Whats a circuit breaker

A circuit breaker is an electrical device designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by an overload or short circuit. It is essentially a safety switch that automatically interrupts the flow of electrical current when it exceeds a certain level, preventing damage to the circuit or equipment connected to it.

Here's how it works:

  1. When an electrical circuit is functioning normally, the circuit breaker remains in its "closed" position, allowing electricity to flow through the circuit.
  2. If the circuit becomes overloaded or a short circuit occurs, the circuit breaker detects the abnormal current flow and trips, or opens, to interrupt the flow of electricity.
  3. When the circuit breaker trips, it breaks the electrical connection, disconnecting the power supply to the circuit and preventing further damage.
  4. Once the fault is corrected, the circuit breaker can be reset, or "tripped," to restore power to the circuit.

Circuit breakers are commonly used in electrical panels, distribution boards, and switchboards to:

  1. Protect people and equipment from electrical shock and fire hazards.
  2. Prevent damage to electrical equipment and wiring.
  3. Reduce the risk of electrical faults and outages.
  4. Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards and regulations.

There are different types of circuit breakers, including:

  1. Thermal-magnetic circuit breakers: These are the most common type, which use a combination of thermal and magnetic sensors to detect overcurrent conditions.
  2. Electronic circuit breakers: These use electronic sensors and microprocessors to detect overcurrent conditions and trip the circuit.
  3. Molded case circuit breakers: These are compact, self-contained circuit breakers that are commonly used in residential and commercial applications.
  4. Air circuit breakers: These are used in industrial and commercial applications, where they provide high levels of reliability and fault tolerance.

In summary, a circuit breaker is an essential safety device that helps prevent electrical accidents and damage by automatically interrupting the flow of electricity when a fault occurs.