[HomeBrew] AC vs DC Breakers

[rbethman]

Your site would seem to defeat your statement.

The same breaker is used for AC or DC.

I submit that a 120VAC 30A circuit breaker WILL interrupt 12VDC 30A.

The arc distance built into the breaker is far more than adequate for 12VDC.

Bob - N0DGN


> Jim Miller KG0KP wrote:
>   
>> Can a 120v 30A circuit breaker be used as a 30A breaker in "12V" operation?
>>     
>
> Depends. Under short-circuit conditions, there is a large arc on break. 
> If the contact spacing isn't large enough, you could sustain a dc arc, 
> whereas an ac arc might self-extinguish at the zero crossing point. 
> There are breakers designed for dc applications, often used on boats, or 
> with solar arrays. I'd suggest using one.
>
> http://www.iboats.com/AC_DC_Marine_Circuit_Breakers/dm/view_id.446101
>
> 73,
>
> Jim, KR1S
> http://qrp.kearman.com/
>   

-- 
Bob - NØDGN