Buyers Products Hi-Amp Panel Mount Circuit Breaker is ideal for switch and power distribution panels. It can be switched with a manual push-button trip. The unit is waterproof to protect against shorts and IP67 rated for dust resistance.
Specifications
| Depth | 2.090 |
|---|---|
| Length | 1.91 |
| Material | Plastic |
| Max Volts | 42.0 |
| Reset | Manual |
| Studs Material | Brass |
| Trip Current | 60 |
| Waterproof (y/n) | Y |
| Width | 2.92 |
Advanced Technical Overview: 60 Amp Push-to-Trip Circuit Breaker for Demanding Applications
The Buyers Products 60 Amp Push-to-Trip Circuit Breaker represents a robust and indispensable component for advanced electrical system protection, meticulously engineered for high-current direct current (DC) applications. This device is specifically designed to safeguard sensitive electrical circuits and associated equipment from the destructive effects of overcurrent conditions, including sustained overloads and critical short circuits. Its "Hi-Amp" designation underscores its capacity to reliably interrupt substantial current flows, a critical attribute for ensuring operational integrity and preventing catastrophic failures in demanding environments.
Fundamental Principles of Circuit Protection
Circuit breakers serve as automatic electrical switches designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent, typically resulting from an overload or short circuit. Unlike fuses, which operate once and then must be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset (either manually or automatically) to resume normal operation after the fault has been cleared. This particular 60 Amp unit incorporates a manual reset mechanism, providing the operator with explicit control over system restoration and necessitating an investigation into the cause of the trip before re-energizing the circuit.
The "Push-to-Trip" feature, explicitly mentioned in the product title, signifies a critical operational advantage. This functionality allows for the deliberate and immediate interruption of the circuit for maintenance, troubleshooting, or safety purposes, even in the absence of an overcurrent fault. This capability provides an additional layer of control, enabling technicians to de-energize a circuit segment quickly and safely, which is invaluable in complex power distribution networks where selective isolation is often required without needing to disconnect the power source or open an entire distribution panel. It effectively functions as both an automatic protective device and a manual disconnect switch, enhancing versatility and safety protocols.
Detailed Analysis of Core Specifications and Features
60 Amp Trip Current Rating
The primary function of this circuit breaker is defined by its 60-ampere trip current rating. This specification indicates the maximum continuous current the breaker is designed to carry without tripping. When the current flowing through the circuit exceeds 60 amperes for a predetermined duration, the internal mechanism of the breaker will actuate, opening the circuit and interrupting the flow of electricity. Proper sizing of a circuit breaker is paramount; an undersized breaker will nuisance trip, while an oversized one may fail to protect the circuit effectively, leading to overheating of conductors, damage to connected devices, or even fire hazards. This 60A rating makes it suitable for heavy-duty auxiliary circuits, large inverters, high-power audio systems, winches, lift gates, battery charging circuits, and other significant loads commonly found in vehicular, marine, and industrial DC applications.
42.0 Max Volts DC Operation
The maximum voltage rating of 42.0V clearly positions this circuit breaker for direct current (DC) applications. This voltage range encompasses common automotive (12V, 24V), heavy-duty commercial vehicle (24V, 36V), and certain specialized battery bank or solar power systems. The operational characteristics of circuit breakers differ significantly between AC and DC systems, particularly concerning arc suppression. DC arcs are inherently more difficult to extinguish than AC arcs because a DC current does not naturally pass through zero. Therefore, breakers designed for DC must incorporate more robust arc quenching mechanisms. The 42V rating confirms its engineering for reliable performance within these DC electrical architectures, ensuring effective fault interruption without compromising the integrity of the circuit breaker or the system.
Panel Mount Design for Integrated Systems
The "Panel Mount" configuration signifies that this circuit breaker is designed for secure, flush installation within switch panels, control consoles, or power distribution units. This mounting style offers several advantages: it provides a clean, professional aesthetic; it protects the internal components of the breaker from accidental damage or tampering; and it facilitates easy access for manual resetting or deliberate tripping. The precise dimensions (Depth: 2.090, Length: 1.91, Width: 2.92) are critical for panel fabrication and ensuring compatibility with existing or planned enclosures, allowing for streamlined integration into complex electrical systems and maintaining a compact footprint.
Manual Reset Mechanism for Diagnostic Control
This circuit breaker features a "Manual" reset type. This is a deliberate design choice offering distinct advantages in critical applications. Unlike automatic reset breakers, which reclose the circuit once the fault clears, a manual reset breaker requires human intervention to restore power. This forces an operator to acknowledge the trip event, ideally prompting an investigation into the root cause of the overcurrent. This diagnostic necessity prevents repeated cycling of the breaker into a persistent fault condition, which could lead to further damage to components or even a fire. It promotes safer operation by ensuring that any underlying issues—such as wiring faults, component failures, or excessive load demands—are addressed before power is re-applied, thereby enhancing overall system reliability and safety.
Exceptional Environmental Durability: IP67 Rating and Waterproof Construction
One of the most distinguishing features of this circuit breaker is its robust environmental protection. It is explicitly stated as "Waterproof (y/n): Y" and possesses an "IP67 rated for dust resistance." The IP67 rating is an international standard defining the degree of protection provided by electrical enclosures against ingress of solids and liquids.
- The '6' in IP67 indicates complete protection against dust ingress. This means that the enclosure is dust-tight, preventing any dust from entering the mechanism, which is crucial for maintaining the operational integrity of moving parts and electrical contacts, especially in harsh industrial, agricultural, or off-road environments where airborne particulates are prevalent.
- The '7' in IP67 indicates protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Specifically, it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. This level of waterproofing is far beyond mere splash resistance, making the breaker ideal for marine applications, exterior vehicle installations, or heavy-duty equipment exposed to rain, washdowns, or temporary submersion. This superior environmental sealing ensures the internal electrical components remain dry and corrosion-free, preventing short circuits, degradation of insulation, and premature failure due to moisture ingress.
Material Composition: Plastic Housing and Brass Studs
The choice of materials is integral to the breaker's performance and durability:
- Plastic Housing: The primary enclosure is constructed from "Plastic." High-grade engineering plastics used in circuit breaker housings are typically chosen for their excellent dielectric strength (insulating properties), mechanical robustness, resistance to impact, and often, flame-retardant characteristics. They also offer good resistance to various chemicals, oils, and UV radiation, which are common in automotive, marine, and industrial settings. The plastic housing ensures that the live internal components are safely isolated from the external environment and personnel, preventing electrical shock hazards.
- Brass Studs: The electrical connection points are made from "Brass." Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc known for its excellent electrical conductivity, superior corrosion resistance, and good mechanical strength. In high-current applications like this 60 Amp breaker, low contact resistance is critical to minimize heat generation at the terminals. Brass studs provide reliable, low-resistance connections, ensuring efficient power transfer and preventing hotspots that could lead to component degradation or increased power consumption. The corrosion resistance of brass is particularly beneficial in damp or salty marine environments where other metals might quickly oxidize and compromise electrical integrity.
Comprehensive Application Scenarios
This 60 Amp Push-to-Trip Circuit Breaker is ideally suited for a broad spectrum of high-demand DC electrical systems, extending beyond general switch and power distribution panels.
- Automotive and Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Essential for protecting main auxiliary circuits, high-output alternators, power inverters, winches, lift gates, battery isolation systems, air compressors, and trailer wiring in trucks, buses, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and emergency vehicles.
- Marine Vessels: Its IP67 rating and corrosion-resistant brass studs make it perfect for protecting bilge pumps, navigation electronics, anchor windlasses, high-power audio systems, and battery charging circuits on boats, yachts, and other marine craft where exposure to water and salt spray is constant.
- Recreational Vehicles (RVs): Safeguards critical circuits such as inverter feeds, main battery bank outputs, slide-out mechanisms, and generator starter circuits, ensuring reliable power delivery and safety for on-the-road living.
- Renewable Energy Systems: Suitable for protecting battery bank outputs, charge controller inputs (if within voltage limits), and inverter DC input lines in off-grid solar or wind power installations, where robust overcurrent protection is vital for system longevity and safety.
- Industrial and Commercial Applications: Can be integrated into control panels for DC motors, specialized machinery, telecommunications equipment, and portable power units that operate within its voltage and current parameters, especially in environments requiring high ingress protection.
Installation and Operational Considerations
Proper installation is crucial for the optimal performance and safety of the 60 Amp Push-to-Trip Circuit Breaker. The panel mount design requires a precisely cut opening in the mounting surface for a secure and flush fit. Electrical connections must be made via the brass studs, utilizing appropriately sized ring terminals and ensuring proper torque for tight, low-resistance connections. Wire gauge selection must adhere to electrical codes and standards relative to the 60-ampere rating to prevent conductor overheating under normal and fault conditions. The "Push-to-Trip" button should remain accessible for both emergency disconnections and manual fault clearance, and its operation should be clearly understood by all system operators.
Conclusion
The Buyers Products 60 Amp Push-to-Trip Circuit Breaker is a highly specialized and exceptionally durable component designed for the most challenging DC electrical environments. Its precise 60-ampere overcurrent protection, 42V DC rating, and manual reset functionality provide superior circuit safeguarding and operational control. The combination of a rugged plastic housing, corrosion-resistant brass studs, and an industry-leading IP67 environmental rating ensures unparalleled reliability against dust, water immersion, and other adverse conditions. This breaker's strategic integration into switch and power distribution panels in automotive, marine, RV, and industrial applications significantly enhances system safety, protects valuable equipment, and minimizes downtime by offering a robust, resettable, and manually controllable solution for critical power management. Its engineering reflects a commitment to advanced performance and unwavering dependability in demanding operational scenarios.
