Our licensed electricians have been fully trained in identifying problems with circuit breakers and panels. We will respond promptly, figure out the problem quickly, and explain all your options. Contact us and schedule an appointment at Book Now. Different Types of Circuit Breakers Feb 2, Different Types of Circuit Breakers The dangers of not having the proper circuit breakers installed in your home range from damaged outlets, frequent power outages, and electrical fires.
They help prevent electrical shorts or overloaded currents. AFCI breakers protect against electrical arcs. Electrical arcs can get so hot they are easily able to burn wood, insulation, and other materials, endangering your family and your property. Normally electricity travels through wires. What makes arc faults so dangerous is the electricity can jump, leaving the circuit, and traveling to surrounding environments. Whereas single and double-pole circuit breakers are only tripped by excessive heat, AFCI circuit breakers will trip if arcing is detected in the electrical wiring.
However basic, they do serve their purpose. The name single-pole came about because these circuits are designed to monitor the current of a single wire, tripping the circuit in the event there is a short, surge or electrical overload.
Constructed with one live wire and one neutral wire, single-pole circuit breakers typically are used with volt circuits and are constructed to accommodate anywhere from amps. Double-pole circuit breakers simultaneously monitor the flow of two wires, not just one. You can easily spot double-pole circuits in your breaker box, they are the two side-by-side switches that operate as one. These types of breakers will trip if one or both wires is being overloaded or has shorted-out.
Flickering Lights: Have you been noticing that your lights have been flickering off and on recently? These are just a few ways to troubleshoot a tripped breaker. Depending on the problem, some issues can be tackled at home while others will need the help of a qualified electrician. Understanding Circuit Breakers Circuit breakers in your electrical panel are considered "Safety buffers.
How to evaluate your electrical load capacity Every circuit breaker has a specified amperage amount of current. STEPS: First, find the breaker that correlates to the electrical device you are using This is normally either a amp or amp circuit. Multiply the amperage by 0. Not doing this could leave room for calculation errors, or even worse — electrical fires! Calculate the amperage draw of ALL the devices you wish to plug into the circuit.
This is usually labeled somewhere on the back of the device. Measure the voltage on the circuit you wish to install your electrical devices. Most household circuits are V and larger commercial spaces are V 5.
For example, a W light bulb on a V circuit would draw about 1. Repeat this step for every appliance that will be on the circuit. Troubleshooting and inspecting your breaker panel Your circuit breaker is an essential part in the safety of your home or building. Broadly speaking, there are three major types of circuit breakers: standard, ground fault circuit interrupters GFCIs , and arc fault circuit interrupters AFCIs.
Depending on the function whether your protecting overhead lights vs. Double-pole breakers are more common for large residential appliances or commercial facilities, and take up two slots. These breakers protect from discharges that can cause electrical fires from risks like old wiring systems. Beyond these groupings of breakers, you may also encounter units sorted by low, medium, and high voltage, new and used circuit breakers, reconditioned breakers, and more.
Be aware that for different brands, specs, and functions, these breakers and their identifying features can and will look very different from each other. Square D circuit breakers , for example, are going to fit and function properly in a very specific set of panels. Identifying the panel type is just as important as choosing the correct amperage. Different panels will support different breakers based on manufacturing specification and physical fit.
You will usually find a label with appropriate breakers listed on the inside of the panel. Accurately identifying circuit breakers can help you make the correct purchasing decision the first time, saving you time and money. Having trouble identifying an old breaker you have on hand?
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