|
Electric
circuit breakers protect life and property
Most
people have heard of electric circuit breakers and even
have some basic knowledge of how they work, but many
people, especially homeowners, do not realize that there
are many different types of electrical circuit breakers
and they are not all the same.
In
very general terms, electrical breakers are protection
devices. They provide the same types of functions that
fuses do but there are major differences between fuses
and electric circuit breakers. One major difference is
that while blown fuses are thrown away and replaced with
new ones, electrical circuit breakers are simply reset
as long as they are still functional. In other words,
unlike fuses, electrical circuit breakers are reusable.
Another
use for electric breakers is that they can be used as
control devices. By manually opening and closing the
contacts of electric circuit breakers, you can switch
the power on and off, thus making the device come on or
go off.
Electric
breakers are available in a huge variety of sizes and
types. However, it is very important to understand that
you simply cannot replace electric breakers without
first knowing exactly what type you have to replace as
well as which brand. In simple terms, you always want to
replace the electrical circuit breakers with the exact
same type that you take out.
You
can often learn the exact type and specifications by
reading the information that is contained within the
panel. This task should be done carefully as it is
possible for power to be present in the panel itself and
certainly within the panel. Whenever you are checking
electric breakers make sure you turn off the power
before you touch any electrical circuit breakers.
If
you are not confident handling electric breakers, ask
for assistance from a professional. Electric circuit
breakers can be dangerous and even deadly if they are
not handled properly and if the proper safety
precautions are not followed. Never work with electrical
circuit breakers with the power on.
In
addition to the usual types of electric circuit breakers
that most people are familiar with, there are also air
electrical circuit breakers as well as vacuum electric
breakers. Knowing which electric circuit breakers you
need is your first step and that, too, can be found on
the panel information.
If
you are not sure of what type of electric breakers you
have, it is a very good idea to have a professional take
a look for you. You will need to know the type of
electric circuit breakers you have when you go to buy
new ones.
|
