Electrical Circuit Breaker

       An electrical device that checks and limits the amount of current flowing through the entire circuit is called a circuit breaker. It is usually mounted inside an electrical panel. It comes in different sizes, usually measured in its capacity to limit electric current flowing inside the entire circuit. For example, for typical household use, the circuit breakers used are 10A, 15A and 20A. However, certain electrical appliances like washers, and freezers would need a separate circuit breaker as these types of electrical devices require large current to function.

How does an electrical circuit breaker work? As its name suggests, it basically “breaks” the flow of current in a circuit whenever the threshold is reached or during power surge. The breaker will switch to the “off” position whenever such circumstances happen. This is a safety mechanism in order to protect electrical appliances from being destroyed due to surges of power. Since an overloaded circuit may start a fire, electrical circuit breakers are essential in every household or industry.

Before circuit breakers were employed for household use, older homes before are using fuses in the electrical panel. These fuses function like the electrical circuit breakers. Fuses burn or literally break when there is a sudden surge of power. However, electrical circuit breakers are safer than using fuses. To illustrate, a household that is using fuses in the electrical panel, whenever one of the fuses is broken due to a line surge, the person living in the house would have to see which of the fuses is burned and eventually replace it or them by installing a new one which can be purchased in electrical hardware shop. This is not the case with electrical circuit breakers. Whenever there is a sudden surge of power and the circuit breaker “trips”, all the homeowner should do is to look in the electrical panel which breaker switched to the “off” position. Then all he needs to do is just to flip the switch to the “on” position and power will resume in that particular line. When the circuit breaker continues to flip to the “off” position, the circuit breaker may be faulty, or there may be faulty wiring in the circuit, or there may be electrical trouble with any of the electrical appliance attached to the line. In this instance, the circuit breaker must be turned off and seek assistance from a certified electrician.

Importance of Having a Circuit Breaker

       As mentioned earlier, circuit breakers are essential in every household utilizing electrical power. It is a safety device and protects electrical appliances from over-voltage as well as the house from fire caused by burnt electrical wires. Aside from these obvious safety features, it is also essential especially when doing minor repairs and maintenance checks by the electrician since circuit breakers can cut the power source from service entrance. Whenever high voltage runs through the wires, circuit breakers serves as “guards” in order to protect electrical equipments as well as household circuit or wire systems by cutting the path where the potentially harmful surge of voltage may flow.

It is a known fact that not all electrical appliances consume the same amount of electricity. Some draws more power as their nature and function requires. These differences in the requirement of power by electrical appliances warrant a circuit breaker which is adapted for their power limitation. To illustrate this, most appliances need only 110V (voltage) while some requires 220V such as electric heaters, flat-irons, refrigerators and chillers. In every electrical panel, there are spaces for different power requirements. They are usually labels according to their ampere-rating (ampere is the unit for current), say 20A for standard wall outlet and 15A for lighting.

In comparison to fuses, electrical circuit breakers cost more. Their price ranges from $25 to over $100, as compared to fuses which cost a little less than $2. However, the price of these devices is not a consideration because of the protection it offers to relatively expensive electrical devices or the household wiring system which costs more to replace when compromised, not to mention the priceless peace of mind it gives to household owners.

Installing a New Circuit Breaker

       Installing a new circuit breaker is relatively easy but certain precautionary measures are paramount consideration for such. It is strongly cautioned that a certified electrician performs said task. Here are the steps in installing new circuit breakers:

Step 1

The first step is to cut the power from the main panel to avoid live wires. Remove the main electrical panel by unscrewing it. Most home main electrical panels have a main circuit breaker and an assembly of other breakers which may be single pole or double throw. Note the large live wires which carry the electricity to the main breaker. These large wires must be tested by a multi-tester and the voltmeter or ammeter reading must be zero. Then, it is now safe to begin the installation of the new circuit breaker.

Step 2

The second step is the installation of a new cable clamp. This process is relatively simple. With the panel box, find the knockouts around its edges. Then hammer those knockouts with the screw driver. Then screw the cable clamp to the electrical panel. Then carefully place the new wires into the main panel and cut the insulation of the wire end for the circuit clamp to fit.

Step 3

The third step is connecting the ground wire. The ground wire is the wire with no insulation inside the circuit wire. The ground wire must be connected to the ground bar but should carefully attached to the ground bar to avoid breaking it.

Step 4

The fourth step is finding the neutral wire. This wire is insulated in white plastic. Peel of the end of the insulated wire and slide it into the neutral line and screw it to secure it.

Step 5

The fifth and final step is the installation of the circuit breaker. Loosen the screw found at the bottom of the circuit breaker. Place the last wire, which is the black wire, under the screw and tighten it to secure it in place. At the backside of the breaker, there are three prongs which will secure the breaker in place. Then, carefully align the breaker into the empty slot and push the prongs in. The circuit breaker is now in place.