Oil Circuit Breakers Key Terms

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

By Howard Robertson

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.
Try: All About Circuits, an online resource, publishes technical information about alternating current. You can also read through the glossary at Energy Classroom, an informative website by Xcel Energy.

DC (Direct Current)

Unlike AC, DC is an electric current in which the electron flow is unidirectional. DC might be constant or varying.
Try: For the definition of this term, you can read through the glossary of technical terms at Baldor Electric Company.

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.
Try: For more information about kV, read through the glossary at Tyco Electronics, a supplier of industrial electronic products. In addition, Silicon Valley Power provides a glossary of terms for power industry professionals.

Amperes

An ampere is another unit for specifying OCB products. For electrical products, the current rating is expressed in terms of amperes.
Try: To understand the basics of this term, read through information at Maxim Integrated Products. Responsible Energy Corporation also provides a brief description of this term.

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.
Try: To understand the meaning of viscosity and its units, read through information at STLE (Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers). Additionally, Eaton Corporation offers a hydraulics glossary that explains various definitions, including viscosity.

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.
Try: Maintenance Resources, an online information resource for the maintenance and repair of electrical equipment, provides a description of NEC requirements for circuit breakers.