katkaisijaa

Katkaisija is a Finnish word that translates to "circuit breaker" in English. A circuit breaker is an automatic electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt the current flow when a fault is detected. Modern circuit breakers are available in a wide range of types and sizes, from small devices used in residential power systems to large industrial applications.

The primary purpose of a circuit breaker is safety. By quickly interrupting the flow of electricity, it prevents overheating of wires, which can lead to fires, and protects sensitive electrical equipment from damage. When an overcurrent condition occurs, such as a short circuit or an overload, a tripping mechanism within the breaker activates. This mechanism then opens the electrical contacts, breaking the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity.

Circuit breakers are designed to be resettable. Once the fault condition has been cleared, the breaker can be manually reset, allowing power to be restored to the circuit. This contrasts with fuses, which are designed to be a one-time protective device that must be replaced after a fault. The reliable and resettable nature of circuit breakers makes them a crucial component in modern electrical installations. They are found in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities worldwide.