Before entering fully into the meaning of the term circuit breaker, we are going to proceed to know its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it is a word that derives from Latin, exactly the result of the union of three lexical components of said language:
-The prefix «dis-«, which means «separation».
-The adjective «iunctus», which is synonymous with «united».
-The suffix "-tor", which is used to indicate "agent".
A circuit breaker is an element that automatically interrupts the electrical current when it exceeds a certain intensity . It is a safety device that, according to its characteristics, protects electrical appliances and the safety of users.
Circuit breakers have different properties according to their purpose. It can work with different currents and voltages, withstand up to a certain intensity and receive between one and four poles .
A thermal circuit breaker is one that opens the circuit and interrupts the current when it detects an overload. This is possible since the excessive intensity of the current dilates it until it opens. A magnetic circuit breaker , for its part, can register faults linked to a short circuit and open the circuit thanks to the creation of a magnetic field. There are also magneto-thermal circuit breakers , which combine both features.
A differential circuit breaker , on the other hand, controls that the same current flows through the different poles. When the current has different amperages at the poles, the circuit breaker physically interrupts the circulation. Due to their operation, differential circuit breakers protect people's lives: if an individual receives a shock due to a loss of current in a system, the circuit breaker interrupts the passage as soon as it detects that the current passed to the ground through the body. of the subject, without returning to the plug.
It is important to know not only that there are different circuit breakers but you also have to be very clear about what you are trying to achieve in order to find the ideal one. And for that we must keep in mind characteristics that they possess and to which special attention must be paid:
-The number of poles, to know how many devices can be connected to it.
-The working voltage, which is the voltage for which they have been created. In this case, we are going to come across three-phase and single-phase ones.
-The closing power, which is the maximum intensity that a circuit breaker is capable of withstanding without suffering any type of damage.
-The cutting power, which is the maximum intensity that is capable of interrupting.
Although circuit breakers can be installed next to the devices they are intended to protect, they are usually located on a panel . This allows protection to be provided to all equipment that is connected to the electrical network of a home, business or industry.
After all the above, it has become very clear that circuit breakers are necessary and basic devices for safety. And they are not only essential for the safety of different electrical installations but also for buildings and for individuals in general.