What are Circuit Breakers? – What is a circuit breaker used?

In every electrical system, circuit breakers play a crucial role. They protect us from electrical hazards and keep our electrical equipment safe. Whether at home, in a school, or in a big business, circuit breakers help prevent dangerous situations like electrical fires and shocks. In this blog post, we’ll break down what circuit breakers are, why they are important, and how they work. We’ll also discuss different types of circuit breakers and what to do if your breaker keeps tripping.

What is a Circuit Breaker?

A circuit breaker is a device that protects your electrical system. Its main job is to stop electricity from flowing if something goes wrong. This could be a short circuit, an arc fault, a ground fault surge, or simply an overloaded circuit. By “breaking” or cutting off the circuit, it stops the flow of electricity and helps prevent damage to your equipment, appliances, or electrical wiring.

Why Are Circuit Breakers Important?

Circuit breakers are essential because they:

• Prevent electrical fires by stopping the flow of electricity when there is a problem.
• Protect against electrical shocks, keeping you and your family safe.
• Allow for easy reset if the power trips, unlike fuses that need to be replaced.

How Does a Circuit Breaker Work?

Think of a circuit breaker as a safety switch. When it detects a problem, such as too much current flowing through the wires, it “trips” and cuts off the electricity. Here are some common reasons why a circuit breaker may trip:

1. Arc Faults: This happens when there is a spark or arc, often due to loose or corroded wires.
2. Short Circuits: When a live wire touches a neutral wire, it causes a high flow of electricity, which can overheat the circuit.
3. Ground Fault Surges: Occurs when a live wire contacts the ground or a metal surface, causing too much current to flow.
4. Circuit Overloads: If too many devices are plugged in or running at once, the circuit can get overloaded and trip.
5. Defective Breakers: Sometimes, the breaker itself is faulty and needs replacing.

Types of Circuit Breakers

Not all circuit breakers are the same. They come in different types to handle various electrical loads and problems. Here are the most common ones:

• Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers: These use heat and magnets to detect issues like overloads and short circuits.
• Magnetic Circuit Breakers: They primarily protect against short circuits using a magnetic coil.
• Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): These breakers protect against electrical shocks by monitoring the balance between the live and neutral wires.
• Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs): These are used to detect and protect against arc faults.
• RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent): They combine RCD and overcurrent protection, making them ideal for monitoring specific circuits.

Resetting a Circuit Breaker

One of the great features of circuit breakers is that they can be reset after tripping. If the breaker trips due to a minor electrical issue, you can usually fix it by switching the breaker back on. Here’s how you can do it safely:

1. Find the breaker box, usually located in a utility room or garage.
2. Identify the tripped breaker. It will be in the “off” or neutral position.
3. Flip it back to the “on” position. If it trips again, there could be a bigger problem, and you may need an electrician.

Circuit Breaker Isolation and Selective Coordination

When a problem occurs in the electrical system, circuit breakers help by isolating the fault. This process is known as selective coordination. It ensures that only the affected part of the circuit is turned off, leaving the rest of the system working. This is especially important in places like hospitals, data centres, or factories, where power must remain on as much as possible.

Electrical Safety Standards for Circuit Breakers

In the UK, the installation and use of circuit breakers are regulated by electrical safety standards, such as the BS 7671 Wiring Regulations. These rules make sure your home or building is safe by setting requirements for circuit breaker installation. Following these standards helps reduce the risk of electrical fires and shocks.

Why Does My Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping?

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s important to find out why. Here are some common causes and what to look out for:

1. Arc Fault: Listen for a buzzing sound in the sockets or switches.
2. Short Circuit: Look for a burning smell or marks around the breaker.
3. Ground Fault Surge: Similar to a short circuit, check for brown or black stains on the sockets.
4. Circuit Overload: Make sure you are not using too many extension leads or plugging too many devices into one socket.
5. Defective Circuit Breaker: If the breaker is old or has been overloaded too often, it may be faulty.

Choosing the Right Circuit Breaker

Selecting the right circuit breaker depends on your electrical needs:

• For home use, choose a breaker with the right amp rating for your circuits.
• In commercial or industrial settings, you may need larger breakers or special types like RCDs or AFDDs.
• Consult an electrician if you are unsure about what type you need.

Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

If your electrical panel is outdated or your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it may be time for an upgrade. Modern panels come with advanced safety features, such as selective coordination, arc fault protection, and resettable breakers.

Are Circuit Breakers Better Than Fuses?

Yes, they are! Circuit breakers are more convenient because they can be reset after tripping, while fuses need to be replaced. Modern electrical systems in the UK mostly use circuit breakers because they provide better safety and are easier to maintain.

Safety Tips for Using Circuit Breakers

• Don’t overload circuits by using too many extension leads.
• Have your electrical system checked regularly by a qualified electrician.
• Install RCDs in areas where water and electricity may come into contact, like kitchens and bathrooms.

Conclusion

Circuit breakers are key to maintaining a safe and reliable electrical system. They prevent fires, protect against shocks, and keep your electrical equipment running smoothly. Whether you need to replace an old breaker or choose a new one, understanding how circuit breakers work will help you make informed decisions about your electrical safety.