A common type of molded case circuit breaker has both thermal and magnetic trip elements. If a branch circuit breaker has only thermal or magnetic trip elements (but not both), it is common to use multiple series-connected protective devices to provide both short-circuit and overload protection. If a motor branch circuit is protected with both a thermal trip-type circuit breaker and fuses, what is the protective purpose of the fuses used in this arrangement?
• Molded case circuit breakers that have both thermal (overload) and magnetic (instantaneous) trip elements • The difference between overload protection and short-circuit protection in motor circuits • How fuses typically respond to very high fault currents compared to thermal trip breakers
• Ask yourself: In a motor branch circuit, which device is normally responsible for handling long-term, modest overloads, and which is better for very high, instantaneous fault currents? • Think about what happens during a short circuit versus a temporary surge or starting current—which protective device needs to act very fast? • Look at the answer choices and match them to what fuses usually do best in a motor circuit when used together with a thermal trip breaker.
• Be clear on the definition of overload protection versus short-circuit protection—they are not the same thing. • Recall that a thermal trip breaker is primarily sensitive to heat caused by current over time, not just instantaneous spikes. • Verify which condition (overload, short circuit, surge, or time delay) standard fuses in motor circuits are primarily selected to protect against.
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