Sikring

Sikring is a term used in Danish and Norwegian to describe a protective device in electrical installations that interrupts current when abnormal conditions are detected, thereby reducing the risk of fire, damage, or electric shock. It can refer to the device itself or to the protection system as a whole, including the distribution panel and the wiring it protects.

In electrical terms, sikring encompasses two main types of protective devices: fuses and circuit breakers. A fuse contains a metal element that melts if the current exceeds its rating, breaking the circuit. A circuit breaker uses thermal or magnetic trip mechanisms to automatically interrupt current and can be reset after a fault is cleared. Modern installations typically rely on circuit breakers for protection, while fuses may remain in older buildings or in some equipment. Many systems also employ residual current devices (RCDs) or ground-fault protection to shut off power if a leakage current is detected, reducing the risk of electric shock.

Sikring is normally implemented in a building’s distribution board, with each circuit protected by its own device. The protective system must be correctly sized and maintained, and installation is typically governed by national electrical standards and codes. Electricians usually perform the initial installation and periodic inspections to ensure proper operation.

Outside electrical usage, sikring can also mean protection or safeguarding in a broader sense, such as measures to secure people, property, or information.