Engineering Resource for Circuit Breakers and Push-to-Reset Circuit Breakers

1.1 Overcurrent Protection and Overcurrent Circuit Protectors

1.2 Physics of Circuit Interruption

1.3 Overcurrent Clearing Times

1.4 Physical Characteristics

There are two general categories of circuit protection:

1) Fuses
2) Electro-mechanical circuit breakers.

Each has its advantages which will be discussed here.

The most important aspect of circuit protection selection is a complete understanding of the system to be protected. Because the protection design is usually the last consideration, and time is always at a premium, this aspect of design is usually rushed. Learn more here!

The primary safety focus is to eliminate two types of hazards:

1) Electrical shock
2) Smoke and fire