How Do Electric Circuit Breakers Work?

Electrical circuit breakers are used in almost every commercial and residential electrical system. These are capable to turn off the flow of current when excess electricity flows through any electrical system. A normal circuit is like a loop. Sometimes there are fault conditions that create power surge and can damage any device. There are several instances when overloading occurs and the electric circuit that carries load simply collapses as it is beyond capacity of the wire. The wires then heats up and the insulation melts. As the insulation melts or any other conducive object touches both sides of wires, it makes current to jump from one node of a wire to another causing a short circuit. Short circuit can cause damage to entire electrical system of a building and also cause fire or an explosion.

Electrical circuit breakers are designed and made to break the circuit and stop the flow of current. These circuit breakers are produced in according to a set of power load capacity and when the load goes beyond the capacity of those breakers, these will stop operating. Basic models of electrical circuit breakers are composed of switches and contact plates that move as the switches move. When the switches are in 'on' position, then the movable contact plates touch stationary ones which connect to the electric circuit system. This indicates that the current is one complete loop. When electric circuit breakers detect a power surge or a short circuit then these cut the flow of current by switching 'off' or by opening up the loop by disconnecting stationary contact plates from the movable ones.

It is to be noted here that when current is interrupted, an arc is formed. This arc has to be cooled and extinguished in a controlled manner so that the gap between contact plates can again withstand voltage in the circuit. There are many electrical circuit breakers that use oil, insulating gas, air, vacuum as the medium by which an arc is generated. There are various types of electrical circuit breakers and each type uses different techniques to operate. However, the main purpose of all the variants is to stop any mishap caused due to short circuit.

There are many companies that manufacture and supply different types of electrical circuit breakers. If you want to safeguard your house or office from any form of mishap caused due to short circuit then it is better to contact one of the best companies. They will not only provide you with the best products but also offer maintenance work whenever required.

About the Author

If you are a resident of Los Angeles, then you can contact Breaker Outlet and install the best electrical circuit breakers in your house or office. If you want to repair your existing circuit breakers then also you can feel to get in touch with us at any time.