Do you want to know the main types of circuit breakers and fuses?
Circuit breakers keep your appliances and machines safe from overloads or short circuits. It’s one of the reasons why they can last more than their expected 10 years’ lifetime.
However, you can’t install any random circuit breaker in your home or electrical system. First, you need to know the correct type of circuit breaker to use. Below, we’ll discuss the types of circuit breakers and how they differ.
1. What Are The Main Types Of Circuit Breakers?
The three different types of circuit breakers and fuses are:
- Ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI
- Arc fault circuit interrupter or AFCI
- Combination arc fault circuit interrupters or CAFCI
Each of them has specific uses and matches certain conditions. Remember that these also come in different load capacities and brands. These circuit breakers aren’t interchangeable, so get the right brand and capacity.
2. GFCI Circuit Breakers
GFCI circuit breakers work well when your circuit needs ground-fault protection. Overloads of current, a short circuit, or a line-to-ground fault can trip this breaker type. These trips occur when an electrical path forms between a current and a grounded element.
Remember that it’s not enough to install a GFCI. You should also test your GFCIs every month to check their efficiency. Don’t skip this process, or you risk putting your home or business in danger.
3. AFCI Circuit Breakers
AFCI types of circuit breakers trip when they detect arcing within electrical wiring. Arcing occurs when something damages an electrical cord or its coating thins down. AFCI circuit breakers are used to prevent fire risks.
They are also necessary parts of electrical code on modern houses. Do you want to know where you can find different types of Square D circuit breakers? Find high-quality Square D AFCI breakers from Crouse Hinds.
4. CAFCI Circuit Breakers
The next type of circuit breaker is the CAFCI or combination arc fault circuit breaker. Like AFCI breakers, they trip when they detect parallel arcing. However, CAFCI breakers also protect against serial arcing, unlike AFCI breakers.
Today, you can also find many CAFCI/GFCI breakers. This combination protects not only against parallel and serial arcing. It also shields you against ground faults.
In short, they do the work of GFCI and AFCI breakers and then some. Their dual nature helps homeowners save money and time. However, as we mentioned, be careful in choosing circuit breakers.
You don’t want to use the wrong brand and load voltage here. Today, electrical switchboards are necessary among the different types of home circuit breakers.
Get The Right Circuit Breaker Type
Circuit breakers are essential to your safety at home or work. Without them, your appliances or computers could be having problems. You don’t want to notice these risks until it’s too late.
Now you know the different types of circuit breakers and their uses. Do you want to keep expanding your knowledge on keeping your home safe? Visit our blog now for more guides on travel, business, marketing, finance, real estate, and more.
