Circuit breakers come in different types and sizes depending on their application. They can be found in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The three main types of circuit breakers are thermal, magnetic, and a combination of both.
Thermal circuit breakers work by using a bimetallic strip that bends when heated. When the current exceeds the rated limit of the circuit breaker, the bimetallic strip bends and opens the contacts to interrupt the current flow.
Magnetic circuit breakers use an electromagnet to trip the switch when there is a sudden surge of current in the circuit. This type of circuit breaker is more responsive to short-circuit faults than thermal circuit breakers.
Combination circuit breakers use both thermal and magnetic technologies to provide protection against overload and short circuits.
In addition to their protective function, some advanced circuit breakers have features such as ground fault protection, arc fault detection, and remote operation capabilities.
Overall, circuit breakers play a critical role in ensuring electrical safety by preventing electrical fires and protecting appliances from damage due to excessive current flow.