toitelüliti

A toitelüliti, often translated as a power switch or circuit breaker in English, is an electrical component designed to interrupt the flow of current in a circuit. Its primary function is to protect electrical devices and wiring from damage caused by overcurrents, which can result from short circuits or overloads. When an excessive amount of current passes through the toitelüliti, it automatically trips, opening the circuit and stopping the electricity supply. This prevents overheating of wires, potential fires, and damage to connected appliances.

Toitelülitid are typically installed in a building's main electrical panel or distribution board, serving as a central point of control and protection for various circuits. They can also be found as individual units protecting specific appliances or circuits. In many modern systems, toitelülitid are designed to be resettable, meaning that after tripping due to an anomaly, they can be manually switched back on once the fault has been resolved. This contrasts with older fuse systems, which required replacement after a single overcurrent event. The mechanism within a toitelüliti usually involves a bimetallic strip or an electromagnet that responds to the increased current by actuating a tripping mechanism.