Types of Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers are essentially switches installed inside a breaker box that protect your home’s electrical components from overheating or catching fire. When an electrical short or overload occurs, a circuit breaker mitigates the problem by interrupting the flow of electricity. There are three basic circuit breaker varieties: standard breakers (which include both single-pole and double-pole circuit breakers), ground fault circuit interrupter circuit breakers (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupter circuit breakers (AFCIs).
Installing or replacing a circuit breaker is a job for a licensed electrician and may require a permit. Failure to take proper precautions and observe electrical codes when working with electrical components can result in fires, serious electrical shock or death. An electrician can best determine the circuit breaker type required for your home.
Single-Pole Circuit Breakers
Single-pole circuit breakers are the type most often found in homes today. They're named single-pole because they're designed to monitor the current of a single wire and trip in the event of a short or electrical overload. Single-pole breakers are intended to accommodate between 15 and 30 amps and deliver 120 volts to the circuit.
Double-Pole Circuit Breakers
Double-pole circuit breakers monitor the flow of electricity through two wires simultaneously. They're easily recognized as a single breaker with two interlinked, side-by-side switches. This type of breaker will trip if one or both of the wires short out or becomes overloaded. Double-pole circuit breakers deliver either 240 volts or 120/240 volts to an electrical circuit and can accommodate anywhere from 15 amps to 200 amps. Circuits that supply power to appliances that require a substantial amount of energy, such as washing machines and dryers, demand double-pole breakers.
GFCI Circuit Breakers
GFCI circuit breakers are designed to protect against a line-to-ground fault. This is when a dangerous electrical path occurs between a grounded element and an electrical current. GFCI breakers also offer protection against an electrical short or overloaded current. These breakers are required by some electrical codes for areas in the home that can become wet such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and outdoor areas.
AFCI Circuit Breakers
AFCI circuit breakers are designed to trip when arcing is detected within electrical wiring. This occurs when an electrical cord becomes damaged or its coating becomes too thin and it presents a serious risk of a fire. Standard single-pole and double-pole circuit breakers won't always detect electrical arcs because they're only tripped by excessive heat. AFCI circuit breakers are required as part of electrical code on newer houses.
What’s the Difference Between a Fuse Box and a Breaker Box?
There are some differences between a fuse box versus a circuit breaker box. A breaker box — which is sometimes referred to as a circuit breaker box, an electrical box, an electrical panel or an electrical panel box — prevents fires and damage to your home’s electrical system by interrupting the connection when a circuit experiences a problem, such as an overload. This mechanism serves the same function as a fuse box, which you can still find in old homes where the wiring hasn’t been updated since construction.
The main difference between breaker boxes and fuse boxes is in how they operate. A breaker box flips a switch to disconnect the current if it detects a surge. Once you flip the switch back on, it reestablishes the connection. A fuse box houses fuses that each contain a small wire that melts when it gets too hot, disconnecting the electrical current. Once a fuse has blown, it’s no longer functional. Fuses are inexpensive to replace; however, you should take care to purchase the correct type and voltage for your fuse box.
If your home’s electrical system blows fuses or trips your breaker box often, it’s time to call an electrician. There could be a serious problem with your wiring.