Your circuit breaker is one of the most essential parts of your electric supply. This amazing innovation delivers power to your outlets and appliances, while making sure that you are protected from sudden electrical surges. In the event that too much electricity is sent through your home wiring, your circuit breaker will automatically shut off power to that area. In the event that you experience trouble with your electrical system, a residential electrician serving San Jose can help restore your circuit breaker to peak operating condition. Here is a complete guide to how circuit breakers work in the home.
Power Distribution Grid
Your home’s electricity comes from a device called a power distribution grid. As electricity is sent into your wiring, it travels through an electrical circuit that contains a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a ground. This system allows the electrical current from the power distribution grid to travel safely through your wiring. Your circuit breaker is at the central point of this alternating current.
Resistance
Resistance is another fundamental term that is needed to understand your circuit breaker. While the power distribution grid sends a constant level of electricity through your home, each one of your appliances put up their own amount of resistance to the electrical charge. Resistance is what allows each of your appliances to operate. From your light bulbs to your refrigerator, every appliance that is connected to your wiring places its own amount of resistance against the electrical current that is flowing in your home.
Circuit Protection
In the event that your current jumps above the resistance level that an appliance can handle, your circuit breaker will prevent damage to your system. The excessive electrical current will cause your circuit breaker to heat up, resulting in a blown fuse or flipped switch. When this occurs, you may need to replace your fuse, flip over your switch, or contact your local electrician for repairs.