Sunday, 29 July 2012

What Does a Circuit Breaker Do?

By Lori Buenavista


From time to time, the circuit breaker is tripped. A space in your house goes dark, or your electric plugs don't operate and you just flip the switch back to wherever it needs to be. But exactly what is going on when that button flips off? Specifically what does your circuit breaker do for you? The basic answer is that your circuit breaker can there be to guard you, but exactly how it does so is a little more complex.

Circuit breakers are known as such for one purpose. Each time a dangerous surge of electricity is noticed, your circuit breaker will affect the electric flow by opening up the circuit to stop possible fires or other injury. When the circuit is opened up, it creates what is called an arc, which is a large amount of high temperature created by the disruption of the electrical stream. The breaker is designed to withstand this arc then extinguish it to avert any possible danger.

Whenever an overabundance of energy is discovered, the circuit is opened by what are known as contacts, which are created from tremendously conductive other metals to make certain that the contacts will withstand the arc. However, these contacts will break down right after struggling with the countless arcs which come their means. On the plus side, many circuit breakers currently have exchangeable contacts thus it's simple to maintain your home or some other building safe from fire or electric deterioration. Once you turn the button to come back on, the circuit shuts and continues the electric flow to provide you with that light and electrical power you will need.

As the contacts have the ability to support the heat of the arc, the arc need to be extinguished prior to the electric current can be reestablished. This can be done with air, oil, insulation gas or vacuum, dependent upon what type of circuit breaker it is. It may sound difficult, but it doesn't take long for the arc to be extinguished. And so, while you finally lug those outdated containers aside, the actual arc has been extinguished and the circuit is ready to continue that power stream towards your television system.

In the event the circuit breaker is tripped, it appears as though a bit of a nuisance to be turned it back on. Nevertheless, in reality, your circuit breaker is safeguarding you, similar to a security system for malevolent electrical surges. Except, unlike a security system, it not only finds the trouble, it removes for you. Merely reset it and that trusty circuit breaker will be ready to protect you against the next flame or power spike.




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