In settings where it's important that an overcurrent situation not just automatically results in a circuit breaker switching off the power, electronic trip circuit breakers (ETCBs) are the alternative you need. ETCBs provide the coordination, detection of ground faults, and communication that are needed with electrical power installations supplying continuous processes where the costs would be higher if the power went out than from the fault that resulted in the outage. Another example would be hospitals, where a traditional circuit breaker making a blind decision to drop the power upon an overcurrent situation could cost lives.

These systems allow you to set the tripping characteristics for the given situation. ETCBs also make it a snap to incorporate ground-fault detection for equipment into the electrical system. ETCBs can also communicate with each other and with the central system, enabling system-wide coordination of fault handling according to the needs of the facility. When searching the electronic trip circuit breakers list, consider the following:

1. Obtain new electronic trip circuit breakers for your business.

2. Consider refurbished electronic trip circuit breakers for cost savings.

3. Find an electronic trip circuit breakers provider that sells and installs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy new electronic trip circuit breakers for your business

Many electronic trip circuit breakers provider companies exist, so the electronic trip circuit breakers information that you need for your application, as well as competent assistance, is only a couple of clicks away.

I recommend: Square D is a big supplier of circuit breakers and it carries an array of ETCBs. E-T-A Circuit Protection & Control also has an impressive line of electronic trip circuit breakers. GE Consumer & Industrial has the Spectra RMS line of digital solid state electronic trip circuit breakers. Electronic Surplus is a circuit breaker supplier and offers a selection of ETCBs.

Find electronic trip circuit breakers that are reconditioned

In the interest of saving money, you might want to consider buying refurbished ETCBs.

I recommend: All Breakers is a great source of refurbished ETCBs. You'll have to do a search on its website for "electronic trip circuit breakers." All Breakers ships same-day, have free UPS shipping, has flexible pay plans and will give you 5 percent cash back rewards on each purchase, and provide a one-year warranty. Southland Electrical Supply has a lengthy list of ETCBs, both new and reconditioned. Interestingly, if you search for "electronic trip circuit breakers" (plural) on its website, you'll get a list of reconditioned units, whereas if you search for "electronic trip circuit breaker" (singular), you will get a list of new ones.

Find a provider that sells and repairs electronic trip circuit breakers

It can certainly be handy to know an electronic trip circuit breaker provider who both sells ETCBs and installs them.

I recommend: National Switchgear System carries the full gamut of ETCBs and has trained, certified technicians to install or repair the equipment. Diversified Electric Services also sells, installs and repairs ETCBs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you are working around high-powered electrical equipment such as electronic trip circuit breakers, wear fire retardant clothing with long sleeves and long pants, safety glasses and rubber-soled shoes. Do not wear jewelery to minimize the risk of experiencing the 'smoking hummer.' Also, after de-energizing the equipment, use a shorting probe to make sure there are no deadly pockets of energy being retained by large capacitors in the system.