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All You Need to Know About Circuit Breakers
Monday, May 7, 2018

Circuit breakers play an important part in limiting the electrical current that flows through the circuit. In case of an electrical shock or electrical fire, circuit breakers shut down the power and keep you safe from any serious injury.

As you read this article, you will get in-depth knowledge about circuit breakers.

Amp Rating

Every circuit breaker has an amp rating. This rating determines the maximum current which the circuit breaker can handle. The electrical load of the circuit is calculated to find the amp rating. The detailed calculation is easily available on the internet. A circuit breaker can typically handle 80 % of its rated capacity. After doing all the calculations, select a circuit breaker with an amp rating that can easily manage the electrical load of your house or building.

Main Circuit Breaker

The main circuit breaker is installed in the main panel that is connected to the electrical meter. It is pre-installed in most of the houses. If there is a serious electrical problem or there is excessive load, then the main breaker shuts down the power to the complete house. There are low chances that the main circuit breaker will trip, because usually the individual circuit breakers trip first.

Standard Circuit Breakers

Normally, these kinds of circuit breakers are used in the house. The circuit breaker trips and stops the flow of current, in case of a short circuit or an increase in loads. Standard circuit breakers save the circuit from catching an electrical fire. They usually come in different pole varieties.

Tandem/Quad Circuit Breakers

By making use of a single space-saving design, these circuit breakers handle several circuits. A quad circuit breaker, while occupying only two spaces, feeds one 2-pole circuit and two 1-pole circuits. On the other hand, a tandem circuit breaker, while occupying only a single space, feeds two 1-pole circuits.

AFCI Circuit Breakers

When you press a switch to open a light or fan, an arc occurs which is harmless. However, when the conductor or insulation is damaged, or wires are loose, then dangerous arcing might occur. If the arcing is ignored, then there is a chance that the intense heat that is produced might damage the circuit. An AFCI circuit breaker is installed to distinguish between dangerous and normal arcing. It disconnects the power in case of a hazardous situation.

GFCI Circuit Breakers

Besides cutting the power in case of an overload or short circuit, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupting (GFCI) breakers also shut down the power when there is a ground fault. They are normally used for wet areas.

Dual Function Circuit Breakers

These breakers are responsible to provide combined protection of both GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers. Dual function circuit breakers offer protection against overloading, short circuits, ground faults and arc faults.

If you are looking to buy a circuit breaker from a reliable online store, you can visit Midwest Equipment and explore a wide variety of products.



 

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