Leakage breaker

A "leakage breaker" is a device or system designed to detect and interrupt electrical leakage currents in a circuit or system. Electrical leakage, also known as electrical leakage current or leakage current, refers to the flow of electrical current through a circuit or system that is not intended to carry current, such as through insulation, air gaps, or other non-conductive materials.

Leakage breakers are typically used in applications where electrical safety is critical, such as:

  1. Medical equipment: To prevent electrical shock or electrocution in medical devices and equipment.
  2. Industrial control systems: To detect and interrupt electrical leakage currents in industrial control systems, such as motor control centers or programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
  3. Power distribution systems: To detect and interrupt electrical leakage currents in power distribution systems, such as electrical panels or switchgear.
  4. Aerospace and defense: To detect and interrupt electrical leakage currents in aircraft and defense systems.

Leakage breakers can be classified into two main types:

  1. Resistive leakage breakers: These devices use a resistive element to detect and interrupt electrical leakage currents. They are typically used in low-voltage applications.
  2. Capacitive leakage breakers: These devices use a capacitive element to detect and interrupt electrical leakage currents. They are typically used in high-voltage applications.

Leakage breakers can be implemented using various technologies, including:

  1. Thermal cutoff devices: These devices use a thermal element to detect and interrupt electrical leakage currents.
  2. Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs): These devices use a sensing element to detect and interrupt electrical leakage currents.
  3. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs): These devices use a sensing element to detect and interrupt electrical leakage currents.
  4. Optical leakage breakers: These devices use optical sensors to detect and interrupt electrical leakage currents.

Leakage breakers are designed to provide fast and reliable detection and interruption of electrical leakage currents, ensuring the safety of people and equipment in a wide range of applications.