Katkaisijoitas

Katkaisijoitas is a Finnish term that translates to "circuit breakers" in English. These are essential electrical safety devices designed to protect electrical circuits from damage caused by overcurrent or short circuits. They function by interrupting the flow of electricity when an anomaly is detected, thereby preventing overheating of wires and potential fires.

There are several types of circuit breakers, including thermal, magnetic, and thermal-magnetic. Thermal circuit breakers respond to heat generated by overcurrent, while magnetic ones react to a sudden surge in current. Thermal-magnetic breakers combine both mechanisms. They are commonly found in homes, businesses, and industrial settings, installed in electrical panels to safeguard the entire electrical system.

The operation of a circuit breaker is relatively simple. Inside, a bimetallic strip or an electromagnet is used to detect overcurrent. In the case of a bimetallic strip, excessive current causes it to heat up and bend, tripping a switch. With an electromagnet, a strong magnetic field is generated by overcurrent, which pulls a lever to open the circuit. When the fault is cleared, the circuit breaker can be manually reset, restoring power. This ability to be reset distinguishes them from fuses, which must be replaced after they blow.