What Are The 2 Types Of Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are essential components of an electrical system. These specialized devices protect circuits from overloading, which can lead to fires and other hazards. But how exactly do circuit breakers work? What are the two types of circuit breakers?

The two basic types of circuit breakers are thermal-magnetic circuit breakers and residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs). Thermal-magnetic circuit breakers detect overcurrent by responding to both an increase in temperature and an increase in the current passing through it. These breakers are designed to turn off the circuit when the current reaches a dangerous level, then wait for the temperature to drop before re-energizing the circuit.

Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) are slightly different than thermal-magnetic breakers. These breakers measure the difference between the current going into a circuit and the current coming out of the circuit. If the difference is too great, the breaker shuts off the power. RCCBs are ideal for circuits with higher than normal loads, such as those involving motors and transformers.

In summary, there are two main types of circuit breakers. Thermal-magnetic breakers protect circuits from excess current and heat, while RCCBs are designed to protect circuits with higher than normal loads. Both types of circuit breakers are important components of any electrical system and play an essential role in preventing electrical fires.