Circuit breaker usually operate under
Circuit breakers typically operate under the following conditions:
- Overcurrent: A sudden increase in current flowing through the circuit, such as a short circuit or a fault, which causes the breaker to trip and disconnect the power supply.
- Overload: A prolonged increase in current flowing through the circuit, such as a motor starting or a high-power device being turned on, which causes the breaker to trip and disconnect the power supply.
- Ground fault: A fault that causes a path to ground, such as a person touching a live wire or a faulty appliance, which causes the breaker to trip and disconnect the power supply.
- Arc fault: A fault that causes an arc to form between two conductors, such as a faulty wire or a lightning strike, which causes the breaker to trip and disconnect the power supply.
- Temperature: High temperatures, such as those caused by a fault or an overload, which can cause the breaker to trip and disconnect the power supply.
Circuit breakers are designed to operate quickly and safely to prevent damage to equipment and to protect people from electrical shock. They are typically rated for a specific voltage and current, and are designed to trip within a certain time frame (usually milliseconds) when an overcurrent or fault occurs.