158. Thermal relays are often used in
(A) Generator protection
(B) Transformer protection
(C) Motor starters
(D) None of the above.
159. A bimetal strip consists of two metal strips have different
(A) Thermal diffusivity
(B) Thermal conductivity
(C) Specific beat
(D) Coefficient of expansion.
160. Differential protection principle is used in the protection of
(A) Generators
(B) Transformers
(C) Feeders
(D) all of the above.
Get all answers at once
1.D ----- 2.B ----- 3.C ----- 4.D ----- 5.C ----- 6.D ----- 7.C ----- 8.D -----9.D -----10.C -----11.D ---- 12.D -----13.D -----14.C ----- 15.D
16.A ----- 17.D ----- 18.D ----- 19.D ----- 20.B ----- 21.A ----- 22.D ----- 23.A -----24.D ----25.D ----- 26.D ----- 27.D -----28.A -----29.B ----- 30.D

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31.B ----- 32.A ----- 33.B ----- 34.D ----- 35.C ----- 36.A ----- 37.D ----- 38.C ----- 39.D ----40.B -----41.B ----- 42.D -----43.D -----44.C ----- 45.A
46.C ----- 47.B ----- 48.C ----- 49.B ----- 50.C ----- 51.B ----- 52.D ----- 53.D ----- 54.D ----55.C ----- 56.B ----- 57.C ----- 58.C ----- 59.A ----- 60.D
61.D ----- 62.A ----- 63.D ----- 64.C ----- 65.A ----- 66.C ----- 67.B ----- 68.A ----- 69.A ----70.D ----- 71.C ----- 72.C -----73.C ----- 74.A ----- 75.D
76.D ----- 77.D ----- 78.B ----- 79.D ----- 80.D ----- 81.B ----- 82.D ----- 83.C ----- 84.C ----85.D ----- 86.C ----- 87.B ----- 88.D ----- 89.A ----- 90.A
91.D ----- 92.C ----- 93.D ----- 94.B ----- 95.C ----- 96.D ----- 97.B ----- 98.A ----- 99.C ----100.D -----101.B ----- 102.C -----103.D -----104.A ----- 105.D
106.D ----- 107.D ----- 108.D ----- 109.D ----- 110.D ----- 111.D ----- 112.B ----- 113.B ----114.B ----- 115.D -----116.D ----- 117.C -----118.A -----119.A ----- 120.C
121.D ----- 122.D ----- 123.D ----- 124.C ----- 125.C ----- 126.B ----- 127.D ----- 128.D ----129.A -----130.D -----131.D ----- 132.D -----133.D -----134.B ----- 135.A
136.A ----- 137.C ----- 138.C ----- 139.C ----- 140.B ----- 141.D ----- 142.C ----- 143.C ----144.D -----145.D -----146.A ----- 147.A -----148.D -----149.B ----- 150.D ----- 151.A ----152.B ----- 153.A ----- 154.D ----- 155.D ----- 156.A ----- 157.B ----- 158.C ----- 159.D ----160.D

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Circuit breakers are true (T) or false (F):
1. The voltage across the circuit breaker pole after final current zero is recovery voltage.
2. Air circuit breakers are used for voltages above 12 kV.
3. Double pressure type SF6 circuit breaker is also known as Puffer type.
4. Air blast circuit breakers and SF6 circuit breakers are preferred for EHV applications.
5. Arcing contacts of circuit-breakers are generally made of copper tungsten alloy.
6. The are plays important role in the behavior of circuit breaker.
7. The arc has a brightly burning core of high temperature ranging from 6000 K to 25000 K.
8. SF6 is a heavy, colorless and chemically inert gas.
9. SF6 gas is electro-positive.
10. In oil circuit breakers transformer oil is used.
11. . An isolator does not have any current making or current breaking capacity.
12. SF6 circuit breaker takes minimum time for installation.
13. A triple pole isolator has three identical poles, with operate simultaneously.
14. Isolators operate under no current conditions.
15. Non-linear resistors are used in lightning arresters.
16. Switching over-voltages are proportional to system voltages.
17. Switching over-voltages arise from energizing of uncharged line can be reduced by the
use of high voltage shunt reactors.
18. The damage caused by surge depends on steepness of the wave-front.
19. Bulk oil circuit breaker is used for outdoor UHV application.
20. In electro-magnetic relays the restraining torque is given by springs.
21. For remote operation circuit-must breaker be equipped with shunt trip.
22. A protective system which responds to vector difference between two electrical
quantities is known as differential protection.
23. Protective systems prevent faults by disconnecting equipment in the event of abnormal
condition.
24. Selectivity is the property by virtue of which the protective relaying system
distinguishes between normal condition and abnormal condition.
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25. Frequency relays are used in generator protection.
26. SF6 circuit breaker has high reliability and negligible maintenance.
27. Tripping relays are slow and generally attracting armature type.
28. The over-current relays are connected to the system normally by means of CT's.
29. Core balance CT's are used for earth-fault protection.
30. Short circuit tests are conducted on circuit breakers to prove the ratings of the circuitbreakers.
31. Fusing factor is the ratio of minimum fusing current to the current rating.
32. The distance protection responds to the ratio V/I.
33. Graded time lag and grade current over-current protection is used for single radial
feeder where time lag can be permitted.
34. Distance relaying is based on measurement of impedance between relay location and
fault point.
35. Distance relay is used where time lag can be permitted.
36. Pilot wire differential relaying is used for lines up to 40 km of length.
37. In motor starter, thermal relay provides overload protection as well as single phasing
protection.
38. Protection against unbalanced supply voltage is provided by negative phase sequence
relays.
39. breaking current of a pole on a circuit breaker is the current in that pole at the instant
of contact separation.
40. Most of the alternators are provided with Buchholz relay in addition to differential
protection.
Get all answers at once
1.T ----- 2.F ----- 3.F ----- 4.T ----- 5.T ----- 6.T ----- 7.T ----- 8.T -----9.F -----10.T -----11.T ---- 12.T -----13.T -----14.T ----- 15.T ----- 16.T ----- 17.T ----- 18.T ----- 19.F ----- 20.T
21.T ----- 22.T ----- 23.T ----- 24.T ----- 25.T ----- 26.T ----- 27.F ----- 28.T -----29.T ----30.T ----- 31.T ----- 32.T ----- 33.T ----- 34.T ----- 35.F ----- 36.T ----- 37.T ----- 38.T ----39.T ----- 40.F

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Circuit Breakers: Concepts
Introduction of circuit breakers
All electric circuits need a switching device and also a protective device. Switchgear is the
general term covering a wide range of equipment connected with switching and protection.
A circuit breaker is a switching and circuit interrupting device. A circuit breaker serves two
purposes:
(i) Switching on and off during normal operation for maintenance etc.
(ii) Switching during abnormal conditions- short circuits, earthing etc. to protect the
associated equipment.
In short, a circuit breaker is a sort of automatic switch which can interrupt the fault
currents. Two important parts of a circuit breaker that need consideration are:
(i) Arc extinction system
(ii) Relay for operation
Arc Extinction in circuit breakers:
Whenever a circuit carrying current is interrupted by a circuit breaker an arc is inevitably
formed between the contact which prolongs the current interrupting process for a duration
ranging from 10 to 100 or more milliseconds.
Since arc is produced in every circuit breaker, therefore suitable energy dissipating device
must be incorporated in the design of circuit breaker. Unless carefully controlled, arc can
lead to danger of fire or explosion.

The arc consists of a column of ionized gas i.e. gas in which the molecules have lost one or
more of their negative electrons, leaving positive ions. The negative electrons are attracted

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towards the positive contact and being light, more towards it very rapidly. The positive
ions attracted towards the negative contact. Due to electron movement the current flows.
The ionization process is accompanied by the emission of light and heat. Also some portion
of power is dissipated as heat. The temperature of arc may be as high as 60000 C.
Methods of arc extinction in circuit breakers:
Two methods commonly used are:
(i) High resistance interruption:
In this the arc is controlled in such a way that its resistance is caused to increase rapidly,
thereby reducing the current until it falls to a value that is insufficient to maintain the
ionization process. The arc resistance may be increased by
(a) Arc lengthening
(b) Arc cooling
(c) Arc splitting
(ii) Low resistance interruption:
In this the arc resistance is kept low, in order to keep the arc energy to a minimum and use
is made of a natural or artificial current zero when the arc extinguishes itself and is then
prevented from re striking.
Protection of contacts of circuit breakers:
During arcing mechanical as well as electrical erosion of contacts occurs. Therefore the
resistance to erosion by arching is the important property of contact materials. In case of
dc circuits the process of erosion is represented by loss of material from one contact and
the deposition of part of this material on to the other contact. However, in case of ac
circuits there is no marked direction of transfer, as either contact becomes successively
positive and negative.
There are two distinct forms of protections which may be employed with the object of
reducing the rate of erosion of contacts by arcing thereby prolonging their useful life.
(a) Arc dispersion in circuit breakers:
In this the destructive effects of the arc are minimized, using one of the following methods:
1. Oil immersion of contacts

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2. Multiple break contacts
3. De ionization of arc path
4. Magnetic blow out of arc
5. Blast principle using air, oil, gas or water.
(b) Arc prevention in circuit breakers:
In this the occurrence or arc is prevented by reducing the current and voltage below the
minimum arcing values or reducing its destructive effects as far as possible. The principle
devices used to quench circuits of this kind are :
(i) Discharge resistance
(ii) Rectifiers
(iii) Condensers
Circuit breakers:
These are heavy-duty devices capable of interrupting comparatively large electric currents
safely. They are designed not only to carry and interrupt the normal load currents flowing
in circuit but also to interrupt any abnormally high current that may flow under fault
conditions such as short circuit. Circuit breakers are constructed mechanically strong
enough to withstand the forces set-up by enormous short-circuit currents.
The ability of a breaker to withstand short circuit forces is expressed in Volt-Amperes, i.e.,
product of nominal circuit voltage and the short-circuit current for which the breaker is
designed.
Specifications of circuit breakers:
1. Operating voltage of the circuit:
It determines the insulating requirements.
2. Normal operating or maximum load current:
It determines requirements of the normal or load-carrying parts.
3. Maximum abnormal or fault current that must be interrupted:
It determines the mechanical requirements of the breaker itself and of its supporting
structure.

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Commonly used insulations are:
l. Oil
2. Vacuum
3. Inert gas e.g. sulphur hexafluoride.
Principle of operation of Circuit Breakers:

The circuit breaker actually makes a physical separation in the current-carrying or


conducting element by inserting an insulating medium sufficient to prevent current from
continuing to flow. In so doing, the persistence of an arc across the gap is prevented. The
circuit is usually opened by drawing out an arc between contacts until the arc can no longer
support itself. The arc formed when the contacts of a circuit breaker move apart to
interrupt of a circuit is a conductor made up of ionized particles of the insulating materials.
Whenever voltages and currents are large other forms of insulation are used in place or air
to extinguish the arc as quickly as possible.
Whenever fault occurs in the circuit breaker, relay connected to the current transformer CT
actuates and closes its contacts. Current flows from the battery in the trip circuit As soon as
the trip coil of the circuit breaker gets energized the circuit breaker operating mechanism
is actuated and it operates for the opening mechanism.
Thus relay forms a vital part of a circuit breaker. Various types of relays used are given
below:

Relay

Operation

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1.Differential relay

Responds to vector difference between two or more similar electrical


quantities.

2.Impedance relay

Operates when the impedance between relay point and fault point is below a
specified value.

3.Over current relay

Responds to increase in current. The relay operates when the current exceeds
a present level

4.

Instantaneous
relay

5.Static relay

A quick operating relay (less than 0.2-second operating times).


A relay without moving parts. In this the measurement is performed by a
stationary circuit.

Types of Circuit Breakers:


Type
1.Air break C.B.

Medium

Range

Air at atmospheric pressure

Low voltage Up to l000


V

2.Tank type oil circuit breaker Dielectric oil


3.Minimum oil circuit breaker Dielectric oil

4.Air blast C.B.

Compressed air (pressure 20 to 30


atmospheres)

5.SF6 C.B.

SF6 gas

6.Vacuum C.B.

Vacuum

7.

High voltage direct current


Vacuum or SF6
C.B.

Up to 33 kV
36 kV, 1500 MVA
132 kV, 3000 MVA
132 kV, 220 kV
400 kV, 760 kV
132 k V, 220 kV
400 kV, 760 kV.
11 kV. 33 kV
500 kV DC.

1. Air circuit breakers:


An air circuit breaker employs air as the interrupting insulation medium. Of all the
insulating media mentioned, air is the most easily ionized and, hence, arcs formed in air
tend to be serve and persistent.

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The switching elements for an air current, breaker, consists of main and auxiliary contacts.
The auxiliary contacts open before the main contacts do, and the arc is drawn on them,
thereby avoiding serve pitting of the main contacts.
2. Oil Circuit Breakers :

Oil circuit breakers have their contacts immersed in insulating oil. They are used to open
and close high-voltage circuits carrying relatively large currents in situations where air
circuit breakers would be impractical because of the danger of the exposed arcs that might
be formed. When the contacts are drawn apart, the oil covering them tends to quench the
arc by its cooling effect and by the gases thereby generated, which tend to "blow out" the
arc. At the instant the contacts part, the arc formed at each contact not only displaces the
oil but decomposes it, creating gas and a carbon residue. If these carbon particles were to
remain in place, as a conductor they would tend to sustain the arc formed. However, the
violence of the gas and the resulting turbulence of the oil disperse these particles and they
eventually settle to the bottom of the tank. The insulating oil normally used as a dielectric
strength of around 30 kV per one tenth of an inch (compared to a similar value of 1 kV for
air). Oil is also an effective cooling medium.
3. Vacuum Circuit Breaker:

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Here the contacts are drawn apart in a chamber from which air has been evacuated. The
electric arc is essentially an electric conductor made up of ionized air. Thus, if there is no
air, theoretically the arc cannot form. In practice, however, a perfect vacuum is not likely to
be obtained. The small residual amount of air that may exist permits only a small arc to be
formed and one of only a very short direction. The same vacuum however, will not
dissipate the heat generated as readily as other insulating media. This type of breaker has
certain advantages in terms of its size and simplicity.
4. Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) breaker :

This type of breaker is similar to the vacuum types of breaker except that the vacuum is
replaced by an inert non-toxic, odorless gas-sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). This gas,

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extinguished the arc so rapidly as almost to prevent its formation. It is also excellent heatdissipating characteristics, and its dielectric strength is very much greater than that of oil.
The breakers are constructed to modules capable of operation at voltages from 34.4 kV at
gas pressure of 45 psi to 362 kV at 240 psi. By connecting two or three such modules in
series, breaker capable of operating at 800 kV at 240 psi can be constructed with twothree-cycle interrupting time. Features of sulphur hexafluoride interrupting module.
Terms associated with circuit breakers:
1. Arcing time:
Time between separation of circuit breaker contacts and Final current zero.
2. Dead time:
Time between final current zero of first opening and contact touch during subsequent re
closing.
3. De ionizing time:
Time for de ionizing the arc space after opening of circuit breaker.
4. Fault clearing time :
Time between occurrence of fault and closing of tripping contacts or energizing of shunt
trip release.
5. Opening time :
Time between energizing of shunt trip release and opening of circuit breaker contacts.
6. Rated Short circuit breaking circuit:
The rated short circuit breaker current of a circuit breaker is the highest value of short
circuit which a circuit breaker is capable of breaking under specified conditions of recovery
voltage and power frequency recovery voltage.
7. Relay time :
Time between occurrence.of fault and closure of relay contacts.

Engr Mubashar Ali


Engr.Ali106@ymail.com

Page 49

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