2 Questions to Ask Yourself About Special Considerations Before Purchasing Industrial Circuit Breakers

If some of the circuit breakers in your factory are worn or have shorted out, you may be preparing to purchase replacements. To ensure that you buy breakers that are the correct size, voltage rating, and amperage, you may have already written down the numbers on the old ones and have taken pictures for comparison.

Along with having this information, you should also look at the area surrounding the breakers to determine if any special features are required. To do this, start by asking yourself a couple of questions about the area in which the new circuit breakers will be placed.

1. Will the Breakers Be Surrounded by Metal That Could Increase the Risk of Manual Shock?

One question you should answer has to do with the materials that surround the breakers. Does the area where the breakers will be located have metal surrounding it? Is the floor also metal?

When surrounded by metal, the electricity from the breakers is more likely to discharge, causing shocks to anyone working or walking nearby. Because metal is an electrical conduit, you need to make sure that the breakers have a feature that insulates them. Look for breakers that have an anti-shock device installed within them to minimize the risk of manual shocks to your workers.

2. Will the Breakers Be Placed in an Area Where High Humidity Is an Unavoidable Condition?

While surveying the area, pay attention to the air itself. Does the area surrounding the breakers have a high humidity level?

If the area is subjected to steam or evaporation, the humidity level may be high. High moisture will encourage mold growth on the breakers as well as corrode them.

Ideally, you should move the breaker box to an area with less humidity. However, if this is not possible, you should look for breakers that have been specially treated with a moisture treatment. This treatment creates a barrier around the breakers to protect them from high humidity. 

Taking the time to answer the above questions about the environment in which the circuit breakers will be placed can help you determine what special features they should have. Such features include an anti-shock device for metal surroundings and moisture treatment for areas with high humidity levels. After you have the answers, contact an industrial equipment and supply company to speak with a representative who can help you find the right circuit breakers for your factory.  

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