Managing Nuisance Tripping in High Inrush Applications

This white paper discusses the management of nuisance tripping and protection needs in high inrush applications, focusing on circuit breakers. It outlines the nature of high inrush currents and their potential to cause nuisance tripping if circuit protection is not adequately designed. The document details various scenarios where high inrush currents occur, such as with incandescent lamps, capacitive loads, and transformers. It explains the characteristics of motor inrush protection and the differences between switching power supplies and linear power supplies. The paper emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate circuit protectors to prevent nuisance tripping while ensuring equipment safety. It also describes methods for measuring inrush currents, including the use of oscilloscopes and current meter shunts. The paper concludes by discussing the design features of Airpax hydraulic magnetic circuit breakers that help manage inrush currents effectively, highlighting the need for tailored protection solutions in different applications.