In this series of articles we will discuss the options you can have in your battery charger. You can check out these options for choosing your desired battery charger solution.

Alarm and Auxiliary Switches

Breakers can be equipped with either an Alarm Switch or an Auxiliary Switch. They allow the customer to remotely monitor the status of the breaker telling them if it is tripped or open/closed. The alarm switch indicates when the breaker electrically trips only, it does not indicate if someone manually opens the breaker. The auxiliary switch indicates when a breaker is either operated manually or electrically tripped. The breaker manufacturer must install these options at their factory.

Shunt Trip Coils

Circuit breakers can be provided with shunt trip coils which allow the customer to remotely trip the circuit breaker. The breaker manufacturer builds the shunt trip coil into additional pole on the breaker and provides two wires for connection to the coil. Typically the manufacturer wires the shunt trip wires to a terminal strip for the customer to connect to in the field. The breaker manufacturer must install this option at their factory.

Ground Detection Options

Ground detection alarms are installed on a battery charger to protect the cabling connected to the battery system and most importantly to ensure safety. Isolated or ungrounded battery systems need continuous monitoring for ground faults. Over time the battery system cable insulation level deteriorates, resulting in unacceptable and potentially damaging fault currents. Another reason to have ground detection on chargers is to be able to detect load failures to ground.

There are various types of ground detection alarms and indicators.

1.      Ground Detection Switch Voltmeter Indication - This system uses the chargers analog DC voltmeter along with positive and negative switches. If a ground is present when the appropriate switch is operated, it will indicate on the chargers voltmeter.
2.     Ground Detection Relays - Positive and negative ground detection relays are provided along with a reset switch. If a ground occurs, the appropriate relay automatically changes state to indicate the alarm via a set of form ‘C’ contacts for positive ground indication and a set of from ‘C’ contacts for negative ground indication.
3.     Ground Detection Lights - This system consists of two lights, one marked positive and one marked negative. Under normal conditions, with no ground present, both lights are dimly lit. If a ground occurs, the light in the grounded circuit will glow brightly, the other light will diminish.
4.      Ground Detection Lights and Switch - This system has two lights, one marked positive and one negative. The lights are not illuminated until the switch is thrown to the positive or negative position. If a ground is present, the appropriate light will illuminate to indicate the ground.

If you have any requirements or any kind of query regarding the battery charger solutions, feel free to communicate with our dedicated team at any time at marketing@everexceed.com.