Top 14 Manufacturers of Circuit Breakers

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Sometimes dozens of years spent on building and refining a house can be crossed out by one short circuit that creates a fire. This may be a jammed refrigerator compressor, a chandelier or a washing machine that has shorted to the case. To prevent such a disaster, it is important to install circuit breakers in the electrical circuit of an apartment, house or office. They react to short circuits or thermal overloads by opening the circuit. We have compiled a list of the best manufacturers of this protective equipment, which will help you navigate the current variety and choose a “machine” with positive reviews and reliable operation.

How to choose a circuit breaker

First, we will mention how to choose a circuit breaker, so that in the course of the review you can notice the advantages and disadvantages of products from different manufacturers for a particular environment of use. The circuit breaker should be selected based on:

1. Wiring sections. In domestic and industrial buildings, the diameter of the cable core can be from 1.5 to 35 mm². For 1.5 mm², you will need an “automatic” with a minimum of 10 A. For 35 mm², it is supposed to use a 80 A switch. You can find out the wire section by marking on the braid (if the wire is new) or by cleaning part of the protective sheath and measuring its diameter with a caliper.

2. Number of lived. If there are several cores in the cable, then the ratings of the circuit breaker remain the same as with a single-core wire, but the design of the “machine” will differ, providing for the possibility of connecting several contacts.

3. Cable laying points. With the same cable cross-section, the trip rating of the circuit breaker may differ due to the different operating environment. For example, for a 1.5 mm² wire laid in a wall, 10 A is sufficient. But if the wiring is placed in a plastic box, then a 16 A “automatic” is already required. A.

4. chain type. Requirements for “machines” may differ depending on the single-phase or three-phase network. For example, for a 4 mm² wire operating with 220 V, you will need a 25 A circuit breaker. But if the same cable transmits 380 V, then lowering the breaker threshold to 20 A is acceptable.

To make it easier for you to understand the choice of a circuit breaker for each specific type of wire, we attach a table.

The selection of an automatic breaker according to the power of the connected equipment is not entirely correct, since if the wiring cross-section does not match the current consumed, the core itself will constantly overheat and the protection will work. This will prevent the devices (drilling machine, welding machine) from working normally. And if the “machine” matches the current of the subsequent equipment in the circuit, but exceeds the wiring performance, then a fire will occur. Therefore, for powerful consumers, you will first have to replace the wiring, and then select the appropriate “machine” according to its diameter.

But the sensitivity of the connected devices to current surges should be taken into account, for which switches with a low threshold are provided (categories A and B from 4.5 kA, responding to a 30% short-term deviation from the nominal value). They are suitable for equipment with semiconductors that do not like even short-term overloads. For other devices that use high starting currents (lathes, generators, pumps), it is worth choosing switches with a high sensitivity threshold (from 6 kA), otherwise the voltage will always knock out during start-up.

Rating of the best manufacturers of circuit breakers

The best foreign manufacturers of circuit breakers

Now let’s go directly to the review of the best manufacturers. The most reliable and long-serving are foreign goods. Here is a list of companies that make them.

Schneider Electric

Rating: 5.0

Despite the German sound of the name, Schneider Electric is a French company. The manufacturer has been producing voltage supply products since 1836. The company’s catalog offers circuit breakers for one, two or three poles. The place of connection of wires is securely hidden from accidental touches. Most of the products are of a modular type and are designed to be mounted on a rail in a switchboard. Buyers like the accuracy of the circuit breaker from the French manufacturer in the reviews. It responds to each new ampere of power consumption and will not allow overheating of the core and melting of the cable winding.

Our experts have singled out the manufacturer as the best in the production of circuit breakers for powerful plants. The company’s catalog offers not only household series 10-32 A, but also 100-800 A, capable of ensuring the safety of cables from large press machines, electric cranes and huge pumps.

FIG

Rating: 4.9

In second place is the manufacturer ABB, which appeared in 1988 due to the merger of two companies (BBC and Asea). The company is currently headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The manufacturer specializes in electrical engineering, industrial automation, robotics. The company’s plants operate not only in their homeland, but also in Italy, Germany and Sweden. The manufacturer offers circuit breakers of type B (for apartments, houses, offices), C (small workshops, garages), and D (for circuits with a high load of active-inductive type). The position of the switch toggle switch is clearly marked on each housing so that the user can easily navigate. Judging by the reviews, the craftsmen like the firm fit of the circuit breakers on the ABB bus, where everything is attached tightly and compactly.

Our experts considered the manufacturer to be the best due to the long service life of the products. Even the simplest household SH201 series is designed for 20000 operation cycles. And a special line of XT1B can withstand up to 25000 cycles without breakdowns.

GREAT

Rating: 4.8

The third place of honor is occupied by another French manufacturer LEGRAND. The company was founded in 1860 and is now headquartered in Limoges. The priority sectors are structured cabling systems, protective switching equipment, automation systems. Of the automatic type switches, the manufacturer offers three series. RX³ is the very first product of the company, designed for use in residential premises, offices and small workshops. In this category, 6-63 A circuit breakers with a trip threshold of 4.5 kA. For shops, shopping centers and administrative buildings, the company offers the TX³ range with a rating of 6-63 A, which differs from the previous breaking capacity of 6-10 kA. For industries and factories, LEGRAND has a third DX³ series with circuit breakers up to 250A, and a trip threshold of 36 kA.

In our opinion, this manufacturer is the best in terms of equipment of “automatic machines”. Here you can find models with electromagnetic release adjustment, which helps to adjust the accuracy of the breaker operation depending on the connected devices.

SIEMENS

Rating: 4.7

The manufacturer from Germany continues the review. The headquarters of SIEMENS is located in Berlin. The company was founded in 1847. The concern specializes in electrical engineering, lighting equipment, medical devices and electronics. The manufacturer’s catalog offers circuit breakers with currents of 6-32 A for home and office, as well as industrial versions of 32-300 A, designed for one, two or three poles. You can operate them at temperatures from -25 to +45 degrees. In reviews, electricians like the increased dust protection of the circuit breaker housing with a degree of IP40 (competitors have IP20). This ensures the safety of the cleanliness of the contacts and the reliability of operation.

Experts paid attention to the manufacturer due to the presence of differential circuit breakers in the catalog. This is a complex equipment that combines the functionality of a simple “machine” and an RCD. Such a device not only protects the apartment from fire in the event of a short circuit, but also prevents a person from being struck by an electric current that has “gone” to the body of a refrigerator or washing machine.

GENERAL ELECTRIC

Rating: 4.6

This is an American manufacturer that originated in 1878. The company produces medical equipment, household and photo equipment, light bulbs. She even has contracts for the military industry. The range of “machines” is divided into two categories. G are designed for low-voltage electrical networks with a trip rating from 6 to 40 A and a sensitivity of 6 kA. To them, the company produces independent releases Tele L2, attached to the body of automatic breakers. For production, the company offers the Hti line, designed for currents up to 125 A. All equipment can be used at temperatures of -40 … +50 degrees.

According to the editors of the magazine, this manufacturer is the best, since it produces a rare type of four-pole circuit breakers. This type of breakers is used in environments where there is a high risk of electric shock where even the neutral wire needs to be de-energized (e.g. emergency vehicles with a welding generator set).

Moeller

Rating: 4.5

The German concern Moeller continues the category of foreign manufacturers. The company has existed since 1899 and is now headquartered in Bonn, Germany. The company specializes in electrical equipment, automation equipment and low-voltage networks. The concern has representative offices in 90 countries. Products are manufactured at 15 factories, so for a particular product, the country of manufacture may be the USA, Japan or Korea. Recently, the manufacturer introduced a new brand, Eaton, so semi-automatic machines are sold under this name. The range is divided into household series PL 4-7, and FAZ, which are suitable for a current strength of 6-63 A. Their short-circuit current varies from 4.5 to 10 kA. For production, the company offers the BZM1-3 line, designed for 125-400 A. In the reviews, buyers are satisfied with the long service life of the goods.

Our experts drew attention to the visual convenience of monitoring the position of the switch lever. Under it there is a window showing in color (red or green) the status of the device. This allows you to understand at a distance whether a trigger has occurred.

Hager

Rating: 4.4

At the end of this category is the imported brand Hager, which originated in 1955 in Germany. Now the manufacturer has factories for the production of electrical products both at home and in France. Hager switches belong to the premium class. The range includes models with a nominal value from 0.5 to 125 A. The products are divided into two large series M and N, each of which has subcategories (MB, MC, NBN, NCN, NDN). For production, the company has automatic-type power switches with a rating of up to 1600 A. Electricians in the reviews like that here you can find rare “machines” with a tripping value of 70 kA.

The manufacturer was added to the review of the best due to the special geometry of the terminal, which cannot be connected incorrectly. This eliminates the possibility of poor contact and overheating of the wiring. The company also tries to keep the same external dimensions of the switches, despite the regular release of new types. This allows you to combine new series with old ones in one shield if a device needs to be replaced.

The best domestic manufacturers of circuit breakers

If the budget is limited, you can consider an alternative from the range offered by domestic manufacturers. Here are the best according to experts and buyers.

KEAZ

Rating: 5.0

Here, in the first place, the experts placed the domestic manufacturer of switches from Kursk. This is a group of companies that began its activities in 1945. The concern is the largest in Russia in the production of electrical products. Among automatic breakers, it offers two types. In a molded case, switches are characterized by increased strength and are able to serve in harsh industrial conditions. The power range varies from 6 to 800 A. Air circuit breakers are more reliable in terms of operating speed and withstand currents up to 6300 A. Most competitors do not have similar indicators.

Electricians like the reviews that there are many additional accessories for automatic type switches on sale (rear covers, clamp kits, toggle switches, etc.). This allows you to easily fix the broken part, instead of buying a whole new product. For good maintainability of products, the manufacturer is recognized as the best.

CONTACTOR

Rating: 4.9

The second position is taken by the domestic manufacturer KONTAKTOR, whose plant is located in Ulyanovsk. The company has been operating since 1941 and has been specializing in low-voltage equipment from the very beginning. Among the product range, the Proton series of switches, which appeared in 2017, stands out. It is designed for a wide range of applications with currents from 16 to 1600 A. The Nord industrial line is available with a current range of 50-5000 A. Another Electron Pro series allows you to service circuits with currents up to 6300 A. For exclusively domestic use, the manufacturer offers automatic type switches from the BA57 line with a rating of up to 250 A. In addition, the catalog contains Kpro modular equipment with a current range of 16-100 A.

This manufacturer is notable for the presence of “machines” for direct current. It is also the best in product quality control in the domestic market, since since 2007 it has been part of the LEGRAND Industrial Group, being its brand.

DEC Power

Rating: 4.8

Next is the domestic manufacturer DEKraft. In the world, the brand is known as Delixi Electric (owned by Schneider Electric) and is developing in countries such as Egypt, South Africa, China, Turkey, Indonesia, Brazil, Algeria. A new name was invented to promote the brand in Russia and the CIS countries. A feature of the project is the production of products directly in the country of sale, using local raw materials and components. In Russia, the manufacturer settled in Moscow. The company has been operating since 2007. Circuit breakers are offered for offices, airports, warehouses, apartments, hotels, industrial buildings. The company has its own workshops for welding, plastic injection and its own research center.

Our experts drew attention to the fact that the manufacturer has additional modular devices OP-101, which can be used in tandem with circuit breakers. Such surge arresters monitor the power consumption and do not allow it to be exceeded, which prolongs the life of the “machine”.

INCL

Rating: 4.7

The group of companies appeared in Russia in 1999, but at first it was engaged in wholesale sales of products from other manufacturers. Gradually, the company gained momentum and a local plant was opened in the Tula region, as well as its own brand of low-voltage equipment was introduced. Now it is a leading domestic manufacturer whose products are sold in Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other countries. Customers are offered the VA 47 and VA 47-100 series, which have a current rating of 0.5-100 A and are manufactured with one, two or three poles. For industrial use, the manufacturer has a VA 88 line, designed for a current of 125-1600 A. In reviews, buyers praise switches for reliable operation and compact dimensions.

We considered the manufacturer to be the best because of the release of automatic releases with silver-plated composite soldering. This protects metal parts from oxidation and ensures reliable contact.

SVETOZAR

Rating: 4.6

The Svetozar plant, located in Volgograd, completes the category of domestic producers. The company specializes in the manufacture of lamps, lamps and other low-voltage products. Automatic type switches are produced in accordance with GOST 50345-99. Contact group made of copper has good electrical conductivity and long service life. The range contains two lines “Premium” and “Master”, which have current strength indicators of 10-63 A. At the same time, the response sensitivity varies from 4.5 to 10 kA. Buyers share in the reviews that the switches do not heat up even when powered devices are operating at maximum power. The owners also note the hermetic design of the spark chamber – when triggered, the plastic does not melt, and no light is visible from the outside of the flash.

According to the editors of the magazine, the manufacturer is the best in terms of the quality of the clamp of the connected wires. The terminals are equipped with additional notches that ensure reliable meshing of the core. Vibration in the shield is not able to loosen the contact and cause the assembly to overheat.

Top China Circuit Breaker Manufacturers

In this category, experts have collected the most worthy manufacturers from China. Although Chinese products are viewed with prejudice by some, the companies on our list have real factories with quality control, not workshops in the basement.

CHINT

Rating: 4.5

In first place in the category manufacturer CHINT. The enterprise was organized in 1984. Now it employs 29000 people in more than 80 factories. The headquarters is located in Wenzhou. In China, the company is the largest manufacturer of low-voltage electrical equipment. The catalog of automatic releases contains categories S, H and R. In total, there are 65 models of switches in the assortment. They are offered with poles from 1 to 3 and a current rating of 40-1600 A. They are suitable for working with a single-phase network of 220 V, three-phase 400 V and even 690 V. Users in the reviews like that you can buy a switch from this manufacturer directly on AliExpress, what will come out cheaper than the cost in the store, and you do not have to pay customs duties.

The Chinese concern is included in the list of the best because of its fame and worldwide recognition. This is the largest manufacturer of “machines” in the entire Asia-Pacific region. The products have international certificates CEBEC, GOST, VDE, UL, FI, KEMA. Although the goods are Chinese, they are in no way inferior to European ones in quality.

EKF

Rating: 4.4

The EKF brand appeared in 2001 and is registered in Russia, but the production itself is carried out on industrial sites in China, so our experts classified it as Chinese. Now the manufacturer has about 40 factories producing cables, low-voltage equipment and accessories for them. The company has its own quality testing laboratory. The catalog offers circuit breakers of model type, with differentials and surge protection devices. The operating rating varies from 6 to 125 A. There is a sensitivity threshold of 4.5-10 kA. Buyers in the reviews like the ease of attaching the switch to the rail in the shield.

Our experts have added the manufacturer to the list of the best due to the most affordable cost of products among the goods produced at the factory. This is the best option for large-scale construction (developers should pay attention to products), where you can get a certified product that will pass the test, and at the same time save money.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.