A circuit breaker is an electric switch that has been designed for protecting the electric circuit from getting damaged due to overload, overcurrent, or short circuit. The function of this breaker is to stop the flow of current after a fault has been detected through a relay

Components of Circuit Breaker:

Though low and medium circuit breakers come with unique designs, there are 5 main components of circuit breakers:

• Frame – It is designed to protect the internal section of the circuit breaker both from the inside and outside.
• Operating mechanism – It allows operators to open and close the circuit breaker
• Contacts – It enables the current to go through the electric breaker when they are close.
• Arc extinguisher – When a fault is interrupted by a circuit breaker, the arc helps to extinguish it.
• Trip unit – In case there is a prolonged short circuit or overload, the trip units help in opening the mechanism.

Types of Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are a certain kind of switch that is put inside the breaker box, which helps in protecting the electrical components of a house from catching fire or overheating. In case of overload or electrical short, the circuit breakers solve the problem by stopping the flow of the electricity.

These three types of circuit breakers – arc fault circuit interrupter circuit breakers (AFCIs), standard breakers, and ground fault circuit interrupter circuit breakers (GFCIs)

Single-Pole Circuit Breakers

These circuits breakers are popularly used in residential homes. With a single-pole, it is designed to monitor the flow of electricity of a single wire or a trip in case of electric overload or a short circuit. The single-pole breakers have been engineered to accommodate 15 to 30 amps and deliver 120 volts of electricity to the circuit.

Double-Pole Circuit Breakers

Double-Pole circuit breakers are designed to monitor the electricity flow through two wires parallelly. These are usually recognized as single breakers with switches that are side-by-side and are interlinked. These breakers trip with the short circuit or overload of a single or both wires. It delivers 240 volts or 120/240 volt into an electric circuit and can accommodate 15 to 200 amps. The double breakers are used for running appliances that require a substantial amount of electricity, such as dryers and washing machines etc.

GFCI Circuit Breakers

These kinds of breakers are engineered to protect a line to ground fault. This is specifically used in particularly a dangerous path of electricity occurs between electrical current and grounded element. GFCI circuit breakers also help in protecting appliances and properties from an overload of current or electric short-circuit.

AFCI Circuit Breakers

The AFCI circuit breakers are used when an arc is detected within the witing of an electrical circuit. It helps by tripping the electric flow, thus stopping the circuit from further damage. The arcing happens when the electric cord gets damaged, or its coating gets thin, which can pose a major fire threat to its installed space. The Single regular pole and Double pole electric circuits are not equipped to detect the electric arc. The AFCI breakers are mostly used in new houses and properties.

How To Buy the Right Kind of Circuit Breaker?

There are several types and providers of circuit breakers that are available in the market. So, when as a buyer, you set out to choose the right one, the first thing you need to do is get as much knowledge you can about this electrical item.

See what they do, what kind is suitable, the usage of the material for these products, and more. Once you have gained basic information, it will be easier for you the choose the right one. Next, you must go online and find the companies that offer the best circuit breakers.

After choosing the supplier, get in touch with them through the mentioned phone number or email id on their website. If what they offer suits your requirement, you can go ahead and purchase circuit breakers.