Rating of manufacturers of electrical machines in terms of reliability: which are better

The automatic switch is used to protect the electrical wiring of the premises from burnout and mechanical damage. The switching device conducts current in the normal mode of the electrical circuit and turns off when overloaded. When choosing electrical machines for a house or apartment, it is important to pay attention to reliability, permissible load, type and marking. It is also recommended to study the ratings of the best manufacturers.

Apartment machines

The circuit breaker as part of the household electrical system provides:

• Convenience of manual connection of the connection circuit with the power supply;
• high-quality conduction of currents at workload;
• protective shutdown in case of emergency.

The optimal value of the switch actuation current is 10-15% less than the mains current.

Indoor AB types

One of the devices is mounted in a house or apartment:

• installation - a plastic dielectric casing prevents accidental contact with live parts, access to moisture and debris;
• universal - can be placed outside the shield in protective boxes;
• high-speed - turn off in 5 ms;
• slow-acting - are triggered in 10-100 ms;
• selective - a switch with adjustable response time.

Take a closer look at devices with a non-compensated magnetic release (marked "C"). Its response threshold is determined by the room temperature.

How to calculate the required value of machines

The apartment needs a two-pole input device in front of the meter and switchgear with one pole. The cable in accordance with clause 1.3.6 of the Electrical Installation Rules has a cross section of 4-6 mm2. The garage will need an introductory switch for an electric meter, a 10 A device for lighting and a 16 A device for sockets.

Comparison of different machines shows that the type of device depends on the load on the wiring. To calculate the power rating of an automatic machine with a current of 16 A for a single consumer, you will need:

1. Determine the type of network and its protection.
2. Set the consumer class.
3. Calculate the number of consumers and the total maximum load. B - old wiring with heaters, electric stoves, ovens. С - rooms with household appliances, gas-discharge light sources. D - for garages with compressors, pumps.
4. Calculate the current in real conditions using the formula I = P / (U * cos φ) - for a single-phase network.
5. Calculate the current in real conditions using the formula I = P / (1.73 * U * cos φ) - for a three-phase network, where U = 380 V.
6. Select the cross-section of the conductor (aluminum, copper) according to the PUE tables.

Test the switch for phase-to-zero loop resistance before installation.

Rating of electrical machines for reliability

The user rating of circuit breakers for quality and reliability includes several devices.

1st place - SH201L B16 from ABB

According to consumer reviews, it is better to choose ABB electrical machines. The single-pole device is designed for a rated power of 16 A, variable voltage type. Rated breaking capacity - 4.5 kA.

Pros:

• compatible with electromagnetic and thermal diffusers;
• rated voltage 230 V;
• high-quality assembly;
• mounts on a DIN rail.

Minuses:

• high price;
• disposable grooves.

2nd place - Power Break II from General Electric

American air guns are designed for long-term operation. RMS value is 200 thousand A, nominal voltage - up to 240 V.

Pros:

• the presence of isolation;
• current strength 200-4000 A;
• comfortable handle.

Minuses:

• intended for combination tires only;
• it is problematic to purchase offline.

3rd place - series "KPRO" from Kontaktor

Russian models of this series can be taken for household needs. They support amperage up to 100 A, are installed in housings, and are covered with casings.

Pros:

• availability of protection regulation;
• certification of the Customs Union;
• current range 16-100 A.

Cons: a small number of models in the line, the contacts are not recessed in the case.

Features of machines of some famous brands

Brands of switchgear machines for home and utility power grids produce devices with memorable "chips". Before buying, it is worth clarifying the features of the technique:

• The Chinese brand "Energy" presents 2 series. 46-73 does not have indicators or recesses, it is suitable for a current of 6 kA. VA 47-29 - with side recesses, double-sided comb, 6 kA.
• The manufacturer EKF offers Proxima devices with plugs for seals. Budget machines 47-63 go without them.
• The products of the Kursk company KEAZ can be easily distinguished by the place of release. Russian VM-63 are suitable for seals, combs, and have contact indication. Chinese VA 47-29 are rated for 4.5 kA, without indicators and comb holes.
• Heavy Hungarian GEs are designed for a current of 6 kA, do not have recesses on the sides. Comb area on one side.
• Polish switches Legrand TX for a current of 6 kA with grooves, but without indicators and combs.
• It is possible to identify the place of Shneider Electric production by its capacity. Bulgarian ones are suitable for currents from 25 A, everything below is made in China. The Easy 9 series are good low cost single pole models.
• ABB products of the S series (6 kA) have an indicator, notches, one-sided comb. SH (4.5 kA) switches come without combs and indicators, but with recesses.

Comparison of the features of brands of household machines shows that all models of switches can be installed in a house, apartment, workshop, garage, hotel or restaurant.

The best foreign manufacturers

The rating of foreign manufacturers of circuit breakers and RCD devices will help you choose high-quality products for your home electrical network. Users have highlighted the Top 4 brands.

1st place - ABB

The company was included in the rating of manufacturers of automatic wiring in an apartment based on the safety and reliability of products. Expensive devices do not burn out in conditions of constant voltage surges.

Pros:

• compactness;
• easy to assemble into a flap;
• safety;
• the presence of switches with 4 poles;
• smooth edges.

Minuses:

• disposable grooves for the rail;
• small selection of D-class models.

2nd place - Siemens

It is easy to choose a reliable switch for domestic and industrial purposes from the range. The manufacturer sets the cost of devices 3 times cheaper than ABB, so they should be taken for installation in rooms with an average network load. Disconnection occurs when the voltage rises to 6 kA.

Pros:

• socket head screws for firm fixation;
• ease of restoration of the circuit when the switch is triggered;
• ease of access to the downwardly displaced distribution box.

Minuses:

• Russians mainly have access to goods with currents up to 63 A;
• products exclusively for the C-class of operation;
• the screws are tightened with a special screwdriver.

3rd place - General Electric

The brand was included in the rating of manufacturers of RCDs and automatic machines for reasons of wear resistance, durability of operation, and inexpensive cost of products. The rating of the switches is from 0.5 to 63 A. They are suitable for 230-400 V.

Pros:

• 30 types of goods for three- and single-phase networks;
• the household series is designed for 10 thousand operations and 20 thousandmechanical breaks in the chain;
• embossed toggle switch;
• compactness.

Minuses:

• nominal limit - 63 A;
• suitable only for C-class tripping.

4th place - Schneider Electric

The household line of this brand of foreign machines EASY 9 is characterized by workmanship and affordable cost. Mounting is carried out on a DIN rail, triggering during power surges is almost instantaneous. The tripping rating is 0.5-63 A.

Pros:

• machines for 1-4 poles;
• high-quality sub-terminal holes;
• a large selection of modular devices;
• several single-phase devices in one case;
• comfortable toggle switch;
• durability and reliability.

Cons: curve - only for class B and C instruments; high price.

The best domestic manufacturers

The user rating of automatic wiring in the apartment also presents domestic models. Top 5 manufacturers include:

1st place - Contactor

The devices have overpower protection, are easily installed in a panel, a separate case, and can be covered with covers. Current parameters depend on the series. VAZ are designed for 250 A, Proton - for 1600 A, Electron - for 6.3 kA. Household circuit breaker "KPRO" has a current strength of up to 100 A.

Pros:

• overload and short circuit adjustment;
• engraving on the case;
• good equipment protection.

Minuses:

• few household models;
• risks of electric shock from open contacts.

2nd place - Korenevo

Low-voltage equipment is designed for 1-3 poles, has a rated voltage of 230-600 V. Each product of the brand is reliable, it is operated without failures for 1000 cycles.

Pros:

• full compliance of products with GOSTs;
• the quality is above average.

Minuses:

• one household series - VNK.

3rd place - DEKraft

The main production is concentrated in China, but the company got into the rating of manufacturers of RCDs and automatic machines because of the affordable cost of goods. Models are rated for 6000 cycles. Disconnection of the circuit in case of overheating of the wiring and restoration is carried out 25 thousand times.

Pros:

• testing machines in German TUV centers;
• wholesales from warehouses in Yekaterinburg and Moscow;
• Russian signatures on the arm position.

Minuses:

• current rating 63 A;
• input for cable type with cross-section up to 25 mm2.

4th place - KEAZ

The manufacturer from Russia has been operating for almost 75 years. Standard automatic devices and RCDs are represented by the KEAZ line, the latest devices - by the KEAZ Optima series. All devices are rated for direct and alternating current.

Pros:

• additional equipment can be purchased - signal modules, trip units;
• compactness.

Minuses:

• the expensive cost of the Optima series devices;
• warranty period of operation - from 12 to 24 months.

5th place - IEK

A Russian company that produces 4,000 products in Chinese factories. Modular devices have a current rating of 0.5-64 A, suitable for classes B, C and D. Indicator windows are marked in red and green.

Pros:

• affordable price;
• durable body;
• mechanical and electromagnetic actuation system.

Minuses:

• often there is a marriage;
• there is no assembly in Russia;
• minor burns during short circuits.

Ratings are based on customer reviews, which are also useful to study.

Which circuit breaker to choose

Before buying an automatic switch, you need to not only look at the rating of domestic and foreign circuit breakers. It is worth paying attention to the main parameters:

• Place of installation. For a living room with a 300 W TV and 2000 W air conditioning, a 16 A device is enough.In a garage with 3000 W equipment, a 25-30 A switch is needed.
• Device type. Modular are placed in a box on a standard din-rail. Power can be assembled in a wall cabinet on bolted fasteners.
• Number of poles. A single-pole switch is installed in one room; it is better to put a model with a four-pole connection in the house.
• Breaking capacity. The auto-restart indicator is from 1.5 to 36 kA. An apparatus with a value of 4.5-6 kA is suitable for an apartment, for a garage-workshop - with a value of 10 kA.
• Mains voltage. 220 V outlets require similar protective equipment.With voltage fluctuations of 180-240 V - an automatic machine for 240 V.
• Contacts. In a house or apartment, switches with standard contacts are used.
• Arrangement of terminals. The rear is justified if there is access from the sides and long wires, the front is suitable for devices in a narrow case with short wires.
• Manufacturer. Based on the rating above, you can determine which company is better to choose electrical machines.

A high-quality circuit breaker must be clearly marked, with a casing without notches, manufacturer's certificates and connection instructions. The range of products of modern brands allows you to determine which electric machines will be better for the load in a particular room.