Types of circuit breakers and their importance

As beneficial electricity is to our sustenance, unless it is dealt with proper precautionary measures, electricity can pose a serious threat to expensive devices, as well as to our loved ones. So, to avoid accidents caused by electrical hazards, sufficient preventive measures must be adopted. And one of the most common measures used in households for protection against electrical hazards is a circuit breaker.

What are Circuit Breakers?

A circuit breaker is usually understood as an electrical safety device that offers protection to electrical circuits against electrical anomalies and damages caused during overcharges, voltage fluctuations, and short circuits. The primary function of a circuit breaker is to disrupt the electrical flow to the connected electrical device upon detecting a dangerously higher voltage, thus protecting it from any lasting electrical damage. A circuit breaker used for preventing short circuits is also beneficial in avoiding the risks of overload and electrical fires.

Different Types of Circuit Breakers

Depending on their design and usage, circuit breakers can be of several types, such as:

Residual-current device

The Residual-Current Device (RCD) or Residual-Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) is a device offering electrical protection that interrupts the flow of electricity whenever it detects current leakage to the ground. The RCD is commonly used in households to protect electrical equipment from the risks of electrical damage. This earth leakage circuit breaker is also installed to lower the threats of accidental electrocution and shocks.

Miniature circuit breaker

Other than the earth leakage circuit breaker, the Miniature circuit breaker (MCB) and the Miniature Mould Circuit Breaker (MCCB) are possibly the most common types of circuit breakers available for use at household levels. They are used for interrupting the flow of current through an electrical circuit during an overvoltage in order to protect any connected electrical device from permanent electrical damage.

Air circuit breakers (ACB)

ACBs are used as protection for low voltage circuits and work by energizing or cutting off current within the circuit. The ACB is commonly used as a master circuit breaker in factories and public buildings.

Other than these, there are several other types of circuit breakers, including arc-fault circuit interrupters, oil circuit breakers, high-voltage circuit breakers, and more.

Application and uses of ACB

ACBs have gained immense popularity among the different types of circuit breakers over the past years. The ACB is often used as an electrical device designed to provide short circuit and overcurrent protection ranging between 800 amperes to 10K amperes to connected devices. These circuit breakers are commonly used for low voltage applications under 450V. At the household level, ACBs can be commonly found in distribution panels.

The ACB is specially designed to operate in the air as an arc extinguishing medium, which can be triggered by a certain amount of atmospheric pressure. Presently, the design of ACBs has vastly improved, allowing them to be available as switching gears that have higher durability, and are comparatively easier to install, maintain, and operate than the other different kinds of traditional circuit breaker models.

How do ACBs work?

ACBs have contacts in the air, unlike conventional circuit breakers, and hence work much better against low-voltage interruptions over high-voltage ones.

Here is how ACBs work:

• These circuit breakers are generally provided with two pairs of contacts –
  1. The main contact - made from metal copper and carries the current at a normal.
  2. The arcing contact - made of carbon.
• While the main contacts stay open, no arcing is detected in the main contacts. Arcing is initiated when the arcing contacts are separated, allowing currents with a low resistance to pass through.
• All arcing contacts are provided with arc runners that help in opening or closing the circuit. As the low-resistance current moves along the circuit, thermal and electromagnetic effects cause the arc discharge to move upwards, finally entering the arc chute.
• Once inside the arc chute, the arc cools down, lengthens, and splits. Finally, it is extinguished when there is no current flowing through the circuit.
• The ACB also contains a brake box made from insulating and fire-proof material, which is divided into sections using barriers made from the same material. Each barrier contains a small conductive metallic element that ensures continuity between the arcs once they are split within the chute.

Unlike traditional circuit breakers, ACBs are not designed to prevent the restoration of arcing by interrupting the recovery voltage of the connected system. Instead, it works on a different working principle which takes into account the temperature of the arc plasma to operate.

Read More: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ISOLATOR, RCCB, & MCB

How are ACBs used?

ACBs are commonly used in the following ways:

• ACBs are generally used for protecting low voltage circuits and are mainly responsible for energizing and cutting off high voltage current and help avoid any kinds of electrical accidents and damages caused by electric overloading and short-circuiting.
• ACBs are popularly used as master circuit breaker devices in factories and main circuit breakers in ships and can be easily installed across various accessories and electrical components depending on their operation and effectiveness.

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When to Change an electrical Circuit Breaker?

A circuit breaker is an important aspect of any electrical loop and helps prevent mishaps and accidents. Changing an electrical circuit breaker is necessary when it shows signs of malfunction or wear. Common indicators include frequent tripping without apparent cause, physical damage like burns or corrosion, and a breaker that feels hot to the touch. Additionally, if appliances or lights connected to the circuit experience power issues, it could signal a failing breaker. Upgrading your electrical system or adding new high-demand appliances may also require a breaker change to handle the increased load. Regular maintenance checks by a professional electrician can help determine if a circuit breaker needs replacement to ensure safety and efficient electrical performance.

How to Change an electrical Circuit Breaker?

It is suggested to take the assistance or help of a professional electrician for anything related to circuit breakers. It needs precision and experience to change an electrical circuit breaker. Changing an electrical circuit breaker involves the following steps:>

1. Turn Off Power: Switch off the main power to ensure safety.
2. Remove Panel Cover: Unscrew and remove the electrical panel cover to access the breakers.
3. Identify the Breaker: Locate the faulty breaker that needs replacement.
4. Disconnect Wires: Carefully disconnect the wires attached to the faulty breaker.
5. Remove the Breaker: Gently pull out the old breaker from its slot.
6. Install New Breaker: Insert the new breaker into the slot and reconnect the wires.
7. Replace Panel Cover: Screw the panel cover back on.
8. Restore Power: Turn the main power back on and test the new breaker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can circuit breakers be used to protect against electrical fires?

Ans: Yes, circuit breakers prevent electrical fires by cutting off the supply during overloads or short circuits, and AFCIs detect dangerous arcing conditions.

Q2. What is the difference between a single-pole and double-pole circuit breaker?

Ans: A single-pole breaker controls one hot wire for 120 volts, while a double-pole breaker controls two hot wires for 240 volts, used for high-demand appliances.

Q3. Which is better: ELCB or RCCB?

Ans: RCCB is better than ELCB as it provides more accurate and reliable protection against earth faults by detecting leakage currents directly from live and neutral wires.