How do you test a circuit breaker? when I put my DVM meter on continuity mode my meter beeps having continuity with the circuit breaker button out or in so how do i know if the circuit breaker works if i'm always getting continuity with the circuit breakers button pressed or not pressed?

 

There are all kinds of circuit breaker, adjustable, some have test button etc, a little more specific in type would help.
Max.

 

You can test for continuity across line and load terminals with a meter.
You can test its auxiliary contact functions if it has them with a meter too (assuming its not a breaker that only switches aux states with a true tripping of the breaker)
You can test if the breaker actually functions in an overcurrent situation by running current through it in excess of its trip point with a power supply/load. Note the time curve of the breaker will effect how long it can sustain an overcurrent situation and how much over you may need to go before it actually trips..

but yes as max stated there are many types.. shunt trip/adjustable,etc... so more details would allow a better answer

 

I'll bet you've got more than 1 of these breakers in your possession. Take one that you know works properly, and open it and close it while observing your VOM in either continuity or resistance mode. Then do that same observation on the questionable one.
A circuit breaker must fully, truly open the circuit, no measurable resistance/ continuity. The terminal to terminal (or "stab") impedance should read the same as terminal to insulated case.

 

Circuit breaker
483-G533
Jimi-B2S0Z
MS 3320-1

How can I test this circuit breaker without applying power, voltage or current? or what kind of test circuit can i build to test the circuit breaker?

They call it a thermal circuit breaker, not sure what that means

What is the difference between having auxiliary contacts and non auxiliary contact?

 

To test it I imagine you would need to use a circuit where the rated current can be increased to the point of trip.
A thermal breaker is usually a time delay breaker, the current heats a bi-metal which mechanically trips the breaker, opening the circuit.
In the case of the aux contacts these are generally low level dry contacts that open at the same time to advise a main system that the breaker has tripped and possibly used to take extra action in the controlling device.
You can also get breaker that are tripped by an aux coil remote triggered from the controlling device
Max.

 

Aux contacts are not rated for the same voltage and current as the power contacts. Aux contacts are typically used for external alarms or interlocking. If it has more than 3 pairs of power contacts it is quite unusual, but some do exist.

 

To test it I imagine you would need to use a circuit where the rated current can be increased to the point of trip.
A thermal breaker is usually a time delay breaker, the current heats a bi-metal which mechanically trips the breaker, opening the circuit.
.

So there is no way a DVM meter can test a thermal breaker or circuit breaker?

What types of circuit breakers can i test with a DVM meter?

 

Just to be clear, when you say test them, I assume you mean test if they trip at their rated current?
Because of course a meter will give a simple continuity reading when they are manually tripped and then reset.
Max.

 

Just to be clear, when you say test them, I assume you mean test if they trip at their rated current?
Because of course a meter will give a simple continuity reading when they are manually tripped and then reset.
Max.

How do I know if the circuit breaker or thermal breaker is tripping? what kind of test circuit do i need to build to test the trip point

I can use an external power supply and turn up the current until the circuit breaker trips?

 

One method is to use a Variac and place a suitable load, and increase the voltage to approach the trip point, meanwhile monitoring the load current.
The majority of O/L's are thermal based (although some electronic), so there can be a delay before trip to avoid nuisance tripping on momentary peaks.
Max.

 

what can i use breaker as a load? the wattage of the resistors would be 5 watts?

Block diagram would be:
AC variac to Circuit breaker to Resistor load?

Does the datasheets tell what the trip point is?

 

You cannot have multiple memberships:

SamEricson
Calton57
harrison2015

Which one do you want to retain?

 

Why do you even feel the need to test it?
If you are worried that its old or something then just buy a new one.
Its not worth the time/effort to setup a power supply/load.

And frankly if you have to ask how to test it you aren't capable/qualified of doing it safely anyways.

 

How can I test this circuit breaker without applying power, voltage or current?

You can't.

 

You cannot have multiple memberships:

SamEricson
Calton57
harrison2015

Which one do you want to retain?

I thought the same; another nonsense thread.

 

And frankly if you have to ask how to test it you aren't capable/qualified of doing it safely anyways.

Anyone asking this question should contact a qualified electrician. Clearly they don't know what they're doing and could get themselves or someone else killed.

 

You cannot have multiple memberships:

I thought it a bit peculiar when carlton57 responded to a thread started by harrison2015 as if he were the OP...

 

You can't.

Nice and direct, just the way I like it...
Another way that this question could've been formulated is: "How do I test if a match will burn without actually having to light it up?"

 

I thought it a bit peculiar when carlton57 responded to a thread started by harrison2015 as if he were the OP...

...didn't catch that one!
Max.