Circuit breakers are essential safety devices found in electrical panels that help protect homes and buildings from electrical hazards. But how do these gadgets actually work?

What is a Circuit Breaker?

A circuit breaker is an automatically-operated switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from overloading and short circuits. It monitors the flow of current and “trips” or flips to the off position if current exceeds safe levels, cutting power to that circuit. After tripping, the breaker can be manually reset to restore power once the overload issue is resolved.

Inside a Circuit Breaker

Circuit breakers contain a few key components:

*Bimetal strip - This strip bends when heated by excess current, which triggers the breaker trip. It's made of two metals that expand at different rates when hot.

*Contact points - These separate to stop current flow when the breaker trips. One set is on the bimetal strip.

*Spring - Provides tension to keep the contact points connected under normal conditions.

*Solenoid - An electromagnet that trips the breaker remotely if enabled.

How Circuit Breakers Detect Overloads

As current passes through a circuit breaker, it flows through the bimetal strip. If there is a major overload, the strip heats up rapidly and bends, opening the contact points. For minor overloads, heat accumulates more slowly, progressively bending the strip until it finally trips.

The bent strip acts like a toggle switch, snapping into its opposite position and separating the contact points. This quickly cuts power to the circuit.

Resetting a Tripped Breaker

To reset a breaker, you switch it fully to the "off" position before switching back "on". This allows the bimetal strip to cool and straighten out. Springs push the contacts closed again once in the reset position.

Circuit breakers are essential overcurrent protection devices that isolate electrical issues, preventing fires and equipment damage. While simple in concept, these automatic switches safely keep power flowing smoothly. 

At MurCal, we offer the rugged and dependable circuit protection solutions from EGIS Mobile Control. EGIS is dedicated to engineering the most robust electronic systems capable of enduring harsh environments. Their products provide reliable circuit safeguards optimized for mobile and off-road vehicle applications that undergo severe vibration, shock, and temperature extremes. Backed by EGIS's commitment to designing products able to withstand punishing real-world conditions, MurCal provides access to ruggedized circuit protection you can trust. 

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EGIS 87 Series Circuit Breakers

EGIS circuit protection provides sealed, high voltage breakers designed for harsh environments. The breakers have automatic and manual switching, visual trip indicators, and robust construction to safely protect systems from shorts and overloads. With ABYC compliance and a 4-year warranty, EGIS breakers reliably safeguard vehicle electrical circuits in demanding conditions.

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EGIS Thermal Circuit Breakers

A thermal circuit breaker is a type of circuit breaker that trips or activates based on heat.

Thermal circuit breakers contain a bimetal strip that bends when overheated by excess current, triggering the breaker to trip. The bimetal strip deforms slowly from sustained overloads versus instant spikes, making thermal breakers well-suited for residential and light commercial panels protecting against typical appliance overloads.

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For Technical Support, Please Call Us At 661-272-4700, Contact Us Or Email Us At Sales@Murcal.Com.

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