Last Updated on October 22, 2023 by Kevin Chen
Image of mobile home source Bob Vla
One way of protecting your home from the dangers associated with electricity is by installing a circuit breaker.
People refer to them using different names such as breaker boxes, service panels load centers among other.
One thing is common is they are designed for safety and functionality.
Circuit breakers help to distribute power from the man center box to the other places at home.
One type of circuit breaker that you may consider getting is a mobile home circuit breaker.
What is it? How does it work? Where do I install it?
We have answers to all these questions.
In this guide, we are going to explain everything you should know about mobile home circuit breaker boxes
I will also give you tips for choosing the right one from the best mobile home circuit breaker boxes suppliers.
What is a mobile home circuit breaker?
A mobile home circuit breaker box is any type of circuit breaker panel that is designed to be installed in a mobile home.
But here begs the question, what are these mobile homes?
Well, these are homes that are always on the move. An RV or camper van is just one of the many examples.
Due to various reasons, people opt to convert vehicles into full homes. And since these homes-on-vehicles need electricity, mobile circuit breakers come in handy.
Mobile circuit breaker boxes are similar to the traditional; circuit breakers in all the possible aspects.
For instance, they will also trip in case of a circuit overload or short circuit to protect the electric devices from possible damage.
However, they tend to have numerous features that separate them from the traditional home circuit breakers.
These breakers are also UL listed for mobile homes. This means that the manufacturers design them to meet the specific standards for mobile use.
For instance, they have come in different capacities depending on your power needs. The build and the physical features of the mobile home circuit breakers may also be different.
They also come in different qualities, and that’s why you need to be careful when buying one.
How does home circuit breakers work?
The working principle of the mobile home circuit breaker boxes is not any different from that of the traditional circuit breakers. However, their working principle have to consider on the mobility factor of the home.
Just like the standard home circuit breakers, a mobile home fuse box will trip to shut down the power supply in case of current surge or overload.
After that, you will be able to reset the breaker so that the power supply can resume to normalcy.
A unique feature of the mobile circuit breaker boxes is they are designed to accommodate different sources of electricity.
This is done bearing in mind that most mobile homes get their power from different sources. For instance, it some cases you will draw power from solar and in other instance from hydroelectric sources.
This is unlike the conventional home circuit breaker boxes that get power from the known national grid.
The mobile circuit breakers are usually installed on the breaker panel of a mobile home. The type of breaker installed will depend on the power requirement of your mobile home. Some are rated highly or others are rated lowly.
Also, the circuit breaker installed will depend on the type of electric devices that is installed.
Still on the operation perspective, these circuit breakers are super flexible. This is done to allow them to be easily switched between different power sources.
Mobile home circuit breakers are color-coded to have unique identity. This is done to prevent the owners of these homes from confusing them.
Reasons to install a mobile circuit breaker box
Image source: AC-DC Electric
Wondering whether to install a mobile circuit breaker box or not? Well, here are the core functions of this electric device:
Increase safety in the mobile home
It is obvious that electricity can be dangerous. It can cause some accidents that can lead to the loss of life and property. A mobile home circuit breaker helps to prevent incidences
of fire and other dangerous incidences from happening due to power surge or short-current.
Don’t you think it will be nice to know that your mobile home is well-secured?
Conserves energy in the mobile home
Probably you are wondering how this is possible. Well, there are some models of advanced circuit breakers that down the power supply when no devices are running. This alone will go a long way reducing the energy usage by a significant percentage.
Prevents damage on electric appliances
Other than safety, mobile home circuit breaker boxes are big financial saviors. They save you from incurring heavy losses due to current surge. This is possible when they they shield electric appliances in the mobile homes from the effects of over voltage, short circuit and current surge.
Key components of mobile home circuit breakers
Since circuit breaker boxes for mobile homes are similar to those in conventional homes, they all have similar components. Only that the ones for mobile homes may have a number of modifications to meet their mobility needs.
These components include:
-Main circuit breaker: This component serves as the main connector or disconnect or for the entire electrical device. It is basically a switch that determines the operation of the service panel.
-Branch circuit breakers: This are individual breakers in the fuse box. These breakers are connected to the individual devices and appliances in a mobile home.
-Hot bus bars: These are basically metal bars in the circuit breaker box that support wires from the main circuit breaker.
-Ground bar: This is a metal pice that connects the ground wire and the neutral wire together
-Neutral bar: Connects the neutral wires from the individual circuit breakers in the service panel box.
-Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter: This is a unique form of circuit breaker box that gives protection against electrical shock.
-Sub panels: A sub panel is a component component of a mobile circuit breaker box that allows you to adjust the power supply according to your needs.
Frame: This is the backbone of any mobile home circuit breaker. It provides strength and support for the installation of the breaker. The frames also provide insulation from heat and water elements that may be cause physical and electrical damage.
Are you planning to buy a mobile home circuit breaker? Take time to analyze the components that make it up.
How many amperes does a mobile home circuit breaker need?
When it comes to buying circuit breakers for mobile homes, you have to consider the amperage.
The basic rule of thumb dictates that the amperage will always depend on the electrical load of the house.
In other words, the electrical appliances in your mobile house will determine the amperes of the breaker box fuse that you buy.
So, you should sit down and do a deep analysis of each appliance and its amperage.
From there, you can tell the approximate amperage of your circuit breaker.
The list below will give you a hint of what we are implying.
- Air conditioner 16 amps
- Coffee maker 6 amps
- Water heater amps 13 amps
- RV Refrigerator 6 amps
From this short list, it is clear that the amperage of most appliances in a mobile house range between 5 to 20 amperes.
But, here comes the challenge: What if you use all the appliances concurrently? The current going through the circuit breaker can be as high as 100 amps.
To be on the safest side, ensure that your circuit breaker for the mobile house is not less than 200amps
You should also be keen on all the devices and appliances that are connected to the circuit breaker at any given time.
How do I reset a mobile home circuit breaker?
Circuit breakers for mobile homes such as RVs are similar to other breakers. So, you shouldn’t have any problem when it comes to resetting them. Just flip the switch back to its original position and power will be restored.
However, you will have to replace the fuses if they blew up as a result of the power surge.
Should I upgrade the circuit breaker for mobile home?
This is quite a common question that most RV owners tend to ask. When should I upgrade my RV circuit breaker?
-You are adding more electrical load into the RV/mobile house. This also applies if you are upgrading to more powerful electric devices and appliances.
-Your circuit breaker keeps tripping frequently
-You have a faulty or damaged circuit breakers
-You are upgrading the electric system of your mobile home, maybe buying a new solar panel or generator.
-You want to enhance safety of your mobile home.
In case you find yourself in any of these scenarios, then you should consider upgrading your circuit breaker.
Ensure that the new one meets the electric standards of your mobile home and the devices in it.
Conclusion
Which is the best mobile home circuit breaker box? You now have the right answer to this question.
I hope that you will make the right decision when it comes to buying these vital electrical devices.
We at ICRFQ can source the right mobile home circuit breaker boxes in China. Simply contact us and we will deliver.
If you want to find more Electronic Components Distributors, please check out the following articles:
Electronic Components Distributors In the USA
Electronic Components Distributors In UK
Electronic Components Distributors In China
Electronic Components Distributors In India
Electronic Components Distributors In Singapore
Electronic Components Distributors In Malaysia
Electronic Components Distributors In Vietnam
Electronic Components Distributors In South Korea
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