Once a fault is detected, the circuit breaker contacts must open to interrupt the circuit; this is commonly done using mechanically stored energy contained within the breaker, such as a spring or compressed air to separate the contacts.
A circuit breaker is an electrical safety device. It's essentially a resettable fuse that's an automatically operated electrical switch designed to interrupt current flow whenever the current jumps above a safe level, avoiding overheating, melting, and potential fires.
What is a Circuit Breaker? A circuit breaker is a safety switch that automatically “opens” (breaks) a circuit when a triggering event occurs, such as an overload, short circuit or ground fault.
A circuit breaker is defined as a switching device that can be operated manually or automatically for controlling and protecting an electrical power system. It consists of two main contacts: a fixed contact and a moving contact.
Failure of the breaker to stay reset and the age of the breaker itself are other warning signs to watch for. This guide walks you through different types of circuit breakers to help you choose which is best for your home’s electrical needs.