Question

An inverse-time circuit breaker (CB) is used for branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection for a 30-horsepower, 208-volt, 3-phase squirrel-cage motor. Calculate the maximum rating permitted for the circuit breaker.

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

Motor rating is given in horsepower (hp), it will be converted in watt (W).

Standard to install circuit breaker for an electric circuit is usually 20% ~ 25% more than the Rated Current of the circuit

while

Standard to install overload relay for an electric circuit is usually 20% ~ 25% more than the Running Current of the circuit.

So, to find the maximum capacity of the circuit breaker, rated current of the motor will be multiplied by 1.2 ~ 1.25

Step by Step Explanation:

30hp = 22371W (as 1hp = 745.7)

Assuming unity power factor (cosФ=1) and 208V phase to phase voltage:

Rated Power (watt) = √3 . V.I. cosФ

{if 208V is phase to neutral voltage, then use following formula:

Rated Power (watt) = 3 . V.I. cosФ}

$\frac{22371}{\sqrt{3} * 208 * 1} = I$

Rated Current = 62.169A

So, required maximum rating for circuit breaker is:

20% to 25% of the rated current = 62.17*1.2 ~ 62.17*1.25

=74.6A ~ 77.7A

Hence, any breaker between the above mentioned rating will be appropriate.