sähkökatkaisijoita

Sähkökatkaisija, known in English as an electrical circuit breaker, is a safety device designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent or short circuit. It automatically interrupts the flow of electricity when a fault is detected. This interruption prevents overheating of wires and potential fires, as well as damage to connected appliances.

There are several types of sähkökatkaisijoita. Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings for branch circuits. Residual-current devices (RCDs), also known as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in North America, are specifically designed to detect and interrupt current imbalances between the live and neutral wires, protecting against electric shock. Larger industrial applications may use molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) or air circuit breakers (ACBs).

The operation of a sähkökatkaisija relies on either a thermal or magnetic mechanism, or a combination of both. Thermal operation typically involves a bimetallic strip that bends when heated by excessive current, triggering a switch. Magnetic operation uses an electromagnet that activates the switch when the current exceeds a predetermined level. When a fault occurs, the breaker trips, opening the circuit. To restore power, the breaker must be manually reset after the fault has been identified and rectified. Regular testing and maintenance of sähkökatkaisijoita are important to ensure their reliable operation and the safety of the electrical system.