<div dir="ltr">Dan<div><br></div><div>Hydraulic actuated breakers like the Classic Heiniman GJ,used in off grid battery based systems ( now made by Carlon and Airpax, since Henimans's patent ran out) it is very critical that they be used in the vertical position as is marked on the breaker's chassis. I know this from experience because I designed and got UL listed the GFI breaker ( common tripped GJ breakers with a .5 amp ground circuit, common today in many systems ) for Trace engineering and it kept failing the UL test for no apparent reason until we discovered the technician at UL was testing it on it's back, not in compliance with their own UL sticker on the device! Go figure. </div>
<div><br></div><div>But in support of Dan's comment, unless marked on the breaker itself, breaker operation is not dependent on orientation. Water proof rating of the enclosure is also another matter and the manufacturer should have specifics as to the mounting angle that keeps the outdoor rating. The angle can be very critical for any box that uses a lip to deflect water (NEMA 3R rating) rather than a seal to keep water out at any orientation (NEMA 4 or better). That is more of the issue here along with the fact that breakers are operating at less than ideal temperature ranges for the designed trip levels This would be relevant to the Square D disconnect that I am familiar with that uses an overlapping lip to get water spary out for it's 3R rating, if it was only tested in a vertical position than tiliting it would not be within the paramaters of the UL listing.</div>
<div>Bill</div></div><div class="gmail_extra"><br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 9:21 AM, Exeltech <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:exeltech@yahoo.com" target="_blank">exeltech@yahoo.com</a>></span> wrote:<br>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">Wrenches,<br>
<br>
There appears to be some misinformation getting into this thread.<br>
<br>
The "trip" mechanism within standard thermal over-current protective devices ("OCP devices") is mechanically spring-loaded, and is triggered by heat.<br>
<br>
Eric mentions below that Square D breakers are tested in a vertical orientation only - the implication being that's their only "UL certified" position. If this were true, it would imply the breakers cannot be used in any other orientation. This would potentially limit the Square D OCP market to sub-panels and other enclosures where the devices are vertical. Inasmuch as the vast majority of panelboards I've encountered in my 40+ years in this industry have the breakers stacked horizontally, it would not be a wise business decision for the manufacturer to self-inflict such a limitation on their product.<br>
<br>
This also does not mean any such limitation (real or not) applies to all breakers.<br>
<br>
By way of example, OCP devices work in a horizontal position, stacked "pancake" style in a main panelboard, as well as vertically oriented side-by-side in a sub-panel. In either orientation, they are in full compliance with UL 489, (UL Standard for Circuit Breakers, Switches, and Circuit Breaker Enclosures). If an OCP device *was* positionally-sensitive, UL Standards require this sensitivity to be noted in the documentation accompanying the device. Further to that point, UL 489 Section 7.1.1.13 states: "In determining if a circuit breaker complies with the test requirements, the device shall be mounted or supported as in service and tested under conditions approximating those of intended operation, except as otherwise noted."<br>
<br>
Mounting position notwithstanding, a greater concern would be the ambient temperature of a rooftop location, whereby summer heat would tend to make the OCP device more sensitive than necessary, potentially causing it to trip at an amperage below that of its UL ratings. While a nuisance, a more serious issue arises when operating the OCP device in cold ambient conditions, whereby the device may allow MORE than its rated trip current to flow.<br>
<br>
Per UL 489, OCP devices are tested at either 25C or 40C ambient. Again per UL 489, if an OCP device is to be used in ambient conditions other than those two ranges, the acceptable temperature range for that OCP device shall be marked on the body of the device.<br>
<br>
In UL 489, Supplemental Annex, Section 2, Subsection 2.3.3, mechanical vibration testing is conducted with OCP devices oriented vertically, horizontally, and inclined 30 degrees from vertical, with all devices energized up to 200% of the device rated current during the testing.<br>
<br>
Given the preceding, and per implication of UL 489 testing methods, OCP devices are NOT positionally sensitive.<br>
<br>
In conclusion, if you DO install a rooftop OCP system, and for proper protection, please ensure the OCP devices utilized are rated for the worst-case ambient temperatures involved.<br>
<br>
<br>
Regards to all,<br>
<br>
<br>
Dan Lepinski<br>
<div class="im HOEnZb"><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
At 09:33 AM 11/8/2013, you wrote:<br>
<br>
Hi Kirpal,<br>
<br>
All Square D safety switches are UL tested in the Vertical position ONLY, so if someone is trying to install a switch in any other position other than vertical, that will be between them and the inspector.<br>
<br>
Hope this helps.<br>
<br>
Eric<br>
____________________________________________________________________________________<br>
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</div><div class="im HOEnZb">Eric Bentsen | Schneider Electric | Solar Business | UNITED STATES | Technical Support Representative<br>
Phone: +(650) 351-8237 ext. 001# | Email: <a href="mailto:eric.bentsen@schneider-electric.com">eric.bentsen@schneider-electric.com</a> | Site: <a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/solar" target="_blank">www.schneider-electric.com/solar</a> | Address: 250 South Vasco Rd., Livermore, CA 94551<br>
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</div></div></blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><div><br></div>-- <br><div dir="ltr"><div>Bill Hoffer <br></div>161 SE Fourth Ave<br><div>P.O. Box 1823<br>White Salmon, WA 98672<br><a href="mailto:bhoffer@sunergyengineeringservices.com" target="_blank">sunengser@gmail.com</a><br>
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