subject: A Safety Device Called Circuit Breaker [print this page] A Safety Device Called Circuit Breaker A Safety Device Called Circuit Breaker
Nowadays, keeping a safe environment is so important. This is because having a secure environment not only keeps people away from harm but as well as it gives people peace of mind. There are lots of safety devices available in the market today that are so useful just to ensure the entire place safety. One of these safety devices is the circuit breaker. This kind of device keeps residential structures away from the dangers of electrical fires made by sudden electrical surges. This is important to protect all electrical devices as well as the electrical circuit.
A circuit breaker is a device that is designed to protect any electrical devices from the damages which may be caused by an electrical overload or a short circuit. At present, this simple device is one of the most important devices installed in the small residential structures up to the tallest buildings and the solution to a potentially destructive electrical problem. Therefore, this device is a safeguard to all your electrical equipments.
You should be aware that electricity in homes and other establishments comes from power plant through a distribution grid. When electricity runs in the structures, it moves in a large circuit which also includes various smaller circuits. One of these smaller circuits is called the hot wire which leads back to the power plant. On the hand, neutral wire is the other tip of the wire which is on the ground. When the two ends connect to two opposite energy sources being the hot wires connects to high source of energy while the neutral wire connects to neutral source, a particular voltage happens in the electrical circuit as well as the charge moves if the circuit closes. This current constantly changes direction which is also called alternating current.
Homes are supplied with 120 and 240 volts coming from the distribution grid. But the resistance and the current vary from house to house as well as within the different places of the house. Household appliances have different resistance which is known as load. This makes an appliance function. Electrical appliances act as a resistor which specifies an electrical charge by way of a certain circuit and managing the current at low levels for safety purposes.
Whenever there is a massive electrical charge passing through the circuit, the appliance's wires can overheat which can result to electrical fire. This is where the breaker is useful because it disconnects the electrical current in that circuit whenever it exceeds its safety level. And the simplest form of circuit protection is the fuse which blows whenever there is short circuit or overload. Once it blows, it needs to be replaced.
