Circuit Breakers, Fuses & Safety Switches
For the average layman, it can be very difficult to understand and distinguish between different electrical components. The most commonly seen confusion is between fuses, circuit breakers and safety switches. These devices have similar functions but there are many core differences between them. Let's learn the differences between them and what exactly they should be used for.
Before we get on to that, if you have any electrical work that demands immediate attention it is best to call an electrician Vancouver and let them take a look. Electrical work can be dangerous which is why it is best if the experts take care of it.
What Does A Fuse Do?
A fuse is an electrical device that provides protection against short circuits or power overload. The fuse works by melting a wire when there is a power surge that interrupts the circuit and stops the flow of current. If a fuse has melted it is very important for you to change the fuse right away. These devices cannot be used more than once; if the wire melts the fuse is no longer useful.
Fuse is one of the most common electrical devices that provide safety. With the changes in time, there are different kinds and different specifications and types of fuse available. Some types of fuse include DC, AC and Cartridge fuses. These fuses have different current and voltage ratings so you must select the one that serves your purpose the best. If you think that your fuse has melted, you must contact an electrician Vancouver right away.
What Does A Circuit Breaker Do?
A circuit breaker has a similar function as that of a fuse. It provides protection against surges in electrical power. However, they can be deemed as more effective and of multiple uses.
You can find a series of switches in the electrical switch box. These switches protect the other devices in your home. These circuit breakers can detect if there is a surge in the power coming into your home. If they sense a high surge in the current they will automatically turn off breaking the flow of current and protecting your wiring, electrical switch, devices and you.
If the circuit breaker trips you can easily head over to the breaker panel and turn it back on for the current to flow again. However, that is not a solution. If there is a problem that is causing a surge in power then the circuit breaker will trip again. This is why it is best to let an electrician Vancouver take a look at the root problem and fix it to protect your home. GFCI is a circuit breaker that is used to detect any interruptions in power and then automatically disconnects the power to save you from hazards. The GFCI breaker is very commonly used in households everywhere.
What Do Safety Switches Do?
A safety switch is also known as an RCD device that helps with the immediate cutting of electrical circuits to protect the people in a house from suffering electrocution. Many people confuse safety switches with fuses and circuit breakers. However, there is a basic difference between the inner working of the safety switch and fuses.
These safety switches work round the clock and constantly monitor the electrical current flowing in the live and neutral wire. The safety switches are considered to be the safest option when it comes to protecting people against electrical surges. When the amount of power flowing in and out of the home changes the safety switch detects the changes and then breaks the current instantly so that there are no severe problems.
Which Option Should You Go For?
People often think that these devices can be used interchangeably however, it is important to understand that each of them is used for a different purpose. Such as, the circuit breakers and fuses are not used to protect the people in your house from electrocution. But they are used to protect your electrical wiring and the electrical devices you have in your home.
This is why it is very important for your home to have a combination of all these electrical devices to provide you with the best security possible.
Why Should You Contact Kato Electrical?
Since you are not very savvy with electrical work, it is advised that you contact an expert who is! Kato Electrical is a company that connects you with the best electrician Vancouver who can ensure that your home gets the best protection possible. Kato Electrical can help you with any electrical problems you have. If you are facing any electrical problems, it is best that you give us a call right away and let the experts take over.
Our services are available round the clock! Contact us today!
For more information about our services or to obtain a FREE ESTIMATE, use our form or call 604-417-4785 today!