Functional block · BTI

Breaker trip-cause indication

Functional block · Switchgear

An independently authored application reference. The drawing shows the named function or circuit relationship; use the project legend and selected equipment documentation for its drafting form and connections.

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In plain English

What this block does

Retains the originating protection or control cause associated with the recorded opening event.

A simple example

In a switchgear control schematic, the bay controller compares independent status contacts before displaying a position or allowing another operation. The signal labels explain which physical state each contact represents. For this reference, the drawing identifies “Trip initiations and event time” at the input and “Trip-cause record” at the output. Cause indication is distinct from opening confirmation.

Trip initiations and event timeBTITrip-cause record
A reading guide. The entry's original illustration and input/output facts describe this application.

What the drawings help you do

Start at the named input: Trip initiations and event time. Identify its source device or document and the state represented on the drawing. Follow the named output: Trip-cause record. Cross-reference its destination and separate the command from confirmation that the equipment responded.

Input
Trip initiations and event time
Output
Trip-cause record
Application reference
An explanation of a named drawing function or circuit relationship; the project documents define the equipment and its connections.

Read the source: Masterclad medium-voltage switchgear: circuit-breaker section interlocks

Schematic · BTIBreaker trip-cause indication: original educational illustration
Original educational illustrationSee source and graphic notes

What it represents

Retains the originating protection or control cause associated with the recorded opening event. Breaker status indications describe the operating mechanism, the removable truck or the health of a supporting system. These signals are related but are not interchangeable: an open breaker can still have its truck connected to live bus contacts.

In a switchgear control schematic, the bay controller compares independent status contacts before displaying a position or allowing another operation. The signal labels explain which physical state each contact represents. For this reference, the drawing identifies “Trip initiations and event time” at the input and “Trip-cause record” at the output. Cause indication is distinct from opening confirmation.

Keep contact reference conditions, terminal numbers and interpretation logic together. Distinguish a mechanically operated indication from a measured current or voltage condition. The functional block is an independent explanation of this named application. Equipment-specific ratings, terminal connections and operating conditions must be established in the project documentation.

How to read it

  • Start at the named input: Trip initiations and event time. Identify its source device or document and the state represented on the drawing.
  • Follow the named output: Trip-cause record. Cross-reference its destination and separate the command from confirmation that the equipment responded.
  • Cause indication is distinct from opening confirmation.
  • Keep contact reference conditions, terminal numbers and interpretation logic together. Distinguish a mechanically operated indication from a measured current or voltage condition.

Information to show or reference

  • Label the source and connection reference for trip initiations and event time.
  • Identify the destination and defined state of trip-cause record.
  • Record the equipment or control-document revision supporting this functional block.
  • Check this application limit in the project design: Cause indication is distinct from opening confirmation.

A distinction that matters

Cause indication is distinct from opening confirmation. This reference describes the named application; it does not establish a new IEC graphical symbol, an ANSI device-function number or an exact manufacturer connection diagram.

Sources you can follow

These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.

Masterclad medium-voltage switchgear: circuit-breaker section interlocks

Public technical context for breaker position and status interfaces. Breaker control, mechanism, position contacts, racking interlocks and test interfaces. The application text and educational graphic are independently authored; the publisher does not certify this representation.

Schneider Electric · Public reference checked 3 November 2026 · Link only

About this graphic

This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.

SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.

Entry JSON · Entry Markdown · Last editorial update: 3 November 2026

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