Sähkökatkon

Sähkökatkon, also known as an electrical circuit breaker, is a device designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current, typically due to an overload or short circuit. It automatically interrupts the current flow when the circuit is overloaded or faulty, preventing potential hazards such as fires or equipment damage. Circuit breakers are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems.

There are two main types of circuit breakers: thermal-magnetic and electronic. Thermal-magnetic circuit breakers use a combination of heat and magnetism to detect overloads. When the current exceeds a certain threshold, the thermal element heats up, causing a bimetallic strip to bend and trip the breaker. Electronic circuit breakers, on the other hand, use electronic sensors to detect overloads and trip the breaker almost instantaneously.

Circuit breakers are rated by their interrupting capacity, which indicates the maximum current they can safely interrupt. They are also rated by their trip settings, which determine the current level at which the breaker will trip. Circuit breakers are an essential component of electrical safety, providing protection against overcurrent conditions and ensuring the reliable operation of electrical systems.