Circuit Breakers and Switchgear

SUB 110 explores the fundamental principles and practical applications of various circuit breaker types, essential for electrical technicians working with power distribution and transmission systems. The course delves into the construction, operating mechanisms, and performance characteristics of modern high-voltage circuit breakers, including gas-insulated, vacuum, and liquid-filled designs. Key topics include contact synchronization, trip and close coil operation, and the critical importance of accurate timing tests for ensuring safe and reliable equipment function. Through theoretical instruction and hands-on laboratory exercises, students will learn to interpret test results, identify potential issues, and apply industry best practices for preventative maintenance and troubleshooting. This course prepares technicians for essential roles in the commissioning, inspection, and ongoing service of vital electrical infrastructure.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

SUB 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Circuit Breaker Technologies and Applicationslecture

02Lesson 2: Principles of Electrical Arc Interruptionlecture

03Lesson 3: Gas-Insulated Circuit Breaker Design and Operationlecture

04Hands-on Lab: Introduction to Test Equipment and Basic Safety Procedureslab

05Lesson 5: Vacuum Circuit Breaker Fundamentals and Characteristicslecture

06Lesson 6: Liquid-Filled Circuit Breaker Construction and Maintenancelecture

07Lesson 7: Operating Mechanisms and Control Systemslecture

08Hands-on Lab: Static and Dynamic Contact Resistance Measurementlab

09Lesson 9: Introduction to Circuit Breaker Timing Test Principleslecture

10Lesson 10: Analyzing Trip and Close Coil Performancelecture

11Hands-on Lab: Comprehensive Circuit Breaker Timing Tests (Open, Close, Reclose)lab

12Lesson 12: Interpretation of Timing Test Results and Diagnosticslecture

13Lesson 13: Maintenance Procedures and Troubleshooting Common Issueslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Full Circuit Breaker Performance Evaluationassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Circuit Breaker Technologies and Applications","Week 2: Lesson 2: Principles of Electrical Arc Interruption","Week 3: Lesson 3: Gas-Insulated Circuit Breaker Design and Operation","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Introduction to Test Equipment and Basic Safety Procedures","Week 5: Lesson 5: Vacuum Circuit Breaker Fundamentals and Characteristics","Week 6: Lesson 6: Liquid-Filled Circuit Breaker Construction and Maintenance","Week 7: Lesson 7: Operating Mechanisms and Control Systems","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Static and Dynamic Contact Resistance Measurement","Week 9: Lesson 9: Introduction to Circuit Breaker Timing Test Principles","Week 10: Lesson 10: Analyzing Trip and Close Coil Performance","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Comprehensive Circuit Breaker Timing Tests (Open, Close, Reclose)","Week 12: Lesson 12: Interpretation of Timing Test Results and Diagnostics","Week 13: Lesson 13: Maintenance Procedures and Troubleshooting Common Issues","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Full Circuit Breaker Performance Evaluation"]