Circuit breaker

Circuit Breaker is an automatic electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after a fault is detected.

Function

A circuit breaker is designed to protect the wiring in a home. It automatically interrupts a circuit (hence the name) when it detects an overload or short circuit, preventing further damage and fires. Unlike a fuse, which operates once and then must be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset (either manually or automatically) to resume normal operation.

Types of Circuit Breakers

There are several types of circuit breakers, each with its own method of operation. The three main types are:

• Thermal circuit breakers use heat to break the circuit. When the current exceeds a certain level, it heats a bimetallic strip or melts a solder joint, both of which break the circuit.
• Magnetic circuit breakers use a solenoid (a coil of wire that generates a magnetic field when current is passed through it) to break the circuit. When the current exceeds a certain level, the magnetic field generated by the solenoid is strong enough to trip a lever and break the circuit.
• Thermal-magnetic circuit breakers combine the features of the above two types. They use both heat and a magnetic field to break the circuit.

Applications

Circuit breakers are used in almost every home and business around the world. They are essential for protecting electrical systems and maintaining electrical safety. They are also used in large scale applications like power distribution networks to prevent damage to equipment and maintain power supply.

See Also

• Electrical safety
• Fuse (electrical)
• Solenoid
• Electrical wiring