Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Kevin Chen
Image Source: FreeImages
Every electrical system has the potential to develop dangerous conditions if given the opportunity. Arcing, short circuits, and ground faults are all examples of circuit operating conditions that can lead to fires, electrocution, and other dangers if left unaddressed. Even without these inherent risks, many electrical systems experience ups and downs during normal operation, which can include voltage fluctuations or even lightning strikes. To protect your electrical system from these anomalous circumstances, you should consider using a protective device.
Essentially, protective devices are mechanisms that interrupt current flow when the risk of danger becomes apparent.
This helps minimize the risk of fire and shock while also extending the lifespan of your electrical system components. In this article, we’ll discuss circuit protection devices in detail so you can decide which are right for your system.
Reasons why we need circuit protection devices?
As the name suggests, we know that the purpose of a circuit protection device is to offer maximum protection to the circuit. Here are the top reasons why you need a proper circuit protection device:
To preserve safety of the circuit
A circuit protection device is designed to protect the circuit from any kind of damage. It is designed to do this in an efficient and effective manner. The main reason why we need a circuit protection device is to preserve the safety of the circuit. A circuit that is malfunctioning can cause serious damage, which can lead to accidents and death. Circuit protection devices are effective in preventing any kind of damage that can be caused by a faulty circuit.
To prevent short circuits
When a short circuit occurs, the amount of electricity that flows through the system increases significantly.
This increases the temperature within the system as well, which can lead to overheating and severe damage if not taken care of in time.
A circuit protection device works efficiently in detecting if there is a short-circuit or not within the system, and it automatically cuts off power supply from entering into it if so.
To prolong the lifespan of the circuit
A circuit that continues to work for a long time without any kind of damage can be considered as a well-maintained circuit.
Circuit protection devices have the ability to prolong the lifespan of the circuit by detecting and removing any kind of malfunctioning in the system. This, in turn, helps in saving money that is spent on repairing or replacing circuits.
To protect users and property
Circuit protection devices are designed to detect any fault that can be caused by the circuit, and then cut off power supply from entering into the circuit.
This helps in preventing any kind of damage that could cause harm to users and property.
Thermal limiters
A thermal limiter is a type of circuit protection device. Thermal limiters are similar to fuses in that they interrupt current flow when a fault is detected, but they have some key differences.
Fuses interrupt current flow by melting a conductive element to break the circuit. Thermal limiters interrupt current flow when their internal temperature reaches a certain threshold.
The advantage to this design is that fuses that get too hot could potentially start a fire. Thermal limiters do not have this risk. When a thermal limiter is tripped, you may need to replace both the thermal limiter and the fuse connected to the circuit.
Due to the more complex design of thermal limiters, they are more expensive than fuses. Thermal limiters are often only used in industrial circuits.
Fuses
Fuses are one of the most commonly used circuit protection devices. Fuses interrupt current flow when a fault is detected by blocking the flow of current through an element known as an electrical “path.”
Fuses are connected between the load and the source of power. They are designed to trip at a certain current level to prevent a serious fault from damaging the circuit (or the components connected to it).
The most common type of fuse is called a “time-delay fuse.” This type of fuse uses a filament to complete an electrical path.
As current flows through the filament, it heats up to a certain temperature. When the time-delay fuse reaches the appropriate temperature, the filament is blocked, and the circuit is interrupted.
Circuit Breakers
Image source Pixabay
Circuit breakers are another common type of circuit protection device. Circuit breakers interrupt current flow when a fault is detected by mechanically opening an electrical path.
When a circuit breaker trips, it is fully off, so it is important to reset the breaker before attempting to use the circuit again. This is to ensure that no one is injured while the circuit is still live.
Circuit breakers typically have reset buttons on the front face of the device. There are both single-pole and two-pole circuit breakers available. Single-pole circuit breakers are used to disconnect power to a single circuit. If you have a single-pole circuit breaker but two circuits connected to a source, the breaker may trip due to the fault in the second circuit. Two-pole circuit breakers allow you to disconnect power to two circuits at once. These are often used in areas that are high-risk, such as in commercial buildings or factories.
Fusible links
Fusible links interrupt current flow by melting a conductive element. This is similar to the operation of a fuse, but a fusible link is a solid element, while a fuse has a filament. When a fusible link is used in place of a fuse, the link will increase in temperature before it has a chance to melt.
This means that the circuit protection device may trip before the level that the circuit breaker would trip.
Fusible links are commonly used in high-voltage circuits, such as the primary power source for a large building. Fusible links should be replaced when they are used. This is because the fusible link may have some corrosion that reduces its ability to interrupt current flow.
Inrush Current Limiter
An inrush current limiter is a circuit protection device that limits the initial current flow into a circuit. This is especially important in circuits where large amounts of power are needed to start up.
Inrush current limiters are built to protect expensive circuit breakers from damage by reducing the current flow. They also help prevent circuit breakers from tripping unnecessarily when powering on large motors or appliances.
This type of circuit protection device is often installed in conjunction with power sources that are designed for industrial use.
Poly switch
Image source: Ebay
A poly switch is a circuit protection device that opens the circuit when it senses the current flow is too high. This type of device is often used to protect electrical systems from short circuits.
These devices are designed to trip when the amount of current flowing through the circuit is higher than normal for a brief period of time. The device will then reset itself once the current drops back to a normal level.
Because short circuits are often momentary, a poly switch provides instantaneous protection from short circuits. However, it also closes itself very quickly once the short circuit ends.
Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB)
An RCCB is a circuit breaker that senses the presence of current, even if it’s just a tiny amount. This sensitivity makes the device extremely useful for protecting people from electrocution.
RCCBs are used as one-way current sensors in DC circuits, as well as in mains circuits. They are designed to trip (open the circuit) when the current drops below a selectable level. The trip level is set at a level high enough to ensure that a person or animal is not in contact with the “live” side of the circuit.
Solid state protector module
A solid state protector module is a type of circuit protection device. Solid state protector modules interrupt current flow when a fault is detected. These devices are more advanced than circuit breakers or fuses.
They are often installed in critical circuits, such as those that power an elevator or a fire alarm system. A solid state protector module will trip before a fuse would, but will not be as dramatic as a circuit breaker trip.
It is possible that a fault in one of these circuits could damage the circuit protection device before it trips, so it is important to check the device regularly.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter(GFCI)
An arc-fault circuit interrupter is a type of circuit protection device. An arc-fault circuit interrupter interrupts current flow when a ground fault is detected.
These devices are designed to detect a ground fault before it can cause serious damage to a circuit.
They are usually used in wet areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms. A ground fault occurs when the current flowing through a circuit is not complete.
This could be due to a short circuit in another circuit that is connected to the same ground.
Because an arc-fault circuit interrupter is designed to detect ground faults, it can also be used to detect short circuits.
Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)
Image source Siemens
AFCIs are a type of circuit breaker that is designed to trip whenever it senses an arcing, or electrical discharge, in the circuit.
AFCIs are particularly important in residential wiring systems because they can help prevent fires due to an unwanted buildup of current.
Arcing is a common cause of house fires, and it can often go unnoticed because it doesn’t produce an obvious spark. AFCIs are designed to sense even very low levels of arcing, which makes them especially useful in detecting this common fire hazard.
Gas Discharge Tube
A gas discharge tube (GDT) is a circuit protection device that uses a glowing tube to indicate current flow in the circuit. GDTs are designed for use in low-voltage circuits, and they can be installed in both residential and industrial settings.
The tube inside the GDT glows when current flows through the device. This glow is often visible in the form of a bluish-purple light, and it indicates that current is flowing somewhere in the system.
The presence of this current can help the user pinpoint the location of the problem and find the source of a potential short circuit or other issues.
Where are circuit protection devices installed?
Circuit protection devices are typically installed at the point of entry for an electrical circuit, such as the main circuit breaker or a subpanel.
This placement allows the device to monitor the circuit as a whole and address any issues that appear before they become a problem for the rest of the system.
However, some circuit protection devices can also be installed farther along a circuit, such as inside a single outlet. These devices are referred to as branch-type or downstream devices.
Know the specs of circuit protection devices
When buying a circuit protection devices, it is vital to know their specs> The most common and vital specifications include:
-Maximum current: It is the maximum current that can be carried by the circuit protection device. Beyond that, the device will be unable to carry the current and will eventually burn out.
-Maximum voltage: It is the maximum voltage that can be carried by the circuit protection device. Beyond that, the device will be unable to carry the voltage and will eventually burn out.
-Maximum power: This is a measure of how much power can be safely carried by the circuit protection device. The higher the maximum power, more efficient it will be in carrying high power currents.
-Maximum temperature: This is a measure of how much heat can be handled by the circuit protection device before it burns out. The higher this number, better it will be for use with circuits that generate a lot of heat.
Ensure that the device is compatible with your circuit
When buying a circuit protection devices, it is vital to ensure that it is compatible with your circuit. This can be done by reading the specs of the device and comparing them with the specs of your circuit to ensure they are compatible.
Always buy from a trusted brand
When buying a circuit protection device, it is vital to always buy from a trusted brand. There are many counterfeit products in the market, so you need to make sure that they are not sold as genuine products.
A trusted brand will offer a wide range of circuit protection devices and will ensure that they have been tested for safety before being sold to clients.
We at ICRFQ are a reputable supplier of circuit protection devices in China. You can contact us and place your order.
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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