Circuit breaker set
A circuit breaker set is a collection of circuit breakers that are designed to work together to provide a complete electrical circuit protection system. Here are some common components that may be included in a circuit breaker set:
- Main Breaker: This is the primary circuit breaker that supplies power to the entire electrical system. It is usually the largest and most powerful breaker in the set.
- Branch Breakers: These are smaller circuit breakers that are connected to the main breaker and supply power to specific areas or circuits within the electrical system.
- Grounding Breakers: These breakers are designed to protect against ground faults, which occur when there is a path to ground through a faulty electrical circuit.
- Arc Fault Breakers: These breakers are designed to detect and interrupt arc faults, which occur when there is a spark or arc between two conductors in a circuit.
- GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Breakers: These breakers are designed to protect against ground faults and are typically used in areas where water is present, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) Breakers: These breakers are designed to detect and interrupt arc faults in branch circuits.
- Time-Delay Breakers: These breakers are designed to delay the trip time of the breaker to allow for inrush currents to clear before tripping the breaker.
- Instantaneous Breakers: These breakers are designed to trip immediately when a fault is detected, without any delay.
A circuit breaker set may also include additional components such as:
- Busbars: These are metal strips that connect the circuit breakers together and provide a path for electrical current to flow.
- Fuses: These are used to provide backup protection in case a circuit breaker fails or is damaged.
- Grounding rods: These are used to provide a path to ground for electrical current to flow safely.
- Neutral links: These are used to connect the neutral conductor to the grounding system.
The specific components included in a circuit breaker set will depend on the type of electrical system being protected, the voltage and current ratings of the system, and the local electrical codes and regulations.