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General circuit breakers, also called common-breakers or general-use circuit breakers, are available in different types. Their differences are due to the purpose and nature of their work. This is why some are better than others for certain electrical tasks. Below are the most common types.
Also known as auto or self-resetting circuit breakers, these general circuit breakers reset themselves after going off. They do this after the cause of the trip has been addressed. Unlike manual circuit breakers, automatic types do not require human intervention to reset. This self-resetting capability is helpful in situations where power interruptions can cause significant issues (e.g., in industrial settings or data centers). It is for this reason that automatic circuit breakers are in such high demand in many general electrical applications.
Single-pole circuit breakers are the most commonly used type in residential and light commercial settings. They protect smaller electrical circuits (20-30 amps) in lighting, outlets, and small appliances. General circuit breakers of the single-pole type only need one pole to break the current. They are typically used in 120-volt systems. They are thus suitable for low to moderate power applications.
Double-pole circuit breakers break two poles and thus connect to both phases of a 240-volt electrical system. They are primarily used in high-voltage residential and commercial applications, such as in electric heating, large motors, and industrial machinery. A general-purpose circuit breaker of the double-pole type is thus essential for protecting these high-voltage circuits from overloads and short circuits.
Residual current circuit breakers (RCCB) protect people from electric shocks and prevent electrical fires caused by earth faults. They do this by detecting earth leakage currents. An earth leakage current is a current that goes to the ground or earth by any means. An imbalance in the current between the live and neutral wires activates the RCCB. This situation constitutes a risk. The breaker then cuts off the electricity supply immediately. RCCBs are widely used in domestic, commercial, and industrial applications because of their essential safety function.
General circuit breakers are not all made of the same materials. Neither are they all designed in the same way. They ensure reliability, durability, and safe operation. A circuit breaker for a generator, for example, will be made of slightly different materials than a breaker for an indoor installation.
The internal components that make the circuit breaker operational and safe are the thermal-magnetic trip units, as the case is called, and the current-carrying conductive materials. Many breakers use copper or aluminum as the conducting material because of how good they are at conducting electricity. Thermal-magnetic trip units are vital for detecting overload and short circuit conditions. This component comprises bimetallic strips and magnetic coils. The coils and strips will be made of copper and steel alloys. These materials are selected based on their good thermal resistance and synergistic effect on the magnet's operation.
A strong plastic or metal casing houses, protects, and encapsulates all these internal components. Polycarbonate or nylon is the preferred choice of material for most circuit breakers' external casings. These materials are impact-resistant, durable, and can withstand high temperatures. Metal casings are typically used in industrial environments due to their increased strength and protection from harsh external conditions.
Most modern general circuit breakers have high durability and security between their electrical terminals and power connections. Many of their terminals use materials with increased mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, such as brass or stainless steel. The primary reason these materials are used is to ensure minimum resistance is present during connection and prevent overheating due to power loss.
Circuit breakers must also have good insulation properties to prevent electrical arcing and ensure that each component is properly insulated. Rubber-like compounds and epoxy resins are good insulating materials. These materials are commonly used in circuit breakers.
General circuit breakers are used in different environments and electrical setups. Each of these situations needs the breaker's protection and reliability. Below are some of these common use cases.
General circuit breakers have to be used in all the homes and apartments around the world. Their main job is to protect the electrical systems in the homes from overloads and short circuits. This protection avoids the risk of fire and damage to electrical devices. General circuit breakers are installed in the main electrical panels of the house. From there, they distribute electricity to specific circuits servicing off-peak or low energy consumption lightings, power outlets, and small appliances. Basically, a circuit breaker keeps an entire electrical system in a home running and safe.
In retail stores, corporate offices, and schools, general HVAC circuit breakers are used to ensure reliable power distribution. Large electrical systems are found in these places, which, after a certain number of circuits, require specialized breakers to handle the load. In this scenario, circuit breakers protect critical equipment like lighting systems, computers, HVAC systems, and more. Over here, they maintain uninterrupted operation and safeguard power from overloads and short circuits.
General circuit breakers are used to protect large industrial machines and equipment operating under heavy power.
These breakers keep the working environment safe while ensuring reliability and preventing major power fluctuations. General circuit breakers are also crucial for controlling and protecting the large motors and equipment commonly found in these high-power environments.
General circuit breakers are also important in data centers in this digital age. In these places, power cannot be allowed to fail or even fluctuate. General circuit breakers protect IT equipment, servers, and storage systems to ensure constant power supply. This protection ensures reliability and avoids costly downtime and data loss.
Choosing the most ideal general circuit breaker out of the many available is important and involves several considerations.
The first step in selecting the most suitable circuit breaker is to determine which application will be used and what its power requirements will be. Make the requirement more specific by looking at the peak loads and the total wattage of the connected devices.
The next step is to check the breaker's amperage rating. Since the amperage rating is the maximum load a breaker can handle, use one with a rating that exceeds the circuit's highest load. This balancing will prevent nuisance tripping while ensuring that the breaker can handle the circuit's workload without going overboard.
Next, consider the voltage that will be used with the breaker. Choose one that is compatible with either the 120-volt or 240-volt system. The circuit breaker should also have the right number of poles. This factor depends on whether the application requires a single-phase or three-phase power. Residential applications typically use single-pole breakers. Three-phase industrial applications mostly use multipole breakers.
Ensure the breaker has the right trip mechanism. Auto-resetting circuit breakers are convenient because they automatically reset after tripping. This is unlike manual ones, which require people to reset them physically. Thermal-magnetic breakers are also a great option as they provide reliable overload and short circuit protection.
Finally, look for general circuit breakers with additional protective features, such as residual current protection or surge suppression. This addition helps to enhance safety and prevent equipment damage further.
A1: Circuit breakers protect electrical systems from overloads and short circuits by interrupting the current flow. They are for ensuring safety and preventing damage to equipment and wiring.
A2: While both protect against overloads, breakers reset after tripping. This ease is compared to fuses, which must be replaced after blowing.
A3: The main advantage of using automatic circuit breakers is their ability to self-reset, unlike manual ones, which require human intervention to reset.
A4: Thermal-magnetic breakers trip from overloads using a bimetal strip that bends from heat. The magnetic coil then trips for sudden short circuits.
