SUR-kut BREK-er
Noun
A device that interrupts an electrical circuit when it becomes overloaded.
Example usage: We need to check the circuit breaker in case of an electrical overload.
Most used in: Electrical installations, particularly in residential settings.
Most used by: Electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
What is a Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker is an electrical device that is used to protect a circuit from damage due to excessive current. It is an essential part of any electrical wiring system and is required to comply with local electrical codes. Circuit breakers are usually found in the main electrical panel of a home or business, and are designed to automatically shut off the power if the current flowing through a circuit exceeds a certain level.
Circuit breakers are available in a variety of sizes and types, depending on the electrical load they are designed to protect. Standard circuit breakers are designed to trip at a current of 15-20 amps, while larger circuit breakers may be designed to trip at up to 60 amps. The size of a circuit breaker is determined by the total electrical load it is intended to protect.
Circuit breakers are an important safety feature in any home or business electrical system, as they help to prevent fires, shocks, and other hazards that can be caused by an overload on an electrical circuit. According to the National Fire Protection Association, circuit breakers are responsible for preventing an estimated 51,000 fires each year.
.The History of the Circuit Breaker
The term 'Circuit Breaker' has been around since the early days of electricity. It was first used in the late 19th century in the United States. The term refers to a device that is used to protect electrical wiring from overloading and short-circuiting.
The first circuit breaker was developed in 1879 by Thomas Edison. He used a switch to protect the lighting system of the Pearl Street Station in New York City. The switch would open the circuit and stop the flow of electricity if the current got too high. This was the first use of the term 'circuit breaker'.
Since then, the term has been used to refer to any device that can open and close an electrical circuit, such as a fuse or a switch. Circuit breakers are now used in homes, businesses, and industrial settings to protect wiring and equipment from damage caused by electrical overloads.
