Why does the circuit breaker need to store energy after closing

What happens when a breaker closes?

Closing the breaker, releases the energy stored in the "close set" of springs and the contacts close and latch. When the breaker closes, the mechanical linkage in the breaker charges the set of springs that open the contacts. The energy that must be stored in the "close" set must be provided by something. A motor or your arm...

How does a power circuit breaker work?

Old power circuit breaker designs (GE Magna-Blast, for example) used a very large solenoid to close the breaker, and springs to trip it. Modern power circuit breakers use some type of stored energy, to allow operation of the breaker during a power outage.

When a circuit breaker is energized?

The close coil (CC) is energized if the 52/b contact, LS contact, LCS contact, and Y contact are all closed. The 52/b contact automatically opens when the breaker closes, cutting off power to the close coil. Figure 3 shows the typical trip control circuit of a circuit breaker.

How do you close a breaker?

To close the breaker, the closing spring can be unlatched either mechanically by means of the local “ON” pushbutton or electrically by remote control. The closing spring charges the opening or contact pressure springs as the breaker closes. The now discharged closing spring will be charged again automatically by the mechanism motor or manually.

What happens if a breaker is tripped?

The closing spring will discharge as soon as the breaker is tripped and then reset, and the LS contact between the secondary stab pin 9 and the charging motor will automatically close, recharging the closing spring. With the breaker open, the contact 52/b is closed.

How does a trip breaker work?

A separate hook latch holds the trip spring charged. Once the breaker is closed, the charging motor re-compresses the close spring to be ready for the next closing operation. A trip command will cause the trip coil to release the hook latch on the trip spring, forcing the contacts open.