Why do circuit breakers commonly trip? What is a circuit breaker? A circuit breaker is a safety device that interrupts the flow of electricity in an electrical circuit. The purpose of a circuit breaker is to prevent damage from overload or short circuit. There are two main types of circuit breakers: thermal-magnetic circuit breakers and solid-state circuit breakers. Thermal-magnetic circuit breakers use a combination of heat and magnetic force to trip the breaker, while solid-state circuit breakers use semiconductor devices to detect an overload or short circuit and then interrupt the flow of electricity. Lastly, circuit breakers are typically installed in household and commercial buildings, as well as in industrial and utility applications. Overcurrent Overcurrent is a condition of an electrical circuit when it exceeds the maximum current allowed. As a result, too much current is flowing through the circuit. This can lead to fires, damage to the conductor insulation, and equipment damage. Overcurrent can be caused by a number of things, such as short circuit, overload, ground fault or arc. Due to the potential damage caused by an overcurrent its important to shut off the power to the affected circuit as soon as possible. Overload An overload happens when equipment is operating in excess of its normal full-load rating. When this is sustained over a long period of time it causes overheating and damage. An overload can be caused by a number of things, for example an overloaded circuit or faulty appliances. Overloads can cause damage to electrical components and pose a fire hazard, so it's important to shut off the power to the affected circuit as soon as possible. Short Circuit A short circuit is caused when an overcurrent extremely exceeds the recommended full load current of the circuit. As the name suggests, a short circuit is when the current travels along an unintended path, taking a short-cut around the load and then back to the power source. As a result, this leads to an excessive current flowing through the circuit. A short circuit can be caused by a loose wire, damaged appliances, or an overloaded circuit. Why do circuit breakers commonly trip? www.nmcabling.co.uk