subject: Circuit Breakers in Your Home – A Guide from Priority 1 Electric [print this page] Circuit Breakers in Your Home A Guide from Priority 1 Electric
A circuit breaker is basically a reusable electric switch that is capable of disconnecting the circuit, as a preventive measure when the current is too high. This prevents the chances of causing a fire by the heating up of the wiring. Instead of fuses, circuit breakers are finding its place in newer houses and other electrical installations.
Understanding a Circuit
A circuit is a closed loop of wire that provides a return path for the flow of the current. It comprises of a 'neutral' wire which attaches it to the ground and 'hot' wire that connects it to the source of electricity. The closing of the circuit enables the flow of current, as it moves to the areas of lower concentration from the areas of higher concentration. Presently, all house appliances and wiring are on circuits.
Why use them?
When there is less resistance or more voltage, there is an increase in the current, which allows the charge to flow more rapidly. The appliance might not be able to handle the charge that moves through it as fast. This can cause the connection of the 'hot' wire with the 'neutral' wire. The charge can also move freely due to the circuit's lack of resistance. In both cases, the increased current will cause the tripping of the circuit breaker switch.
About Circuit Breakers
The breakers not only help in monitoring the amount of current, but also in preventing electrocution. Majority of the household circuit breakers include a metallic strip or electromagnet that is capable of causing a terminal in the breaker, to open and move the circuit. Under normal conditions, across the breaker, there is a current flow from one terminal to the other. When the current becomes very high, it opens the circuit and stops the flow of electricity by bending the metal strip or moving the electromagnet. When this happens, an arc of electricity is created in the breaker's chamber, but is extinguished by the breakers. Besides air, the larger circuit breakers can also use the means of oil, gas or vacuum chamber to extinguish this arc.
The tripping of the circuit breaker usually appears in the off or middle position of a switch. Turning off or unplugging all the appliances and devices on that circuit, is required in order to reset it. The switches need to be moved to the OFF position before being moved to the ON position. This is required for the safety of the appliances before turning them on and restoring electricity back to normal. Circuit-breakers such as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) consists of two buttons, 'test' to trip the circuit and 'reset' to restore the circuit and electricity to normal.
If the tripping of the circuit takes place again while it is turned ON without anything plugged in it, then the electrical wiring or circuit breaker is considered to be faulty and replacement is required. On the other hand, if the tripping takes place when any appliance is turned on, then the fault either lies with the appliance or too much load is placed on the circuit. Even if electricity is not restored after the circuit breaker is reset, it implies that there might be a problem with the wiring, a defective outlet or placement of a circuit on a different circuit breaker. Such kinds of problems can only be understood by an electrician and it is important that you hire a team that specialize in circuit-breaker panel repair, replacement and upgrades.
