Know Your Options: Uncovering the Benefits of the Five Most Common Circuit Breaker Types
Circuit breakers are an essential and important part of keeping a home or business safe from electrical dangers. They come in a wide range of sizes and types, designed to protect against a range of different potential issues – from overheating or overloading a circuit, to electrical current surges and complete short-circuits. In this article, we’ll look into five different circuit breaker types, looking at their uses, advantages, and applications.
The first type is the thermal magnetic circuit breaker. This device uses a thermal breaker to protect against electrical current surges, having an element which senses an increase in temperature and trips the breaker accordingly. It also has a magnetic trip feature which protects against complete short-circuits, detecting an increase in current and switching off before it causes an electrical fire. Thermal magnetic breakers are often used in homes and businesses that use a lot of electrical circuitry, as they are able to handle many components at once, with their advanced protection capabilities.
The second type is the gFCI circuit breaker. This device is most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, where there is a risk of a person coming into contact with exposed wires. A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) is designed to detect any current that may be escaping from the electrical wiring or appliances, quickly switching off the power before it can cause any harm. This device is essential in areas where water, people, and electricity all come together, as it can prevent serious electric shocks as well as any other potential hazards.
The third type is an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). This device is designed to sense and prevent arcs between live and neutral wires, or in series, which can cause sparks and potentially start an electrical fire. It offers a more advanced level of protection than a GFCI breaker, as it is the only device which is really capable of detecting this type of fault.
Fourthly, you have the voltage-sensing circuit breaker. In comparison with the other types of breakers, this device primarily focuses on preventing voltage surges. Voltage surges are when the electricity exceeds its safe limit for a fraction of a second and can have devastating effects on sensitive appliances such as computers and televisions. The voltage-sensing circuit breaker works to detect and protect against any of these surges, creating a much safer environment.
The fifth type is the combination type circuit breaker. This device is a combination of several other breaker types, providing protection against a wide range of issues. These should be seen as the ultimate breaker type, offering protection against short circuits, overloads, arcing, and voltage surges. Combination type breakers are the one-stop-shop for electrical safety and the best option for most households.
To sum up, the five circuit breaker types we have discussed each come with their own set of advantages and applications – from preventing malfunctions in your kitchen or bathroom, to guarding against dangerous arcs or voltage surges. The most important thing you can do is to make sure your home is fitted with the correct type of breaker and that it is regularly maintained and tested by an experienced electrician. To guarantee optimum electrical safety, it is advisable to choose the combination type breaker which will offer the greatest protection to your home.
