Oil Circuit Breakers Key Terms

Understand oil circuit breaker (OCB) products terminology to make smarter business choices

An oil circuit breaker is a type of circuit breaker that uses oil for disconnecting current carrying components. These circuit breakers are useful in high voltage circuits in industrial applications. With the advancement in technology, these products are also available with low voltage specifications for use in residential applications.

Whether you want to buy oil circuit breakers or you want to be a supplier of OCB products and their accessories, you will need to understand various technical terms. This guide will explain key terms relating to oil circuit breakers, such as AC, DC, kV, ampere and NEC.

AC (Alternating Current)

AC is an electric current in which the direction of flow is reversed at frequent intervals. An alternating current flows from zero to a positive maximum and then back to zero. The current then flows down again to a negative maximum and returns to zero.

DC (Direct Current)

Unlike AC, DC is an electric current in which the electron flow is unidirectional. DC might be constant or varying.

kV (Kilovolt)

Generally, specifications for OCB products are expressed in terms of kV, the unit used to measure electric potential between two points. One kV is 1,000 volts and 1 volt is defined as the potential (or electromotive force or EMF) required to produce current of one ampere through resistance of one ohm.

Amperes

An ampere is another unit for specifying OCB products. For electrical products, the current rating is expressed in terms of amperes.

Viscosity

Viscosity indicates the resistance of the fluid to flow. Viscosity of the oil is an important parameter for the design and performance of an oil circuit breaker.

NEC (National Electrical Code)

NEC is a set of guidelines for the safe, efficient and durable functioning of electrical equipment. You must be aware of requirements about OCB products outlined by NEC.