The Role of Circuit Breakers and Fuses
Circuit breakers and/or fuses are an important part of home electrical systems, no matter which Texas electricity provider you choose. The role of the circuit breaker is to cut the power whenever electrical currents reach dangerous levels. Fuses provide the same role, but only work once, and therefore must be replaced each time they are blown. A circuit breaker, on the other hand, can be used again and again.
The electricity that you buy from your Texas Retail Electric Provider (REP) is transmitted to your home via the power distribution grid. Electricity moves in an alternating current around your home through a large circuit, with one end (the hot wire) leading to your local power plant and the other (the neutral wire) leading to ground.
When everything in your home’s electrical system is working correctly, the current stays at a relatively constant level. If something happens to disrupt your system, however, and the hot wire connects directly to the neutral wire or to another path to the ground, then the wiring in your home can overheat. A circuit breaker or fuse will cut off the circuit in this instance, helping to protect you and your home.
Different Types of Circuit Breakers
Fuses are thin wires with casings that are plugged into your home’s electrical circuit. The fuse disintegrates when it heats up above a certain level, opening the circuit and preventing damage to your wiring. As mentioned above, though, a fuse can only work once before it is destroyed, and replacing blown fuses may become a hassle.
Another option is a simple switch circuit breaker, which is connected to the hot wire of your home’s circuit. Switches can use either electromagnets or bimetallic strips. Increasing current will act on the switch to turn it into an “off” position, “breaking” the circuit and earning the device its name.
There are also more expensive circuit breakers which can monitor currents much more precisely. Many of these breakers use electronic components to function, and will react more quickly than a standard circuit breaker. You’ll have to decide which option is the best choice for your home, based on the quality of your wiring system, your number of electric appliances, and your budget.
Learning More about Your Home’s Electric System
If you’re thinking of upgrading your Texas home’s electric system, call a local electrician to find out what your options are. You can learn more about circuit breakers themselves online. The site How Stuff Works has a great article on “How Circuit Breakers Work,” and this post includes information from that article.
