How Circuit Breaker Works: What You Should Know to Take Care of Your House

A circuit breaker is an incredibly simple tool used to control power flow to a business or household. It is one of the most important safety mechanisms in your home. Whenever a large amount of current flows through the electrical wiring in a building, the circuit breaker cuts the power until somebody can fix the issue. Without a circuit breaker, electricity in the building would not be possible because of the potential of fires or other mayhem resulting from simple wiring problems and equipment failures.

Even though being one of the essential safety mechanisms of any household or business, the circuit remains a mystery to many people. In this article, we will find out how a circuit breaker works, the common issues one can face, and how to address them. So, let’s get started.

What Is a Circuit Breaker and How It Works

Circuit breakers are made up of fixed and moving metallic contacts and an operating coil. Under normal conditions, i.e., a closed circuit, these contacts are touching each other, thus allowing the flow of electrical current. These moving parts are held together by a mechanical pressure exerted by another mechanism, such as a spring or compressed air.

The pressure on these moving contacts is only possible courtesy of the potential energy stored in the mentioned pressure mechanism. In case of overload in the electric circuit, the operating coil gets charged with energy, allowing the energy stored in this mechanism to be released, leading to the separation of contacts. As this happens, the circuit inside the circuit breaker opens, interrupting the current flow and protecting the system from further damage.

Common Problems with Circuit Breakers

Now that you know how a circuit breaker works, it is essential to discuss the common issues associated with it. This knowledge will help you identify when something is wrong with your circuit breaker. Here are a few signs that your electric circuit breaker or the panel box needs to be fixed or order a replacement:

1. The breaker is frequently tripping. It generally implies that the demand or load on the circuit is too high, and it cannot sustain it.
2. You get slight shocks or feel the heat when you plug in/out or touch your appliances.
3. You are experiencing an insufficient flow of electricity.
4. You have had water damage near the control panel and the circuit breaker.
5. Or if your house or place is too old and the electrical systems have not been updated for a very long time.

If you notice any of the above signs, you should immediately contact a professional and get it fixed. The sooner you do it, the better it will be for you and your family. If you want to buy circuit breakers for your place, DK Hardware is the place to go. We have an assortment of circuit breakers from renowned brands that you might want to look at. Here are some of the best options:

1. Eaton Circuit Breaker : CL250
2. GE Q-Line Double-Pole Circuit Breaker : THQP250
3. Square D Homeline 2-Pole Circuit Breaker : HOM2100C
4. Leviton Plug-On Standard Branch Circuit Breaker : R00-LB120-0TR
5. GE Q-Line Double-Pole Circuit Breaker : THQP240
6. Siemens Main Breaker Conversion Kit : MBK100A
7. Federal Pacific Circuit Breaker :  UBIF260N

DK Hardware features a wide range of circuit breakers for creating a well-protected electrical system for your place. Click on any link on this blog to be redirected to some of the best options.

For any specific questions, feel free to reach out to us!

For quotation, contact via email: sales@dkhardware.com or

Toll-Free: 877-509-8040