32a double pole breaker for 220v circuit randomly trips

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jimg@gsp
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32a double pole breaker for 220v circuit randomly trips

Post by jimg@gsp »

Hello,

I am running a BCS-462 in a control box with (6) 6,000w elements, each utilizing a 32a double pole breaker for 220v circuit.

I am attempting to dial-in our boil kettle process using (2) elements, manually running them directly from the panel switches. Nothing else is being used. (2) volt/amp meters at the panel read each of (2) 60 amp feeds to the panel. They each display about 240/24.

About once every few hours of continuous use, an element breaker trips. Not just the same one, but randomly one of two that are simultaneously in use. I can immediately reset it, and it holds for about the same amount of time. My experience tells me that if there were a wiring issue anywhere in the box or downstream all the way to the kettle elements, or even if the breaker was over-heating, I could not reset them and have them hold.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks!

Jim
GSP Craft Brewing
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oakbarn
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Re: 32a double pole breaker for 220v circuit randomly trips

Post by oakbarn »

You can reset a Hot breaker and have it hold. At least I did. I am not an Electrician, but practical experience.

I recently had to upgrade all my wire for a 5500 W x 220 vac Element.

I was running AWG 8 but upgraded to AWG 6 and so far that seems to work, I had found a bad burnt 30 amp DP contractor :roll: that I also upgraded to a 40 Amp one.


My breaker was tripping and I could reset it. It would then trip again some time later.
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oakbarn
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Re: 32a double pole breaker for 220v circuit randomly trips

Post by oakbarn »

Also I think your breaker is too small.


6000w / 220 = 27.27 amps

27.27 * 1.25 = 34.08

Rule of thumb For continuous load, Regular CB must be rated at 125% of continuous load.

Again, I am not an electrician, so take with grain of salt.
jimg@gsp
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Re: 32a double pole breaker for 220v circuit randomly trips

Post by jimg@gsp »

Yes, thanks for that oakbarn. This makes perfect sense!
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Re: 32a double pole breaker for 220v circuit randomly trips

Post by jimg@gsp »

Oakbarn, what brand of contactors and breakers did you use, and where did you purchase them?

Thanks!
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oakbarn
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Re: 32a double pole breaker for 220v circuit randomly trips

Post by oakbarn »

Parkard and Amazon
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