
Choosing the right circuit breaker is vital to ensuring the safety of your home from electrical hazards. Circuit breakers are designed to manage current and prevent electrical faults, short circuits, and overloads. Some are designed for protection against overload, while others are specifically designed for avoiding electrocution and other incidents.
The various types of circuit breakers aim to protect against electrical problems and accidents. However, some types are designed with specific features to better serve the electrical system and provide better protection. In this guide, we will tackle the different types of circuit breakers to give you an understanding of what one is, its purpose, and what types you need in your property.
What Are Circuit Breakers?
A circuit breaker is a device designed to protect against electrical faults and damages from short circuits and overloads. Tripping off power to prevent catastrophes from happening is the primary function of a circuit breaker, to prevent damage to the electric wiring and all appliances or devices connected to it.
Circuit breakers differ from old electrical boxes that have fuses since they can be easily reset after tripping, making them more convenient than replacing fuses all the time and giving better protection to the property.
One of the commonly used circuit breakers for homes is the Miniature Circuit breaker (MCB). Specialized circuit breakers include the Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) for monitoring arc faults and the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) for protecting against ground faults. Knowing the purpose of each, especially before building a home or adding sections to a property, will ensure the electrical system is protected and prevent the need to replace parts and components later on.
Circuit breaker installation is necessary and by selecting the best safety circuit breakers for homes, you can have peace of mind knowing your property and family are protected from electrical hazards.
Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)
The Miniature Circuit Breaker is specifically designed to prevent short circuits and overloads. This compact but robust device makes homes and businesses safe.
The Miniature Circuit Breaker has a bimetallic strip or electromagnet used against potential electric overload and circuit protection, which heats up and bends when the circuit is overloaded. This makes the breaker trip and cut off electricity. With an electromagnet, the detection and tripping of current is instantaneous, and once cut off, the breaker can be manually reset to restore power.
Where are the MCBs Installed?
The Miniature Circuit Breaker is made for general-purpose circuits. That means they can handle power from everyday household devices and appliances. They are often installed in electrical panels and supply different areas of the house or business including lighting, sockets, appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioning.
When to Use MCBs?
Often, the MCBs are installed in areas where the electrical load is controlled. If your home or business only requires protection for low-voltage systems or only up to 1000 voltages such as lighting and sockets, this type of circuit breaker should suffice. It is ideal where shorting or overloading is occasional and the appliances or devices being protected do not need specialized breakers like the AFCI and GFCI.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
This specialized circuit breaker for homes and businesses is made to prevent electrocution from occurring. If there is an imbalance in the flow of the current, the power is shut off right away. With a GFCI, people are protected from lethal ground faults that happen when the current leaks to the ground.
When an electrical wiring or appliance is exposed to moisture, the likelihood of electrical shock significantly increases. The GFCI monitors the following current for any anomaly between the neutral and hot wires or indication of current leaking to the ground, which will make the breaker trip immediately. The response of the GFCI breaker is within a matter of milliseconds, preventing people from getting a fatal shock.
GFCI Versus Typical Electrical Circuit
In a typical electrical circuit, the electricity goes through the power source and to the appliance or device. Then, it flows back to the source through a neutral wire. In a GFCI system, when the current diverts to an unintended path, it senses and disconnects immediately before any harm can happen.
Where are GFCI Breakers Installed?
Building and electrical codes require the use of GFCI breakers in areas where ground fault cases are high due to wet or moisture conditions. Some areas where this circuit breaker is connected include the bathroom, kitchen, outdoor area where the water source is near the outlets, and basements.
When to Use GFCI Breakers
You should install and use a GFCI breaker when there is a high risk of electrical shocks or ground faults, such as in locations where electrical devices or systems come into contact with moisture or water. If the outlets near your pool area are not monitored by a GFCI, you might want to consider hiring an expert electrician to replace them.
If there are other electrical systems or outlets installed in areas of your home or business that are prone to dampness, and moisture, make the proactive step to upgrade them to GFCI for better protection against electrical hazards and accidental electrocution.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
When it comes to sensing arc faults and preventing electrical fires, the Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter is the breaker to use. Arc faults happen when electrical currents jump across the circuit and generate intense heat. If not detected right away it can spark a fire. This type of modern circuit breaker is required by building and electrical codes to be installed in homes or businesses for protection against electrical fires.
The AFCI monitors the flow of current for any signs of arcing. When the flow of electricity is disrupted because of damage, frayed wires, or loose connections, the AFCI breaker detects the event immediately and shuts off power before more damage can occur.
GFCI vs. AFCI Circuit Breakers
The GFCI and AFCI breakers have specific safety purposes. The GFCI is perfect when electrical sockets or devices are near wet areas to prevent ground fault electrocution. The AFCI, on the other hand, is used to protect against arc faults which often happen in areas where there are multiple appliances and devices.
When to Use AFCI?
The need for an AFCI circuit breaker arises when you experience frequent circuit breaker trips even without appliance or device overloads. The deteriorating wiring, consistent flickering of lights, and inconsistent power could be signs of arc faults, thus requiring the immediate upgrade to AFCI to prevent risks of fire.
Choosing Between GFCI, AFCI, and Standard Circuit Breakers
Ensuring the reliability and safety of the electrical system also depends on the circuit breaker being used. So choosing a suitable circuit breaker for better protection against electrical issues is vital. When selecting the circuit breaker to install in your home or business, consider these:
- Type of Hazard: Consider what you are protecting against, such as electrical shock from ground faults, fire from arc faults, or overloads and short circuits.
- Location: Determine where the circuit breaker will be placed, whether in an area where many appliances or devices are being used or in areas near water sources such as the bathroom and kitchen.
- Safety Requirement: Identify the spaces or areas of the home or business where electrical safety measures are needed.
- Electrical Code Compliance: Assess the existing circuit breakers if they are up to code. If they are not, call an expert Arvada electrician for circuit breaker installation.
- Budget and Complexity: Decide between cost-effective solutions or getting advanced protection features.
Ensure Your Safety From Electrical Overloads, Electrocution, And Fire!
Learning about these types of circuit breakers and their specific purpose and applications will ensure you are choosing the right protection for your property. From standard circuit breakers to options with specialized features, each has its unique role in preventing electrical issues.
Looking for an expert in safety circuit breakers for homes? Contact us.