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Frequently Asked Questions

For full support, step-by-step guides to set-up, maintain and get value from your CBI Astute smart home automation device, visit our Astute Support Hub.

QAT

How do I programme a CBI QAT-TRDM Electronic Time Switch?

Answer

Indicates no power connected
Cursor indicates time allocations. In this case load is On from 3:00 to 6:00 and 15:00 to 18:00
When the BYPASS indicator is on, you can select ON - permanently on and programming set will not be used and load will stay on until the bypass function is switched off.
When the BYPASS indicator is on, you can select OFF - permanently off and programming set will not be used and load will stay off until the bypass function is switched off.
  • The bypass function will either switch load ON or OFF until you exit this function.
  • ON - the load will be on at all times and will not be switched according to the program.
  • OFF - the load will be off at all times.
  • While bypass mode is ON you will not be able to set the time or use the function operation, only ON / OFF buttons will work.
  • A picture of a two-prong plug with a line through indicates that no power connected to the device.
  • When doing the programming, the OFF button will ensure that the load is OFF for your selected times and ON will ensure that the load is ON during the times you press the ON button.
  • In case of a power failure, the backup-time should stay displayed for at least 12 hours and keep time for 24 hours, before it would be necessary to set it again. The programme schedule is always retained.
  • To reset the device, go to the function screen then hold the OFF-button until the cursor around the clock back to 00:00. Hold the OFF button until the cursor has run through the whole 24-hour cycle.
  • The QAT-TRDM is a sealed unit and cannot be repaired, it must be replaced
  • Backup function is done via a super cap and not a battery.  The capacitor cannot be replaced.
  • The timer has a black clip on the face which if removed will fit in a DIN rail board with an escutcheon of 45 mm.  With the black clip on the timer has a 57 mm escutcheon.
  • For higher loads, you can add a contactor to switch, which will extend the life of timer.
  • Contactor, as mentioned above, is only available in 230 V setup.

NOTE:

  • This timer will not be suitable for a school bell.
  • The Timer with buttons has been discontinued – it is no longer available

More information:  Auxiliary Products

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Product Reference: 

Wiring Accessories

Does the DI645 data socket insert work on CAT6?

Answer

Yes, it will work on CAT5/5E and CAT6, only the male side of the connection changes.

More information:  Wiring Accessories Plastic Range

Product Reference: 

Why are PS682R-P and PS683R-P outlets not switched?

Answer

It is not necessary for Euro socket outlets to be switched.

More information:  Wiring Accessories Plastic Range

Product Reference: 

Metering

What is the red number on the EC320/330 rail mount meter?

Answer

This is a 1/10 decimal and should not to be read with rest of digits.

More information: Metering Products

Product Reference: 

Can rail mount meter readings reverse?

Answer

The EC range meters do not Reverse.

More information:  Metering Products

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Is it needed to run the neutral through the meter or can I connect one side only?

Answer

With the EC320 AND EC330 range, you do not need to run the neutral through the meter, you need only connect on one side to power up the electronic board.

More information:  Metering Products

Product Reference: 

ECU

What does the Amp rating on the front of ECUs mean?

Answer

This indicates at what ampere the unit will switch off the non-essential load.  When the unit senses the specific ampere rating indicated it will switch the non-essential off.

More information: Auxiliary Products

Product Reference: 

Circuit Breaker

Circuit breaker is getting hot, how much heat is allowed?

Answer

All units will get hot under 100% rated current.  Dependent on the cable size used and the atmospheric temperature, the operating temperatures could be affected. 

All breakers are expected to operate at 40 Degrees Celsius. Thermal Breakers de-rate after 40 Degrees Celsius, but CBI hydraulic-magnetic circuit breakers do not de-rate until 85 Degrees Celsius.

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On electronically adjustable breakers can the Amp rating be adjusted while the breaker is live?

Answer

You could adjust it, but if you lower the amp rating, there is a risk of tripping the circuit breaker.

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Is the kA rating on a circuit breaker really important?

Answer

Yes, it is one of the most important factors to take into account when selecting a Circuit Breaker.

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Why would Curve 1 circuit breakers trip before Curve 2 circuit breakers?

Answer

Curve 1 should always trip last in a discriminated system as it has a slower tripping curve than a curve 2.  Curve 1 is the orange toggle breaker that is a slow tripping circuit breaker, has a 10-20x inrush current, whereas Curve 2 has a 5-10x inrush current rating.

Product Reference: 

Can any 6 kA breaker be used downstream in a cascaded system?

Answer

Only tested and approved 6 kA circuit breakers can be used.

Product Reference: 

Old Heinemann and Fuchs distribution boards do not hold the new QA range circuit breakers.

Answer

Correct, but you can buy adaptor plates that convert Heinemann and Fuchs distribution boards to accommodate the new mini rail style breakers.

Product Reference: 

What does tested combination in a cascading system mean?

Answer

It is vital to ensure that the system you are using has been tested with the products been used.  As soon as a product is changed in the system it is no longer cascaded, and should not be used.  When cascading always refer back to the Manufacturer to ensure that the system you use is allowed.

Product Reference: 

Can I use 3 kA circuit breakers in a cascaded system?

Answer

3 kA products have not been tested in any current cascade systems, so no it can not be used.

Product Reference: 

What are the benefits of hydraulic-magnetic technology?

Answer

Hydraulic-magnetic

A circuit breaker transforms a change in an electric current to a mechanical movement that interrupts the circuit. A thermal circuit breaker does this through a bimetal element that heats up and bends. Therefore, heat trips the circuit breaker.

In a hydraulic-magnetic circuit breaker, the current travels through a coil that generates a magnetic field that trips the circuit breaker. Therefore, heat is not a factor in tripping a hydraulic-magnetic circuit breaker. This means that a hydraulic-magnetic circuit breaker is always tripped by rated current, regardless of the ambient temperature. Other benefits include smaller module size and lower critical resistance.

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Is the breaker always tripped at the stated rated current?

Answer

Yes, as the mechanism is temperature-independent, high or low ambient temperature is not a factor. But, for example at -40 degrees the action of the breaker will be somewhat more sluggish and at +85 degrees it will be more rapid. But it will always keep to the stated rated current.

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The difference between an auxiliary switch and an alarm switch?

Answer

An auxiliary switch generates a signal that indicates whether the circuit breaker is on or off, but cannot distinguish between whether it has been manually switched off or tripped by an electrical fault. An alarm switch generates a signal that indicates whether the circuit breaker was tripped by an electrical fault, but not whether the breaker is off or turned on manually.

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Are reverse connections allowed on CBI circuit breakers?

Answer

Unless otherwise stated yes, CBI circuit breakers are reverse feedable.  Rule of thumb, if the circuit breaker has indications for line and load at top and bottom, it is not reverse feedable.

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Is the Amp rating on a 3 phase breaker per phase or accumulative?

Answer

It is per Phase.

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