What is meant by plugging a motor?

Induction motors are one of the major power-consuming loads on the planet today and are widely used for all industrial and domestic applications. Plugging is one of the braking techniques performed in induction motors. Dynamic braking and regenerative braking are the other two braking methods. What is meant by plugging an induction motor? Plugging is … Read more

Generate electricity from electricity – Is that possible?

“Can we generate electricity from electricity?”  This is a quite common question that many people ask. The answer for this question is amazingly simple but tricky. We need to understand the principle of energy transformation to be able to digest the answer. According to the law of conservation of energy, “Energy can neither be created … Read more

Top 5 differences between fuses and circuit breakers

Short circuits and overloads are abnormal conditions that cause heavy current flow in a circuit. Heavy currents are capable of damaging a device or a circuit and may end up with electrical hazards. Fuses and circuit breakers are protection devices that ensure the safety of the equipment or circuit in which they are used. This … Read more

Why are overhead transmission lines not insulated?

Overhead transmission lines are not insulated primarily due to three reasons: first and foremost is to reduce the weight of the lines, secondly to save cost and the last is they are at sufficient height to avoid direct contacts. Let us discuss each one of the reasons one by one elaborately. You might have notices … Read more

Difference between fuse and MCB

Circuit protection devices such as fuses and MCBs are used to safeguard any equipment from damages caused due to short circuits. The usage of these devices does not mitigate the chances of occurrence of a fault. But can help us prevent the undesirable aftermaths of the electrical faults. This article is about the difference between … Read more

Difference between utilization categories AC-1 and AC-3

The utilization categories AC-1 and AC-3 defines making, breaking and continuous operation current rating for contactors. Based on these rating, contactor for switching of resistive loads and switching of squirrel cage induction motor are selected. The above picture shows a contactor manufactured by ABB with its operational current rating labelled on it. It can be … Read more

How to save on electricity bills?

A few small behavioral changes and other adjustments can help us save electricity as well as electricity bills. By saving electricity we are not only saving money but also saving our nation’s demand for resources and saving the environment. Below are the 10 simple techniques that can help you save on electricity bills. How is … Read more

Electromechanical relays vs solid-state relays

Relays are electrically operated switching devices, used to gain control over processes and circuits. Based on their principle of operation they are classified into two types: Solid-state relays and electromechanical relays. In this article let us discuss each one of them, their differences and similarities. Comparison of electromechanical and solid-state relays Electromechanical relays Solid-state relays … Read more

Difference between earth leakage relay and earth fault relay

Earth fault is an undesirable condition at which current flow from a conductor to earth. This can happen when a current-carrying conductor falls on the ground or the body of any equipment or when someone touches a live conductor with adequate PPE or due to insulation failures. Earth leakage relay and earth fault relays are … Read more

What is an arc chute?

Definition of arc chute Arc chute is a set of metal plates that are arranged in parallel and mutually insulated from each other, which can divide, cool and safely extinguish an electric arc. They are also known as arc splitters and arc dividers. Arc chutes can be found inside circuit breakers, contactors, isolators and other … Read more