A circuit breaker is an
electrical device which is used to monitor, control and protect an electric
circuit from electric power overload or short circuit. It works by breaking the
flow of the current in case there is a fault in the current thus preventing
fire or damage to the electric devices. While its function is much similar to
that of a fuse, they differ in the sense that one does not need to replace them
in case there is an overload like the case of a fuse, they just trip and their
button turns from ON to OFF. All you have to do is return it to ON and you will
have power back.
While the main electrical panel
will have between 100 to 200 amps, the current is distributed through the rest
of the house appliances in smaller circuit breakers of between 15A and 20A. Such
appliances include lighting and kitchen devices. The amperage indicate the
amount of current a circuit breaker can allow to pass through the circuit. Most
household electrical panels consist of 2 phase circuits. This means there are
two active electrical wires called phases and a neutral one. A three phase
panel has three active lines and a neutral line. The 2 phase circuit is used
mainly for households which require lesser current while the three phase
connections are used to power huge plants and appliances like electric motors
where they ensure the load of the current is lower per phase.
There is still more about
household circuit panels with their several breakers, wires and outlets.
Outlets as already mentioned differ in the amount of currents they let through
and the 20A outlets serve heavier appliances/receptacles which cannot be used
on a 15A outlet. This difference in current necessitates the use of different
wire gauges. 15A outlets can be used with 14 gauge wires since the current is
lower. However, 12 and 10 gauge wires are the best for all your home electrical
wiring since they have a greater load carrying capacity and provide better
power quality since they have less heat wastage which results in a voltage
drop. They also allow for the safer and convenient upgrading of the current in
your home without the need of rewiring. Another important part of your home’s
electrical wiring is the matching of the appropriate wires from the control
panel box to the outlets. Red or brown wires are the live wires, then black or
blue wires are the neutral ones and finally green or yellow wires are the earth
wires.
connect with us!
Soyfer Electric, Inc.
3011 Commercial Ave. | Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 291.0039
www.soyferelectric.blogspot.com
www.Soyferelectric.com
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Soyfer Electric, Inc.
3011 Commercial Ave. | Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 291.0039
www.soyferelectric.blogspot.com
www.Soyferelectric.com
www.Twitter.com/soyferelectric
www.facebook.com/soyferelectric
www.Soyferelectric.wordpress.com
