Internet of power- Digital circuit breakers.

Apart from the concerns already expressed, would not a much faster trip be counter productive in many situations ?  LED fittings are already marginal on standard  B type MCBs and may trip C types in some circumstances.

I was just thinking the same thing - although it's not just the overall speed of tripping, but the current level/duration before that causes the device to decide to trip. If the devices could have a bit more logic in them then perhaps there's a possibility of a more fuse-like response - i.e. opening quickly for very large (fault) currents, but allowing somewhat smaller (inrush) currents to persist for a little longer. There might even be some potential for proper discrimination/selectivity between these devices (unlike MCBs). The faster speeds could allow for far better shock protection overall too - e.g. being able to have 0.4s disconnection times even for submains and large final circuits (allowed for by much faster disconnection by downstream devices)  would allow the removal of one of the larger elephants from the regulations' room.


I agree I don't like the idea of them being open to the internet, but on their own private local network - so physical access to the installation is needed - I think security could be acceptable while keeping most of the benefits.


Price would be interesting - I can't see them coming in cheaper than the current crop of AFDDs....


   - Andy.

Apart from the concerns already expressed, would not a much faster trip be counter productive in many situations ?  LED fittings are already marginal on standard  B type MCBs and may trip C types in some circumstances.

I was just thinking the same thing - although it's not just the overall speed of tripping, but the current level/duration before that causes the device to decide to trip. If the devices could have a bit more logic in them then perhaps there's a possibility of a more fuse-like response - i.e. opening quickly for very large (fault) currents, but allowing somewhat smaller (inrush) currents to persist for a little longer. There might even be some potential for proper discrimination/selectivity between these devices (unlike MCBs). The faster speeds could allow for far better shock protection overall too - e.g. being able to have 0.4s disconnection times even for submains and large final circuits (allowed for by much faster disconnection by downstream devices)  would allow the removal of one of the larger elephants from the regulations' room.


I agree I don't like the idea of them being open to the internet, but on their own private local network - so physical access to the installation is needed - I think security could be acceptable while keeping most of the benefits.


Price would be interesting - I can't see them coming in cheaper than the current crop of AFDDs....


   - Andy.