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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Download: 

PDF icon CBI_QAT_SERIES_DAT_4PAGES_765KB.pdf
PDF icon CBI_QAT_GUIDE_3990A640_REV_C_2019_WEB_14102019.pdf

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: 

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: 

Can rail mount meter readings reverse?

Answer

The EC range meters do not Reverse.

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

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.

Product Reference: 

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

Answer

It is per Phase.

Product Reference: 

Will the breaker trip, even if the handle is blocked?

Answer

YES, absolutely it cannot be restrained from tripping if required as a safety measure!

Even with the handle held in the ON position, the breaker will trip if an overcurrent / overload trip occurs, safely disconnecting the load.

 

This feature is termed “trip free” and is contained in all relevant product specifications.

 

There would be no point in preventing a circuit breaker from full function. It is therefore very important to purchase circuit breakers from a good quality supplier, known to produce a quality product.

 

Circuit breakers form part of essential equipment employed to keep electrical equipment safe for use!

Product Reference: 

Can I ensure that the breaker is not tripped unintentionally?

Answer

Handle Lock

Yes, busbar mounted circuit breakers have a special lock that makes it possible to lock the handle in the on or off position. Our front-mounted circuit breakers have different handles for managing unintentional tripping.

Product Reference: 

Is the functionality of the breaker affected by the position in which it is mounted?

Answer

Mounting positions

Yes and no, mostly due to the technology of the circuit breaker employed.  For hydraulic magnetic technology refer to the diagram below.  The effect of gravity on the tripping mechanism is due, or not, to the gravity forces being influential on the mechanism.  For example, aiding the tripping will be faster and opposing tripping will be slower.

 

Circuit breakers using alternative technologies, thermal-magnetic and electronic magnetic, are not likely to be affected in a similar fashion.

 

The technology employed is not usually indicated on the body of the circuit breaker so that at any time there is the consideration to mount the circuit breaker away from the industry norm of vertical the manufacturer should be contacted to confirm if the proposed mounting has any effect.

Product Reference: 

What is the average life of your circuit breakers?

Answer

The life of a circuit breaker is determined by a number of factors.

For example:

The number of normal switches ON/OFF

Whether an electrical load current is present at the time of tripping

Tripping on a short circuit and the level or intensity of that short circuit

 

Lastly, the actual site conditions can also have a major effect on service life. Excessive contaminating dusts / fumes moisture etc

 

Remember, just because the circuit breaker is ON and the power is being supplied is no guarantee it will stay like that and even more importantly whether it will effectively trip when required to do.

Always make sure you purchase the best quality you can afford from a supplier you can trust.

They are certainly not expensive if one gets good life from them and you can have confidence they will trip when needed!

Product Reference: 

What is the Mid Trip feature?

Answer

Mid Trip

The handle of the circuit breaker is able to visually indicate whether it was tripped by an electrical fault. The handle stops in an intermediate position, between on and off when it was tripped by an electrical fault.

Product Reference: 

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.

Product Reference: 

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.

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.

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: 

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.

Product Reference: 

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.

Product Reference: 

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