Circuit breaker picture

Here is a simple diagram of a circuit breaker:

Circuit Breaker Diagram

          +---------------+
          |  Live Wire  |
          +---------------+
                  |
                  |
                  v
+---------------+       +---------------+
|  Circuit      |       |  Load (e.g.  |
|  Breaker      |       |  Light Bulb)  |
+---------------+       +---------------+
                  |
                  |
                  v
+---------------+       +---------------+
|  Neutral Wire |       |  Neutral Wire |
+---------------+       +---------------+

In this diagram:

• The "Live Wire" is the hot wire that carries electricity from the power source.
• The "Circuit Breaker" is the device that monitors the flow of electricity and trips (or opens) if it detects a fault or overload.
• The "Load" is the device that uses the electricity, such as a light bulb.
• The "Neutral Wire" is the wire that completes the circuit and allows electricity to flow back to the power source.

When the circuit breaker trips, it opens the circuit and breaks the flow of electricity to the load. This is designed to prevent damage to the load or the circuit, and to prevent electrical shock or fire.

Here's a more detailed diagram of a circuit breaker:

Circuit Breaker Components

          +---------------+
          |  Live Wire  |
          +---------------+
                  |
                  |
                  v
+---------------+       +---------------+
|  Trip Unit    |       |  Arc Chute    |
|  (includes     |       |  (absorbs     |
|  thermal     |       |  arc energy)  |
|  and magnetic  |       |               |
|  sensors)     |       |               |
+---------------+       +---------------+
                  |
                  |
                  v
+---------------+       +---------------+
|  Contact Set  |       |  Spring-Loaded |
|  (opens the  |       |  Contact Set  |
|  circuit)    |       |  (closes the  |
|               |       |  circuit)     |
+---------------+       +---------------+

In this diagram:

• The "Trip Unit" contains sensors that monitor the flow of electricity and detect faults or overloads.
• The "Arc Chute" is a device that absorbs the energy released when the circuit breaker trips, preventing damage to the surrounding components.
• The "Contact Set" is the physical mechanism that opens or closes the circuit.
• The "Spring-Loaded Contact Set" is designed to return to its original position when the circuit breaker is reset.