What is a general electrical circuit breaker?
What is a circuit breaker?
A general electrical circuit breaker is essential equipment in all buildings, whether they are used as homes or whether they house a professional activity. The role of this installation is to protect the electrical circuits. The device automatically cuts off the current through:
An electromechanical device;
From an electronic device.
A power failure occurs in the event of a short circuit or overload. In both cases, this represents a danger for the users but also for the building. Thanks to the protection provided by the circuit breaker, the risk of fire, linked for example to an overvoltage, is reduced. Electrical appliances and computer equipment are also protected.
How to identify the different types of circuit breakers?
The general circuit breaker
The general electric circuit breaker plays a very important role: it cuts off the power supply in the event of an overload or short-circuit, and therefore of danger. The general electrical circuit breaker is also called a “branch circuit breaker”. It is installed in the electrical panel, inside the house or building for professional use.
Good to know: mandatory standards
To ensure the safety of goods and people in the equipped building, it is essential to use equipment that complies with the NF-USE standard.
It should be noted that a general electrical circuit breaker is not sufficient to ensure optimum safety against fires and other electrical failures such as surges. That is why there are other types of circuit breakers.
The differential circuit breaker
The differential circuit breaker is an installation that protects people against the risk of electrocution. This can occur in the event of direct or indirect contact with the electrical circuit. Protection is provided by an additional part which is the differential circuit breaker. For optimum safety, this differential is very sensitive (30 mA). Of course, in addition to protecting people, it protects electrical installations from overloads and short circuits.
Divisional circuit breakers
Unlike the general electrical circuit breaker, branch circuit breakers only cut power lines that pose a risk. The branch circuit breakers do not work alone, they complete the electrical installation and in particular the actions of the general electrical circuit breaker and that of the differential circuit breaker.
Thanks to the branch circuit breaker, it is possible to locate the source of the electrical problem easily and quickly. This circuit breaker can be reset after any repairs have been made.
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What are the specificities of a circuit breaker?
To make the right choice of a general electrical circuit breaker, you must know its specificities. Here are the criteria to take into account.
The maximum operating voltage is also called rated operational voltage (Use). This data informs about the voltages at which the device can be used.
The rating also called the rated current (In), indicates the maximum value of the current that the device is able to withstand.
The nominal breaking capacity (Icn) and the ultimate breaking capacity (Icu) indicate the maximum current intensity which causes a short circuit. This is important because it is necessary to take into account both the danger for people and for the devices.
There are many models of electric circuit breakers. To make the right choice, opt for equipment that meets the standards in force. If you need advice, you can call on the certified professionals of the IZI by EDF network.
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Why call on professionals for your electrical work?
The installation of an electrical panel, and therefore of a general electrical circuit breaker, cannot be improvised. This work must be carried out by a professional, namely an electrician. This will ensure that the installation is in order and above all that it is perfectly secure.
The electrician can work on all the elements that make up the electrical panel and therefore the electricity meter, the general circuit breaker, and a distribution panel. The electrical panels are sold empty or equipped. Do not hesitate to discuss with your electrician to know which model to choose to equip your new house or to replace an obsolete electrical panel.
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Need to install a general electrical circuit breaker or replace an electrical panel that is no longer up to standard? Call a certified electrician. This type of work requires recognized expertise because it has a direct impact on safety. Thanks to the IZI by EDF network, you can find a qualified electrician who will be able to do the work requested. Find out more from our account managers.
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