Supplementary breaker
A supplementary breaker is a type of electrical breaker that is designed to provide additional protection to a circuit beyond what is provided by the main breaker or fuse. Supplementary breakers are typically used in conjunction with a main breaker or fuse to provide a higher level of protection against electrical overloads and short circuits.
Supplementary breakers are often used in applications where the main breaker or fuse may not be able to handle the maximum current rating of the circuit, such as:
- High-power circuits: Supplementary breakers can be used to provide additional protection to high-power circuits that require a higher level of current rating than the main breaker or fuse can provide.
- Long circuits: Supplementary breakers can be used to provide additional protection to long circuits that may be more prone to overheating or arcing due to the increased resistance and voltage drop.
- Hazardous locations: Supplementary breakers can be used in hazardous locations such as industrial settings, construction sites, or areas with high levels of moisture or dust, where the risk of electrical shock or fire is higher.
Supplementary breakers typically have a higher current rating than main breakers or fuses and are designed to trip or blow at a lower current level than the main breaker or fuse. This provides an additional layer of protection against electrical overloads and short circuits.
Some common types of supplementary breakers include:
- Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs): These breakers are designed to detect and interrupt arcing faults in a circuit, which can cause fires.
- Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs): These breakers are designed to detect and interrupt ground faults in a circuit, which can cause electrical shock.
- Overcurrent devices (OCDs): These breakers are designed to detect and interrupt overcurrent conditions in a circuit, which can cause overheating or arcing.
- Molded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs): These breakers are designed to provide additional protection against electrical overloads and short circuits in industrial and commercial applications.
Overall, supplementary breakers provide an additional layer of protection against electrical hazards and can help to prevent electrical fires, shocks, and other safety risks.