Circuit Breaker

Circuit Breaker

A Circuit Breaker is an electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent / overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after protective relays detect a fault. Take an indepth look at circuit breakers with a special emphasis on the most technologically advanced circuit breaker, the Power Defense moulded case circuit breaker. Overcurrents - It defines and overcurrent as any current in excess of the rated current of equipment of the ampacity of a conductor. An over current is the result of an overload, short circuit, arc or ground fault. Effects of overcurrent include fires, conductor insulation damage and equipment damage. Short Circuits - A short circuit is an overcurrent which greatly exceeds the normal full load current of the circuit. Also, as the name infers, a short circuit leaves the normal current carrying path of the circuit and takes a short-cut around the load and back to the power source. A short circuit is an overcurrent but not an overload.