Understanding Circuit Breakers: How They Work and Why They Are Important

[jsmith613]

Here is my attempt at explaining how a circuit breaker works, is it correct?

A circuit breaker works due to the residual current - the difference in current going through the live wire and passing out through the neutral wire.

Normally, the current going in and out of a system is equal so there is an equal attraction of the iron armature to both the lower and upper parts of the system.

When the system is faulty, the current leaving the system is lower than that entering. Hence the magnetic field of the neutral wire is lower. This means the iron armature is moved out of its position towards the live wire, breaking the circuit.

Flicking a switch would return the armature to its original position

q1) is my explanation correct
q2) how does it differ if the current is to high, or is it the same thing?

 

[anathema]

A1) Your explanation is partially correct. The purpose of a circuit breaker is to protect the electrical system from overload or short circuit by interrupting the flow of electricity. Your explanation focuses on the function of a residual current circuit breaker, which is just one type of circuit breaker. There are also thermal circuit breakers and magnetic circuit breakers, which work differently but have the same purpose. It would be more accurate to say that a circuit breaker works by detecting an abnormal amount of current in the circuit and then interrupting the flow of electricity to prevent damage or danger.

A2) If the current is too high, the circuit breaker will trip and interrupt the flow of electricity. This is because the excess current can cause overheating and damage to the circuit, potentially leading to a fire. The mechanism of the circuit breaker would be the same, but the threshold for tripping may differ depending on the type and rating of the circuit breaker. This is why it is important to choose the right circuit breaker for the specific electrical system.