Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the carbonization pattern and operation characteristics of an MCCB. The MCCB is consisted of the actuator lever, actuator mechanism, bimetallic strip, contacts, up and down operator, arc divider or extinguisher, metal operation pin, terminal part, etc. When the actuator lever of the MCCB is at the top or the internal metal operation pin is in contact with the front part, the MCCB is turned on or off. It means trip state if the actuator lever or the internal metal operation pin moves to back side. In the UL 94 vertical combustion test, white smoke occurred from the MCCB when an average of 17~24 seconds elapsed after the MCCB was ignited and black smoke occurred when an average of 45~50 seconds elapsed. It took 5~6 minutes for the MCCB surface to be half burnt and took an average of 8~9 minutes for the MCCB surface to be entirely burnt. In the UL 94 test, the MCCB trip device operated when an average 7~8 minutes elapsed. If the MCCB trip has occurred, it may have been caused by an electrical problem such as a short-circuit, overcurrent, etc., as well as fire heat. From the entire part combustion test according to KS C 3004, it was found that the metal operation pin could be moved to the MCCB trip position without any electrical problems.