Before entering fully into the meaning of the term circuit breaker, we are going to proceed to know its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it is a word that derives from Latin, exactly the result of the union of three lexical components of that language:
-The prefix “dis-”, which means “separation”.
-The adjective "iunctus", which is synonymous with "united".
-The suffix “-tor”, which is used to indicate “agent”.
A circuit breaker is an element that automatically interrupts the electric current when it exceeds a certain intensity. It is a safety device that, according to its characteristics, allows the protection of electrical equipment and the integrity of users.
Circuit breakers have different properties according to their purpose. It can work with different currents and voltages, withstand up to a certain intensity and receive between one and four poles.
A thermal breaker is one that opens the circuit and interrupts the current when it detects an overload. This is possible since the excessive intensity of the current expands it until it opens. A magnetic circuit breaker, on the other hand, can record faults linked to a short circuit and open the circuit by creating a magnetic field. There are also magnetothermic circuit breakers, which combine both features.
A differential circuit breaker, on the other hand, controls that the same current flows through the different poles. When the current has different amperage across the poles, the circuit breaker physically interrupts the flow. By their operation, the differential circuit breakers protect people's lives: if an individual receives a shock due to a loss of current in a system, the circuit breaker interrupts the passage as soon as it detects that the current passed to the earth through the body of the subject, without returning to the plug.
Es importante saber no solo que existen distintos disyuntores sino que también hay que tener muy claro qué se persigue conseguir para poder dar con el idóneo. Y para eso hay que tener presentes características que esos poseen y a las que debe prestarse atención de modo especial:
-El número de polos, para saber cuántos dispositivos se podrán conectar a él.
-La tensión de trabajo, que es el voltaje para el que han sido creados. En este caso, nos vamos a topar con los trifásicos y con los monofásicos.
-El poder de cierre, que viene a ser la intensidad máxima que es capaz de soportar un disyuntor sin sufrir ningún tipo de daño.
-El poder de corte, que viene a ser la intensidad máxima que es capaz de interrumpir.
Although circuit breakers can be installed next to the appliances to be protected, they are usually located on a panel. This allows to provide protection to all the equipment that is connected to the electrical network of a house, a business or an industry.
After all the above, it has become very clear that circuit breakers are necessary and basic devices for safety. And it is that they are not only essential for the safety of the different electrical installations but also for constructions and for individuals in general.