Electrical circuit breakers are probably the most important
safety feature in a building. A circuit breaker measures the amount of heat
produced by the current or by the magnetic field created by the small coil
inside the breaker.
When the
current becomes too high, the breaker will cut off the circuit to stop it. Fuses
serve the same function but can only be used once. Anyone who has blown a fuse
can tell you it is much easier to have circuit breakers.
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Electrical circuit breakers are also useful for shutting
down power to the entire house. If you need to do some electrical
maintenance, either for the entire structure or individual electrical
wires, shutting down the main breaker can be a safety tool.
Although electrical waves are invisible, we all know they
have great potential danger. You should label each individual electrical circuit
breaker so it is easily accessible for future use. |
Direct current, or DC circuit breakers, are commonly used in automobiles. DC
circuit breakers, unlike alternate current (AC) breakers, only deliver currents
in one direction. These types of circuit breakers are a renewable energy
delivery source, and special precautions should be taken when using them.
Since all batteries have the capability of producing enormous amounts of energy
when short-circuited, care should be taken to properly install the breaker, fuse
and disconnects in a vehicle. Autos should have additional protection against
over current for the battery and each of the branch circuits. Vehicle fires
sometimes result when the owner does not take proper precautions.
DC circuit breakers often have plastic beads inside of the fuse. When the
current becomes too heavy, these plastic beads can melt and fill the void inside
the fuse and prevent an arc from forming. If the current is very heavy this can
cause electrical fires. While DC circuit breakers are effective in preventing
damage from an overload of current, they are only effective to a certain degree.
Any power source using DC technology should have a backup master fuse to protect
the vehicle against total short-circuit.
About the Author - Elizabeth Morgan.
Circuit Breakers Info provides detailed
information about circuit breaker panels, circuit breaker manufacturers, plus
advice on how to replace and install circuit breakers and where to buy used and
surplus circuit breakers. Circuit Breakers Info is the sister site of
Electricians Web.
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