Áramkörmegszakítók

Áramkörmegszakítók, often translated as circuit breakers, are essential electrical safety devices designed to protect electrical circuits from damage caused by overcurrents or short circuits. They function by automatically interrupting the flow of electricity when a fault is detected, thereby preventing overheating, fires, and damage to appliances and wiring.

The basic principle of operation involves a mechanism that senses an excessive current. This sensing can be achieved through various means, commonly using an electromagnet or a bimetallic strip. In an electromagnetic breaker, a coil of wire generates a magnetic field proportional to the current flowing through it. If the current becomes too high, the magnetic field becomes strong enough to trip a latch, opening the circuit. In a bimetallic strip breaker, two metals with different thermal expansion rates are bonded together. When current flows, the strip heats up. If the current is excessive, the strip bends sufficiently to activate a tripping mechanism.

Once tripped, the circuit breaker remains in the open position, indicating that a fault has occurred. To restore power, the user must manually reset the breaker after the fault has been identified and rectified. Circuit breakers are a crucial component in modern electrical systems, found in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, and are a fundamental part of ensuring electrical safety. They offer a reusable and reliable alternative to older fuse-based protection systems.