Sealed circuit breaker
A sealed electrical enclosure used in hazardous locations for enclosing circuit breakers having a bottom housing and a top housing with a labyrinth seal or joint formed therebetween, the bottom housing adapted to receive one or more circuit breakers, a first metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through a first end wall to a point external thereto, and a second metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through a second end wall to a point external to thereto, where the first and second metal buses are adapted to contact first and second electrical terminals of a circuit breaker when placed within the bottom housing, and a first vent positioned on the top housing for dissipating pressure buildup, wherein the top housing is removably secured to the bottom housing to allow for removal and replacement of a circuit breakers within the housing.
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1. Field of the Application
This application relates generally to sealed electrical enclosures for use in hazardous locations for a variety of electrical components, such as circuit breakers, motor switches, GFI devices, and photocells.
2. Description of the Related Art
Traditionally, in North America, to use circuit breakers in a hazardous (classified) area, standard circuit breakers are placed in a cast metal housing such as aluminum, wherein the cast metal housing is bolted shut. In such an arrangement, the circuit breaker switches may be manipulated through a cast metal door that is bolted to the cast metal housing. In North America, this construction is suitable for Class I Division 1 and Class I Division 2 applications. A drawback of this arrangement is that the cast iron enclosures are heavy and cumbersome. Furthermore, it can be time consuming and laborious to remove the often extensive number of bolts from the cast metal housing to access the circuit breakers within. Thus, replacing circuit breakers using enclosures with this construction can be time consuming and costly.
Alternatively, in Europe, in accordance with IEC methodology, traditionally each circuit breaker or other electrical device is separately and permanently sealed (often potted in epoxy) to provide a flame proof device. Each flame proof sealed circuit breaker or electrical device is then typically placed in a non-metallic or sheet metal enclosure. Each sealed circuit breaker typically has a handle or switch that extends through a door of the non-metallic or sheet metal enclosure to allow for manipulation of the handle or switch. In the event that a circuit breaker needs to be replaced, the flame proof circuit breaker is removed, and a replacement flame proof circuit breaker installed. A drawback to this methodology is that it is more costly to replace each separately sealed flame proof circuit breakers than it is to replace non-flame proof circuit breakers.
There has been an increased demand for sealed breakers in North America. Thus, there is a need to provide an electrical enclosure for use in hazardous (classified) locations that can provide for the removal and replacement of circuit breakers or other electrical components from a reusable electrical enclosure. For purposes of this application the term “hazardous locations” and “hazardous (classified) locations shall mean areas classified by the National Electric Code (NEC), such as NEC Class I, Division 1 areas.
SUMMARYThe present application provides a sealed electrical enclosure for use in hazardous locations for enclosing circuit breakers or other electrical components comprising a bottom housing and a top housing positioned thereabove; a labyrinth seal or joint being formed between the bottom housing and the top housing; the bottom housing adapted to receive a plurality of circuit breakers or other electrical components; and a first metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through a first end wall to a point external to the bottom housing; and a second metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through a second end wall to a point external to the bottom housing; where the first metal bus and the second metal bus are adapted to contact first and second electrical terminals of a first circuit breaker placed within the bottom housing; and a first actuating mechanism positioned on the top housing adapted for manipulating one or more switches of circuit breakers or electrical components positioned within the bottom housing; and a first vent positioned on the top housing for dissipating heat or pressure buildup within the housing; and wherein the top housing is removably secured to the bottom housing to allow for removal and replacement of circuit breakers or other electrical components within the housing.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the drawings, in which:
Referring to
Sealed electrical enclosure 10 further includes an actuating mechanism 20 that allows for the manipulation of the switches of circuit breakers or other electrical components positioned within the enclosure 10. The actuating mechanism 20 provides for linear actuation, although rotary actuation could be used as well. Enclosure 10 may be used to house various types of circuit breakers and other electrical components such as circuit interrupters, motor switches, GFI devices, and photocells to name a few. Further, enclosure 10 may be used to house both IEC and NEC approved products.
As shown in
With the configuration of sealed electrical enclosure 10, by removing bolts 22, top housing 14 may be removed from bottom housing 12. As a result, the circuit breakers or other electrical products positioned within the enclosure 10 may be removed and replaced, while allowing sealed electrical enclosure 10 to be reused.
This configuration allows for the circuit breakers to be completely enclosed with the enclosure 10, but provides for electrical connection of the circuit breaker to other electrical terminals external to the box. In this manner, the enclosure 10 provides a flame proof enclosure for use in hazardous (classified) areas with the manipulation of the switch 74 external to the enclosure. With such a design, the circuit breakers within the enclosure 10 do not themselves need to be flame proof and can be more easily removed and replaced simply by removing top housing 14 while allowing sealed enclosure 10 to be reused.
With respect to
The present invention is shown in a particular configuration for illustrative purposes only. The enclosure 10 may have varying geometries to accommodate various sized circuit breakers and electrical components. It is contemplated that the enclosure 10 may be used with all of the F-Series or F-frame circuit breaker skus currently available from Cutler-Hammer, ranging up to 225 amps, and covering 1, 2, and 3 pole versions. It is also contemplated that the enclosure 10 may be used with all of the QC Series circuit breaker skus currently available from Cutler-Hammer, ranging up to 100 amps, and covering 1, 2, and 3 pole versions. With some possible modification to the geometry of the housing, it is contemplated that the present design would be suitable for use for many different types of available or yet to be released circuit breakers.
It will be appreciated that the enclosure could be enlarged to house additional circuit breakers and its geometry could be modified to accommodate circuit breakers of varying size.
The sealed enclosure described herein may be used in hazardous (classified) locations including Class I, Division 2 and Class I, Zone 1 environments, and it is believed that it is arc flash proof as well.
While certain features and embodiments of the present application have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the application encompasses all modifications and enhancements within the scope and spirit of the following claims.
Claims
1. A sealed electrical enclosure for use in hazardous locations for enclosing circuit breakers or other electrical components comprising:
- a bottom housing having a first end wall and a second end wall opposite the first end wall;
- a top housing positioned above the bottom housing;
- a labyrinth seal or joint being formed between the bottom housing and the top housing;
- the bottom housing adapted to receive one or more circuit breakers or other electrical components;
- a first metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through the first end wall to a point external to the bottom housing;
- a second metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through the second end wall to a point external to the bottom housing;
- where the first metal bus and the second metal bus are adapted to contact first and second electrical terminals of a first circuit breaker when placed within the bottom housing;
- a first actuating mechanism positioned on the top housing adapted for manipulating one or more switches of circuit breakers or electrical components positioned within the bottom housing;
- a first vent positioned on the top housing for dissipating pressure buildup within the housing;
- and wherein the top housing is removably secured to the bottom housing to allow for removal and replacement of circuit breakers or other electrical components within the housing.
2. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first vent is comprised of sintered bronze.
3. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, further including a third metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through the first end wall to a point external to the bottom housing;
- a fourth metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through the second end wall to a point external to the bottom housing;
- where the third metal bus and the fourth metal bus are adapted to contact the first and second electrical terminals of a second circuit breaker when placed within the bottom housing.
4. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, further including a second vent positioned on the bottom housing for dissipating heat and pressure buildup within the housing.
5. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bottom housing and top housing may be bolted together to secure the top housing to the bottom housing.
6. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bottom housing and top housing are comprised of non-conductive plastic.
7. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 3, further including a fifth metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through the first end wall to a point external to the bottom housing;
- a sixth metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through the second end wall to a point external to the bottom housing;
- where the fifth metal bus and the sixth metal bus are adapted to contact the first and second electrical terminals of a third circuit breaker when placed within the bottom housing.
8. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bottom housing is adapted to receive F-frame circuit breakers.
9. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bottom housing is adapted to receive QC-series circuit breakers.
10. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 3, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth buses are adapted to electrically connect to electrical terminals within an electrical panel box.
11. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first actuating mechanism includes a rigid rod that slidably moves within an interior of the top housing.
12. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 11, wherein a switch manipulator is attached to the rigid rod.
13. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the labyrinth seal or joint comprises a serrated joint.
14. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bottom housing is adapted to receive one or more non-explosion proof circuit breakers.
15. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the top housing may be removed from the bottom housing to allow for removal and replacement of circuit breakers or other electrical components positioned therein.
16. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein a second actuating mechanism is positioned on the top housing for manipulating the switch of a second circuit breaker positioned within the housing, such that the first actuating mechanism and the second actuating operate independently to manipulate the switches of different circuit breakers positioned within the bottom housing.
17. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first actuating mechanism includes a knob or extension such that the first actuating mechanism may be operated when the sealed electrical housing is positioned within an electrical panel box.
18. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein circuit breakers positioned within the bottom housing may be electrically connected to electrical terminals positioned within an electrical panel box after the top housing is secured to the bottom housing.
19. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is arc-flash proof.
20. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 3, wherein the first, second third, and fourth buses are set in the first and second sidewalls of the bottom housing during a molding process.
21. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the sealed enclosure is adapted for installment within an electrical panel box.
22. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 21, wherein a plurality of the sealed enclosures are positioned within an electrical panel box.
23. The sealed electrical enclosure of claim 5, wherein six bolts are used to secure the top housing to the bottom housing.
24. A sealed electrical enclosure for use in hazardous locations for enclosing circuit breakers or other electrical components comprising:
- a bottom housing having a first end wall and a second end wall opposite the first end wall;
- a top housing positioned above the bottom housing;
- a labyrinth seal or joint being formed between the bottom housing and the top housing;
- the bottom housing adapted to receive a plurality of circuit breakers or other electrical components;
- a first metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through the first end wall to a point external to the bottom housing;
- a second metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through the second end wall to a point external to the bottom housing;
- where the first metal bus and the second metal bus are adapted to contact first and second electrical terminals of a first circuit breaker when placed within the bottom housing;
- a third metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through the first end wall to a point external to the bottom housing;
- a fourth metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through the second end wall to a point external to the bottom housing;
- where the third metal bus and the fourth metal bus are adapted to contact first and second electrical terminals of a second circuit breaker when placed within the bottom housing;
- a first actuating mechanism positioned on the top housing adapted for manipulating one or more switches of circuit breakers or electrical components positioned within the bottom housing;
- a first vent positioned on the top housing for dissipating pressure buildup within the housing;
- a second vent positioned on the bottom housing for dissipating heat and pressure buildup within the housing,
- and wherein the top housing is removably secured to the bottom housing to allow for removal and replacement of circuit breakers or other electrical components within the housing.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Sep 9, 2008
Date of Patent: Jan 18, 2011
Patent Publication Number: 20100033907
Assignee: EGS Electrical Group LLC (Rosemont, IL)
Inventors: Neil Baird (Kitchener), Ian Jenkins (Kitchener), Nabil L. Mina (Roselle, IL), Yogesh D. Kanole (Pune)
Primary Examiner: Boris L Chervinsky
Attorney: McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff
Application Number: 12/283,053
International Classification: H02B 1/04 (20060101);