Circuit Breakers

A circuit breaker is an electrical safety device designed to protect electrical circuits from damage caused by overcurrent or short circuits. Circuit breakers are essentially resettable fuses, which are automatically operated electrical switches that cut off a circuit whenever the current exceeds a safe level, preventing overheating, melting, and potential fire. Unlike a fuse, which must be replaced after it has been operated once, a circuit breaker can be reset (manually or automatically) to resume normal operation. Circuit breakers come in different sizes, from small devices that protect low-current circuits or individual household appliances, to large switchgear designed to protect high-voltage circuits that supply entire cities.