Brochure

PowerPact H-, J-, and L-Frame Circuit Breakers
Glossary
265
02/2016
© 2011–2016 Schneider Electric
All Rights Reserved
cell switch = A switch which indicates the position of a drawout circuit breaker in relation to the cradle.
— CD = Disconnected position cell switch.
— CE = Connected position cell switch.
— CT = Test position cell switch.
CH = A spring-charged contact inside of the spring charging motor on insulated-case and low-voltage
power circuit breakers.
charging handle= See spring charging handle.
circuit breaker = A device designed to open and close a circuit by non-automatic means and to open
the circuit automatically on an overcurrent without damage to itself when properly applied within its rating.
circuit breaker communications module (BCM) = A module which, when installed in a circuit
breaker, receives and transmits information on the communication network.
circuit breaker frame = (1) The circuit breaker housing which contains the current carrying components,
the current sensing components, and the tripping and operating mechanism. (2) That portion of an
interchangeable trip molded case circuit breaker remaining when the interchangeable trip unit is removed.
close button = A button for manually closing the main contacts after the closing springs are charged.
close button cover = A cover which fits over the close button and blocks access to it. Access to the
close button may be permitted through the use of a tool or rod inserted through a small hole in the front
of the close button cover.
closing coil (shunt close) = A coil which closes the circuit breaker electrically using an external
voltage source when a specified voltage is applied across the coil.
coil clearing switch = A mechanically-operated switch in series with the coil of a shunt trip device
which breaks the coil current when the circuit breaker opens.
communication network = A network allowing the flow of information between electrical components,
comprised of programmable controller interface units, protocol software and modems.
conductor = A substance or body that allows a current of electricity to pass continuously along it.
continuous current rating (handle rating) (ampere rating) = The designated RMS alternating or
direct current in amperes which a device or assembly will carry continuously in free air without tripping
or exceeding temperature limits.
continuous load = A load where the maximum current on the circuit is expected to continue.
cradle communications module (CCM) = An external module which allows addressing of the cradle
and retention of the address when the drawout circuit breaker is in the disconnected position and
which is used to transmit information about the position of the circuit breaker in the cradle to the
communication network.
cradle compartment = A compartment containing all connectors, shields, adapters, barriers,
spreaders, shutters, keys and interlocking devices for a drawout circuit breaker.
CSA
®
= See Canadian Standards Association.
CT = Current transformer. See also cell switch.
current path (of a circuit breaker) = The current-carrying conductors within a circuit breaker
between, and including, line and load terminations.
current transformer (current sensor) (CT) = An instrument to measure current, encircling a
conductor carrying the current to be measured or controlled.
demand metering = The metering of power or current demand seen by a circuit breaker. It is
calculated over a fixed or sliding time window that can be programmed from five to 60 minutes.
Depending on the contract signed with the power supplier, specific programming makes it possible to
avoid or minimize the cost of overrunning the subscribed power. Maximum demand values are
systematically stored and time stamped.
disconnecting contacts = See main disconnecting contacts and secondary disconnecting contacts.