Buyers Products High-Amp Circuit Breakers with Auto Reset protects accessory circuits on dump hoists, plows, spreaders, lift gates, and cranes. The auto reset circuit breakers are water resistant and feature silver-plated studs, stainless steel nuts, and rubber boots. They're available in several amperages to suit your needs.
Specifications
| Length | 2-7/8 |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Max Volts | 42.0 |
| Reset | Auto |
| Studs Material | Brass |
| Trip Current | 50 |
| Waterproof (y/n) | Y |
| Width | 1-7/8 |
Advanced Technical Overview: 50 Amp Auto Reset Circuit Breaker for Demanding Applications
The 50 Amp Circuit Breaker with Auto Reset from Buyers Products represents a critical component in safeguarding electrical systems within heavy-duty mobile equipment and industrial machinery. Engineered for exceptional reliability and operational continuity, this device meticulously protects accessory circuits against overcurrent conditions, which can otherwise lead to extensive damage, system downtime, and potential safety hazards. The inherent design principles behind this auto-reset circuit breaker prioritize robust performance in the most challenging environmental and operational contexts, making it an indispensable asset for equipment such as dump hoists, plows, spreaders, lift gates, and cranes.
Understanding the fundamental role of a circuit breaker is paramount to appreciating the value of this 50 Amp unit. Unlike traditional fuses, which are single-use sacrificial devices, a circuit breaker is designed for repeated operation. When an overcurrent condition occurs, the circuit breaker automatically interrupts the flow of electricity, isolating the faulty circuit. What distinguishes an "auto reset" circuit breaker, in particular, is its ability to automatically re-establish the connection once the fault has cleared and the device has cooled down. This functionality is crucial in applications where manual intervention is impractical or undesirable, significantly reducing downtime and maintaining operational efficiency. The specified 50 Amp trip current ensures precise protection for circuits drawing up to 50 amperes, preventing thermal overload and potential fire hazards, while accommodating the substantial current demands typical of hydraulic pumps, electric motors, and high-intensity lighting systems found in heavy-duty equipment.
Operational Mechanism: The Auto-Reset Advantage
The auto-reset function is typically achieved through a thermal tripping mechanism utilizing a bimetallic strip. This strip, composed of two different metals bonded together, bends when heated by excessive current flow. At the calibrated trip current of 50 Amps, the heat generated causes the strip to deflect sufficiently to open the electrical contacts, thereby interrupting the circuit. Once the fault condition subsides and the bimetallic strip cools, it returns to its original shape, automatically re-closing the contacts and restoring power to the circuit. This seamless, automatic restoration of power offers significant operational advantages in heavy-duty environments. For instance, in a lift gate application, a momentary overload caused by a stubborn load might trip the breaker. With an auto-reset mechanism, once the load is adjusted or the momentary surge passes, the circuit breaker resets itself, allowing continued operation without the need for an operator to locate and manually reset a switch or replace a fuse. This feature is invaluable for maintaining productivity and reducing operational interruptions, especially when equipment is operated remotely or in difficult-to-access areas.
While providing unparalleled convenience, it is important to understand the operational nuances of auto-reset circuit breakers. In scenarios where a persistent fault exists, the breaker may repeatedly cycle between tripped and reset states. This cycling behavior serves as an indicator of a chronic electrical issue, prompting necessary diagnostic and repair actions. However, the design inherently protects the circuit from continuous damaging current, even during fault cycling. The 50 Amp rating is carefully selected to match the typical current draw of the auxiliary circuits it is intended to protect, ensuring that nuisance trips are minimized while offering robust protection against hazardous overloads.
Engineered for Extreme Environments: Robust Construction and Materials
The construction of this Buyers Products 50 Amp Circuit Breaker is specifically tailored for the arduous conditions prevalent in vocational truck and heavy equipment applications. The housing is crafted from durable plastic, selected for its excellent dielectric properties, mechanical strength, and resistance to environmental degradation. This material choice ensures effective electrical insulation and protection for the internal components, even under severe shock and vibration, which are common occurrences in dump trucks, plows, and cranes. The compact physical dimensions, measuring 2-7/8 inches in length and 1-7/8 inches in width, facilitate flexible installation in confined spaces without compromising performance or accessibility.
A critical aspect of the breaker's robust design lies in its conductive components. The product features high-quality silver-plated brass studs. Brass, known for its good electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, is further enhanced by a silver plating. Silver possesses superior electrical conductivity and resistance to oxidation, particularly beneficial in low-voltage, high-current applications where maintaining minimal contact resistance is crucial for efficient power transfer and to prevent heat buildup. These silver-plated studs ensure reliable, low-resistance connections, translating to reduced power loss and improved overall system efficiency. Complementing these studs are stainless steel nuts, which provide secure, vibration-resistant fastening. Stainless steel's inherent resistance to corrosion and rust ensures the integrity of electrical connections over long periods, even when exposed to moisture, road salts, and harsh chemicals. Furthermore, the inclusion of protective rubber boots over the terminals significantly enhances the environmental resilience of the circuit breaker. These boots act as a barrier against moisture, dust, and corrosive elements, preventing short circuits and degradation of terminal connections, thereby extending the operational lifespan of the device and maintaining circuit integrity.
Water Resistance and Environmental Resilience
A standout feature of this 50 Amp circuit breaker is its water-resistant construction, denoted by the "Waterproof (y/n): Y" specification. This attribute is paramount for applications where exposure to the elements is unavoidable. Heavy-duty equipment frequently operates outdoors in diverse weather conditions, including rain, snow, sleet, and even pressure washing during maintenance. The robust sealing and material choices ensure that internal electrical components are shielded from ingress of water and contaminants. While a specific IP (Ingress Protection) rating is not explicitly stated, the design intent clearly indicates a high level of protection against water penetration, consistent with the demands of exterior-mounted components on agricultural, construction, and municipal vehicles. This water resistance not only prevents immediate electrical faults but also mitigates long-term corrosion and degradation of internal mechanisms, preserving the breaker's trip accuracy and reset reliability over its operational life.
Applications in Heavy-Duty Industries: Enhanced System Reliability
The versatile design and high current rating of this 50 Amp auto-reset circuit breaker make it ideally suited for a wide array of heavy-duty applications:
- Dump Hoists: These systems often involve high-current hydraulic pump motors that raise and lower truck beds. The breaker protects the motor and associated wiring from overloads during heavy lifting or if the hydraulic system encounters an obstruction.
- Plows: Electric motors for angle adjustment, lift mechanisms, and auxiliary lighting on snowplows draw significant current. The 50 Amp rating is appropriate for these circuits, offering reliable protection against surges caused by impacts or motor strain, while the auto-reset feature minimizes interruptions during critical snow removal operations.
- Spreaders: Motorized spreaders for salt, sand, or gravel rely on robust electrical systems. This breaker protects the spreader motor and control circuits, ensuring continuous operation even if material jams cause temporary overloads.
- Lift Gates: Hydraulic power units and electric motors driving lift gates on delivery trucks and trailers are high-current consumers. The breaker prevents damage to these expensive components and ensures the lift gate remains operational, enhancing delivery efficiency and safety.
- Cranes: Auxiliary circuits on mobile cranes, such as those for outrigger deployment, remote controls, or specialized tooling, require dependable overcurrent protection. The auto-reset capability is particularly beneficial here, allowing operators to quickly resume tasks after clearing a temporary fault without having to access and reset the breaker manually, which could be challenging at height or in restricted areas.
In each of these demanding applications, the circuit breaker's ability to automatically reset after a fault clears significantly contributes to operational uptime, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances operator safety by ensuring consistent protection without requiring constant manual intervention.
Electrical Specifications and Performance Parameters
The technical specifications underline the breaker's suitability for modern vehicle electrical architectures. With a maximum voltage rating of 42.0 Volts DC, this circuit breaker is compatible with standard 12V, 24V, and even some emerging 36V DC systems prevalent in heavy-duty vehicles and industrial machinery. This broad voltage tolerance ensures versatility across a range of equipment types. The precise 50 Amp trip current is factory-calibrated to ensure consistent and reliable operation. This means the device will reliably trip when the current exceeds 50 amperes, protecting the downstream components, and will not trip prematurely under normal operating conditions. While not explicitly stated, such circuit breakers are typically designed to meet or exceed relevant interrupting capacity standards (e.g., SAE J553), ensuring they can safely interrupt high fault currents without catastrophic failure. The thermal design also implies a degree of ambient temperature compensation, allowing for consistent performance across a practical operating temperature range typical for automotive and industrial applications.
Installation and System Integration Best Practices
Proper installation is paramount to leveraging the full protective capabilities of the 50 Amp Circuit Breaker. Given its dimensions of 2-7/8 inches in length and 1-7/8 inches in width, it is designed for compact mounting, typically in-line with the protected circuit or within a power distribution module. When integrating this breaker into an electrical system, careful consideration should be given to wire gauge selection, ensuring it is appropriate for the 50 Amp current rating to prevent voltage drop and excessive heat generation in the wiring itself. Secure connections are critical; the silver-plated brass studs and stainless steel nuts require proper torque during installation to ensure minimal contact resistance and prevent loosening due due to vibration. Furthermore, positioning the breaker in an accessible, yet protected, location is advisable, even with its auto-reset function, to facilitate visual inspection or diagnostic procedures if a persistent fault occurs. Adherence to manufacturer's recommended wiring diagrams and local electrical codes is always recommended to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Compliance and Quality Assurance
Buyers Products is renowned for its commitment to quality, and this 50 Amp Auto Reset Circuit Breaker exemplifies this dedication. Products of this nature are typically designed to meet or exceed industry standards such as SAE J553 for circuit breakers used in automotive and vehicular applications. Such adherence to recognized standards ensures that the device provides reliable, consistent performance and safety. Furthermore, manufacturing processes are often governed by quality management systems like ISO 9001, guaranteeing product consistency and durability. This commitment to quality assures end-users of a dependable product that will contribute to the overall safety and reliability of their critical equipment.
Conclusion: Uncompromising Protection for Critical Systems
The 50 Amp Circuit Breaker with Auto Reset from Buyers Products is more than just an electrical component; it is a vital safety and reliability instrument for heavy-duty applications. Its sophisticated auto-reset mechanism, coupled with robust, water-resistant construction utilizing high-quality materials like silver-plated brass studs, stainless steel nuts, and protective rubber boots, ensures uninterrupted protection in the harshest environments. From safeguarding the powerful hydraulic pumps of dump hoists to the critical control circuits of cranes, this circuit breaker provides an uncompromising layer of defense against overcurrents, enhancing operational efficiency, extending equipment lifespan, and most importantly, bolstering safety for operators and assets. For industries where uptime and reliability are non-negotiable, this technically advanced 50 Amp auto-reset circuit breaker stands as an essential component in a well-engineered electrical system.
