Every home and business has an electrical circuit breaker. Many of us have no idea what the circuit breaker really does or how it works. A breaker is a unit that is installed that protects your circuits from becoming overloaded essentially causing a short which could create an unsafe situation. By design, when the breaker becomes aware of a disruption in the system it breaks the electrical current flow thus protecting the rest of the circuit.
Commercial and residential electrical circuit breakers are purchased based on a number of essential factors including the vast abundance of different designs that they are sold in. Other factors to weigh before you buy a circuit breaker include the voltage load, the mounting style and the unit’s trip style.
Voltage Load
This is a fairly obvious feature to figure out. Commercial and industrial settings need higher voltage circuit breakers then a residential environment. This is because of the amount of electricity that will be flowing through the circuit. Larger equipment requires a higher amount of electricity therefore requiring a higher voltage breaker. It is crucial when buying or selling circuit breakers that you understand what purpose the breaker is serving. Installing a circuit that is either too big or too small can end up being detrimental.
Low Voltage Circuit Breakers: Consider this style of breaker for most residential applications. This circuit takes a load up to 1000 volts without issue.
Medium Voltage Circuit Breakers: Consider this style breaker for commercial office buildings or residential uses when using high voltage tools. A home wood working shop is the perfect example of a residential environment that needs more than a low voltage circuit. A medium voltage breaker is good for circuits between 1000 to 72,000 volts.
High Voltage Circuit Breakers: For any use that requires more than 72,000 amps of voltage this is the breaker you need. This is what is needed for industrial and commercial applications that use large pieces of equipment for manufacturing.
Mounting Style
The manner in which a circuit breaker is mounted is also another consideration for which purchasers choose the correct mechanism for their need. Two main styles include fixed mounting and removable mounting. Draw out mounted breakers are used for medium voltage breakers. Bolt on and plug in electrical circuit breakers are also options that can be obtained from companies that sell electrical equipment and supplies.
Trip Unit Type
When you are purchasing a circuit breaker you need to also take into consideration the unit’s trip type. There are a few main types including magnetic, thermal, thermal magnetic and magnetic hydraulic trip units. Another consideration is the temperature operating range in which the circuit breaker operates. You want to purchase a breaker that operates at different temperature ranges.
It is important to take into consideration all of the essentials pieces of purchasing a circuit breaker before installing one in your home or business. The electrical component will prevent accidental electrical issues from occurring down the road. Overworking a circuit can cause shortages that will cause fuses to continually blow. This is only one disruption that can occur if a circuit is overloaded.
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