How Overload Conditions Occur and Why are circuit protection devices so important?

Overload Conditions & Circuit Protection Devices

We use multiple devices in our everyday lives. These devices make our life convenient; a convenience we often take for granted. It’s only when our devices malfunction is when we realize how integral these devices are in making our everyday lives easier. Luckily for us, innovation in modern technology has ensured that these occurrences are rare and far between. So, what is it that protects are devices from overload? The answer lies in protection devices.

Before understanding the importance of protection devices, let’s understand overload conditions. So, the electricity we consume is transported from power stations via transmitters to our homes, commercial spaces, and public areas. This electricity is then distributed for different requirements with the aid of electrical circuits. Your own home may have many electrical circuits that power different parts of your electrical network. While these circuits are usually safe and durable, they are still prone to electrical faults. The most common fault is an electrical overload leading to outages, device malfunctions, and, in some cases, electrical fires.

Hence, circuit protection devices are used to protect our homes and offices against such accidents.

Circuit Protection Devices - How They Work and Their Importance

Every electrical circuit has a maximum voltage - a threshold of how much electricity it can handle. If this maximum voltage is exceeded, it can cause a potential fire. A circuit protection device prevents this by automatically ‘tripping the circuit’ or in simpler terms, cutting off the electrical supply to that particular circuit. This eliminates the risk of fires. This simple mechanism can save lives and protect property from any damage.

Here it’s important to note that circuit protection is not just one device, but a category of devices that protect circuits. Some of the most commonly used circuit protection devices are:

• Fuses - These were the first mainstream circuit protection devices. Fuses have a traditional build and usually ‘blow’ out after an overload has occurred. You then need to replace this fuse with a new one. While fuses do offer protection against fires, these aren’t as safe as modern alternatives.
  
  
• Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) - These have a switch that ‘drops’ if it detects an overload. These MCBs, unlike fuses, don’t need to replace every time an overload occurs. You can just flip back the switch and the MCB will function as efficiently as before.
  
  
• Residual Current Device (RCD) - RCDs are electrical protection devices that constantly monitor the electrical current and shut it down in case of anomalies. These RCDs can protect more than one electrical circuit, making them ideal for use in large spaces and homes. The only thing to remember is that RCDs will stop the electrical supply to the entire chain of circuits even if one circuit fails.
  
  
• Residual Current Breaker With Overload Protection (RCBO) - The RCBO is the most advanced tech in electrical circuit protection devices. These combine the system behind RCDs and MCBs, making them adept at early detection of anomalies, offering immediate intervention and long-term durability.

Importance of Choosing the Right Circuit Protection Device

Protecting your devices will cost you less than replacing them. This is why investing in the right circuit protection device is so important. If you compromise on the quality of these devices, you will be compromising on the safety of your home and office space. It’s integral that you buy a circuit protection device that offers reliable protection and doesn’t need constant replacement. Such circuit protection devices are manufactured and distributed by the pioneer in electrical accessories - Schneider Electric. The brand has painstakingly developed a range of circuit protection devices that are perfect for homes and commercial spaces.

Related Read: VARIOUS TYPES OF CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICES THAT PREVENTS FROM ELECTRICAL LOSSES

These circuit protection devices developed by Schneider Electric are tested thoroughly to ensure a minimum level of earth leakage. Only when the devices meet strict international safety standards are launched in the market. So you can rest in the knowledge that your home will remain protected. The best part? These circuit protection devices offered by Schneider Electric are cost-effective and easy to install.

Wait no more, secure your home with the best in circuit protection devices - secure your space with Schneider Electric.