July 12, 2023 by Cody Whisenhunt, President, BCS Switchgear

What is a Trip Coil for a Circuit Breaker?



This is a Trip Coil for a circuit breaker. An essential function of a trip coil in a circuit breaker is to guarantee the dependability and safety of electrical systems. When a fault or abnormal situation develops, it is a crucial component that aids in the automatic and regulated stoppage of electrical currents.

A trip coil’s main job is to create a magnetic field that triggers a circuit breaker’s opening mechanism. The trip coil is turned on by the protection relay or other control devices when the circuit experiences an excessive current flow that indicates a fault. The trip latch or plunger is drawn to the magnetic field created by the activated coil, which opens the circuit breaker contacts and stops the current flow.

The electromagnetic principle underlies the trip coil’s operation. A magnetic field is produced around the coil as electricity runs through it. To begin the opening process, this magnetic field interacts with the circuit breaker’s mechanical parts, such as the trip latch or plunger. The amount of current flowing through the coil directly relates to how strong the magnetic field is. A stronger magnetic field and a quicker response time follow from a higher current.

The trip coil is an essential component of circuit breaker protection because it allows for the quick separation of malfunctioning circuits, preventing equipment damage, lowering the risk of fire, and protecting employees from electrical risks. The trip coil helps isolate the electrical system’s malfunctioning area by tripping the circuit breaker, ensuring that the other components continue to run smoothly.