QO-PL and QOB-PL Powerlink
Remotely Operated CIrcuit Breakers
QO-PL and QOB-PL circuit breakers combine overcurrent and short-circuit protection with remote
switching. These circuit breakers are ideal for lighting loads or wherever power switching is required.
These circuit breakers are designed to be used with many types of control devices, from simple push
buttons to programmable controllers and energy management systems. QO-PL and QOB-PL circuit
breakers have all of the features of standard QO circuit breakers including Visi-Trip
, plus the added
ability to be remotely switched on and off. They are rated for a minimum of 30,000 remote operations.
Remote switching is accomplished using a 24 Vdc power supply. Square D offers QOPLPS and
QOBPLPS power supplies. These power supplies mount directly in any QO load center or NQ or
NQOD panelboard just like a QO circuit breaker. They provide power to switch up to three QO-PL or
QOB-PL circuit breakers simultaneously. A minimum of two seconds recharge time must be allowed
between operation for non-simultaneous operations of circuit breakers being supplied by a power
supply.
QO Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter Circuit Breakers
QO arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) quickly detects a wide range of arc-fault conditions, recognizes
the nature and specific wave-form of an arc fault and trips the circuit breaker. Traditional circuit
breakers and fuses are designed to detect overloads and short circuits. Arc-fault circuit breakers are
designed to detect overloads, short circuits and arc faults.
An arc-fault circuit breaker opens the circuit and stops the arcing and high intensity heat before a fire is
likely to ignite. It is designed with the same quick-open and Visi-Trip
features and reliability of other
QO circuit breaker products, fits into most existing Square D load centers, and can generally be used
as a direct replacement for a standard Square D circuit breakers. The AFCI overall size is larger than
an equivalent QO circuit breaker.
Arc-fault circuit breakers:
• Have special microprocessor-based arc identification to differentiate necessary operational arcs
(associated with loads such as electric motors, switches and receptacles) from actual arc faults
which can cause damage and fires.
• Differentiate true arc faults from chopped wave-forms associated with switched-mode power
supplies on electrical appliances, computers and lamp dimmers.
QO AFCI's are available as Branch Feeder Type and Combination Type. Branch AFCI circuit breakers
provide arc-fault protection of the branch circuit wiring. Combination AFCI circuit breakers provide arcfault protection for the branch circuit and also provides protection of cord sets and power-supply cords.
The AFCI type required for an installation is generally governed by the installation codes which are
adopted by local inspection authorities. Consult local building codes and inspection authorities to
determine which type is required in your area.
