Thermal breakers are essential protective devices designed to prevent excessive currents from the circuits and protect them from short-circuits or tripping. Unlike fuses, these breakers work similarly; however, a thermal breaker consists of a switch that can be reset in case of tripping. These safety devices can effectively avoid fires, damage, or other electrical dangers resulting from voltage fluctuations.
How many types of thermal breakers are there?
Thermal breakers are classified into two main types, i.e., thermal magnetic circuit breakers and thermal automotive circuit breakers.
- Thermal magnetic circuit breakers
These circuit breakers are designed to protect circuits from overcurrent with integrated electromagnetic and bimetallic strips that respond by tripping or opening the circuit. They protect the circuits and quickly respond to electrical surges or poor grounding.
- Thermal automotive circuit breakers
Unlike magnetic circuit breakers, thermal automotive circuit breakers disrupt the current flow in automotive circuits to prevent faults like short circuits or overloads. These circuit breakers are designed for automotives, where engines remain on for a shorter period of time.
What is the difference between thermal circuit breakers and fuses?
Generally, thermal circuit breakers provide sophisticated circuit protection with automated switches that disrupt the current flow in the event of short circuits or overloads. The main difference is that fuses burn out and need replacement, while circuit breakers only require reset.
Applications of thermal circuit breakers, magnetic circuit breakers, and automotive circuit breakers:
These protective circuit breakers are primarily designed to protect electrical circuits from damage during electric shocks and overloads.
However, they work in different environments, such as magnetic circuit breakers are suitable for use in distribution boards, while thermal automotive circuit breakers are widely suited for vehicles, including:
- Cars
- Vans
- Buses
- Boats, etc.
