High Current Test Bench

The CKINSTO High Current Test Bench is a specialized, automated apparatus primarily used for conducting Current Temperature Rise Tests or Heat Run Tests on electrical components. Its core function is to subject a device under test (DUT) to its rated or an intentionally excessive electrical current for a sustained period to measure the resulting temperature increase. This is critical for verifying the thermal performance, safety, and compliance of components with international standards like IS 1293, IS 694, and IEC 60884 (for plugs and sockets) and others for switchgear, terminals, and connectors. Key Applications The test bench is designed for quality control and R&D in industries manufacturing: Switchgear Components: Circuit breakers (MCBs, MCCBs), contactors, relays. Wiring Accessories: Power plugs, sockets, switches, junction boxes. Connection Devices: Electrical terminals, cable lugs, busbar joints, and connectors. Power Cables: Ensuring conductor and insulation materials can withstand permissible temperature limits. Core Technical Features & Specifications The test bench is characterized by its ability to generate and sustain extremely high currents under precise control: Feature Description Typical CKINSTO Specifications (Example) High-Current Source A built-in source (often a transformer/current injector) that delivers stable, adjustable AC current. Up to $20,000 \text{ A}$ (or $20 \text{ kA}$), with lower ranges like $200 \text{ A}$ or $500 \text{ A}$ also common depending on the model. Power Input The system typically requires a robust three-phase power supply. 3 Phase AC supply (e.g., $440 \text{ V}$). Temperature Monitoring The critical feature is the accurate measurement of temperature at multiple contact points. Equipped with 12 or more K-type thermocouples for multi-point temperature sensing. Data Logging An integrated system to record and analyze the temperature over the test duration. PLC base, Touchscreen HMI, and/or SCADA-based PC software for real-time data recording of voltage, current, temperature, and time. Busbar & Fixturing Robust, high-conductivity busbar arrangements (often Copper) to minimize self-heating and securely connect the DUT. Copper Busbar output with customizable clamping fixtures. Safety Features Essential for managing the high power involved in the test. Includes MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) and Overload Protection Relay. Test Output The test involves measuring the temperature rise ($\Delta T$)—the difference between the temperature of the DUT's contact point and the ambient temperature. Automatic monitoring for pass/fail based on standard-defined temperature limits. Test Principle The electrical component (DUT) is secured within the test fixture. A large, stable current (e.g., the component's rated current or an overload current) is injected into the DUT for a long duration until the temperatures stabilize (thermal equilibrium). The thermocouples measure the temperature at various critical points (terminals, contacts, housing). If the temperature rise exceeds the limit specified by the relevant standard (e.g., the terminal temperature rise limit in IEC 60884-1), the component fails the test.