Kaitselülitel

Kaitselülitel, often translated as circuit breaker, is an essential electrical safety device. Its primary function is to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent or short circuit. It achieves this by automatically interrupting the flow of current when a fault is detected.

There are various types of kaitselülitel, each designed for specific applications. Common examples include miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), residual-current devices (RCDs), and molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs). MCBs are typically used in residential and light commercial settings, while RCDs provide protection against electric shock by detecting imbalances in current. MCCBs are generally employed in industrial and heavy-duty applications.

The mechanism of a kaitselülitel usually involves a thermal or magnetic tripping element. A thermal element responds to sustained overloads by bending a bimetallic strip, which then triggers the switch. A magnetic element reacts to sudden, high-current surges, like those from a short circuit, by activating a solenoid. When tripped, the kaitselülitel opens the circuit, stopping the flow of electricity and preventing potential hazards such as fire or equipment damage. Once the fault is cleared, the kaitselülitel can be manually reset to restore power. They are crucial components in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of electrical systems.