How the ELCB works when Earth faults occur

TR; Transformer

ZCT; Zero-phase Current

Transformer

ST; Shunt Trip-coil

TS; Test Switch

R; Resistor

M; Motor

la, lb, lc; Phase current

lg; Earth fault current

The ELCB is taken core balanced operating method with an amplifier.

If there is no leakage of electricity in the equipment, vector quantity of the current flowing in each
phase becomes Ia + Ib + Ic=0, and no voltage will be induced in the secondary winding of the
zero- phase current transformer(same results even when the current of each phase is not in
balance). However, if a ground fault current Ig should run due to deterioration of the insulation of
the equipment and circuit, vector quantity of the current will be Ia + Ib + Ic=Ig, thus inculding a
voltage equivalent to Ig in the secondary winding of the ZCT. On the other hand, this voltage is so
little that it cannot directly trip the breaker. Consequently, it is fed to the amplifier. Through
amplification, it excites the shunt trip coil and activates breaking motion of the breaker.