When it comes to electrical safety, you can’t be without a circuit breaker. Circuit breakers are responsible for monitoring the electrical current of a property or commercial premises. They then disrupt the electrical current in case of an overload or a shortage.
However, choosing the right one for you can be difficult if you don’t know much about electrical equipment. This article will help show the best circuit breakers out there on the market and what to look for.
Read on to find out more.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Circuit Breaker
There are various types of circuit breakers out there to buy. Not all of them will be applicable to your home or the environment you need.
Here’s a list of things to watch out for when choosing a circuit breaker:
Frequency
Circuit breakers up to 600 amps can be applied to frequencies of 50-120 Hz. With higher amounts of electricity and frequency, the current and iron losses can create a bigger thermal heating output.
This means the circuit breaker will need additional calibration.
Voltage
The voltage rating is decided through the highest voltage that can be applied across end ports, the distribution type, and how the circuit breaker integrates into the system.
It’s crucial that you choose a circuit breaker that meets the voltage requirements for your purpose.
Maximum Interrupting Capacity
This is the highest amount of fault that the circuit breaker can disrupt without causing a system failure.
The rule that is key with the amount of maximum interrupting capacity needed is as follows:
The interrupting capacity of the circuit breaker must be equal to or greater than the amount of fault current where the breaker is applied.
If this is not implemented properly, the breaker will get damaged and possibly break.
If you want to take a look at a range of good quality circuit breakers, check out Baypower.com for their extensive range.
Circuit Breaker Safety Tips
Working with electricity can be dangerous. Over 350 electrical-related deaths are reported in the US each year. Here are some tips to keep you safe when working with circuit breakers:
- Always shut off your main breaker in the breaker box before starting any electrical work
- Only add another breaker if you have space in your breaker panel
- Never touch the feeder wires in your electrical panel, they are live
- Never replace a circuit breaker with one with a higher amp rating
- If there’s ever some you’re unsure of, get a licensed electrician to look at it
Best Circuit Breakers: What To Look For
You don’t need to have a degree in electrical engineering to select the best circuit breaker for your home.
Make sure to take a look at the voltage, frequency, and maximum interrupting capacity for your needs.
If you enjoyed this article and want to read more, check out our other blog posts. We have plenty more on simple DIY and home improvement!
