What Is A Circuit Breaker? How Does It Work?

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By Jay Mac


Circuit breakers are crucial protection devices in today's electrical world, and one of the most important safety mechanisms in your house. Without them, house-hold electricity would be impractical because of the possibility of fires and damage resulting from simple wiring issues and equipment malfunctions. Simply speaking, a circuit breaker is a mechanical device designed to monitor electrical current within a conductor (wire) for potentially unsafe overloads or short circuits. Circuit breakers monitor the electrical voltage, current and resistance within the circuit and cutting off power to the circuit when current levels get excessive, fluctuate unexpectedly or short circuit - preventing potential disastrous situations.

Simply speaking, a circuit breaker is a mechanical device created to monitor electrical current within a conductor (wire) for potentially unsafe overloads or short circuits. Circuit breakers work by monitoring the electrical voltage, current and resistance within the circuit and turning off power to the circuit when current levels get excessive, change abruptly or short circuit - preventing damage and catastrophic situations.

When utility power is delivered to a property it travels through a utility metering system (electric meter) into a main circuit breaker and is then distributed to two copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al) metal bus bars positioned inside the panel. When the main breaker is switched on, electricity travels through the main breaker, into these bus bars and is distributed to each branch circuit breaker connected to them. These circuit breakers (branch breakers) then enable electricity to flow into individual wires running throughout the house connected to wall outlets, lights and various appliances. The main breaker protects the entire panel for system faults and overloads. The branch breakers protect the specific circuit each is wired to and monitors the electrical current flowing within that wire of the circuit. If a specified overload or short circuit situation occurs within that circuit, the branch breaker will trip, cutting power to all of the outlets, lights and appliances connected to that circuit.

Breaker Manufacturers

When electrical power is delivered to a residence it travels through a utility metering system (electric meter) into a main circuit breaker and is then distributed to two copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al) metal bus bars located inside the panel. When the main breaker is switched on, electricity flows through the main breaker, into these bus bars and is distributed to each branch circuit breaker connected to them. A typical central panel includes about a dozen circuit breaker switches leading to various circuits in the house. One circuit might include all of the outlets in the living room, and another might include all of the downstairs lighting. Larger appliances, such as a central air conditioning system or a refrigerator, are typically on their own circuit.

Circuit breaker Brands

Beware of Counterfeits

Is Reconditioning a Safe Option?

Some recent counterfeiting litigation cases made the news in the industry and have helped cut down the number of counterfeit products circulating in the marketplace. This doesn't mean you won't come across counterfeits, it just means the probability is lower. It really is wise to deal with respectable vendors that have been in the industry for a long period of time. Ask the supplier what they do to ensure products they sell are genuine, as any supplier of reconditioned breakers should have a process in place for identifying reproduction hardware.




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