The three main types of circuit breakers are standard, GFCI and AFCI. Some models have dual functionality. Each handles different amp capacities and operates in different locations in the home. By definition a circuit breaker is an electrical safety device, a switch that automatically interrupts the current of an overloaded electric circuit, ground faults, or short circuits. Circuit breakers “trip”, shut off, current flow after protective relays detect a fault.
Simply put, a switch is designed to switch power on and off, a circuit breaker “breaks” the circuit in an overload or fault condition. Switches switch and breakers break. These differences are crucial to understanding their safety and practicality. The circuit breaker is opened by applying pressure to the trigger. When there is a faulty current flowing through any part of the system, the trip coil of the breaker gets energized thereby moving away from each other, thus opening the circuit.
Primarily the circuit breakers are used for switching of different kinds of load in Industries, Buildings, Commercial Complexes, and Hotels, etc. Generally, the types of circuit breakers fall into three major classes, which are: Standard Circuit Breakers. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters, or AFCI Circuit Breakers. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GFCI Circuit Breakers.
