Circuit breakers are electrical switches that automatically shut off the electrical power to a circuit when there is an overload or a short circuit. They are designed to protect electrical circuits from damage caused by excessive current, which can cause overheating, fires, or damage to electrical equipment.

Circuit breakers come in different types and ratings, and they are typically rated based on their amperage capacity, voltage rating, and interrupting capacity. The amperage capacity of a circuit breaker is the maximum current that it can carry safely without tripping, while the voltage rating is the maximum voltage that the circuit breaker can handle. The interrupting capacity is the maximum amount of current that the circuit breaker can safely interrupt or stop during a short circuit or overload.

There are different types of circuit breakers, including:

    Thermal Circuit Breakers: These types of circuit breakers use a bimetallic strip that heats up when there is an overload, causing it to bend and trip the circuit breaker.

    Magnetic Circuit Breakers: These types of circuit breakers use an electromagnet that trips the circuit breaker when there is a sudden surge of current.

    Hydraulic Circuit Breakers: These types of circuit breakers use a hydraulic system to trip the circuit breaker when there is an overload.

    Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCB): These types of circuit breakers are designed to protect against electrical shock by detecting and interrupting current leakage.

Circuit breakers are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They are typically installed in electrical panels or switchboards and are essential components for electrical safety.