What Are The Two Types Of Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are electrical safety devices which protect against overloads or short-circuits in electric circuits. They are essential components in any electrical installation and are usually the last line of defense against hazardous electric currents. There are two main types of circuit breaker: thermal and magnetic.

Thermal circuit breakers, commonly known as fuse boxes, are designed to detect and react to high temperatures in the case of an overload or a short circuit. When exposed to heat due to an abnormally high current, the circuit breaker’s internal element will expand, breaking the connection and stopping the current from flowing. Once the danger has passed, the circuit breaker must be reset manually.

In contrast, magnetic circuit breakers use a magnetically operated switch to detect and open the circuit in the case of overload or short circuit. This type of protective measure is often found in larger installations, due to its higher breaking capacity which allows for more load on the circuit. Magnetic breakers also feature automatic resetting once the danger has passed.

Overall, both types of circuit breaker perform the same function: protecting electric circuits from potentially hazardous excess current. For those who work with electrical appliance, it is important to choose the right type of breaker according to the current load expected in the circuit, as one of the most effective safety measures you can take.

Types Of Circuit Breakers