A simple guide to circuit protection
Circuit breakers, circuit protectors, square D RCBO, relays, Wylex MCB, interrupters and disconnects…. It’s easy to get your wires crossed with confusing jargon like this flying around. But don’t blow your fuse just yet; help is at hand. This simple guide is just what you need to get fully switched on when it comes to circuit protection.
What is circuit protection?
Circuit protection is the name given to a range of protective devices which help prevent overvoltage and overcurrent damage in electrical circuits. In short, they act as safeguards.
Is circuit protection important?
Electrical equipment is liable to several hazards that can threaten the safety of your home or work environment, as well as putting data at risk of being partly or fully lost. One of the major problems is associated with too high levels of current, which can damage the circuit. Circuit protection helps to reduce this risk by keeping a control on the levels of current flowing through the system.
What are the different types of circuit protection?
There are two main types of circuit protection devices: these are clamping and foldback or ‘crowbar’ devices. Clamping devices include MOVs and diodes. These control the voltage, which can also cause a hazard if it becomes too high. Foldback devices, including gas discharge tubes and thyristor surge suppressors, act as shunts for excess voltage, diverting it from the circuit to prevent it from overheating or shorting out.
How do I choose the right form of circuit protection?
The first question to answer is whether your circuit protection is for your home or business. This will make a big difference to your decision, as the various forms of circuit protection devices available come in a range of different capabilities. For small home systems, lower capacity equipment may well be suitable for your needs. If, on the other hand, you are searching for business or industrial circuit protection, it is essential to choose a system that can deal with the higher current and voltage levels that industry often makes use of.
Another important consideration when choosing circuit protection is the price. Depending on the company, the type of device you opt for, and of course its capacity, circuit protection varies in cost from competitive to expensive. By making full use of the Internet and talking to other people, you can begin to build up a picture of where the best deals are. Circuit protection is an important investment in safety and security, but given a bit of desk research, it doesn’t have to be an expensive one.
Finally, make sure you choose a company with a solid reputation and a good quality product. Low grade circuit protection is all too often unreliable and can fail when it is most needed, leaving businesses and homes with no guard against the hazards of electricity. This is why people and businesses are increasingly switching on to the importance of an effective and dependable circuit protection system.
Richard E.Davies - Neweys Online offers a range of products from cable management to lighting peripherals such as emergency lighting, bulkhead light peripherals and a range of other cable trunking and electrical products from top manufacturers. Visit neweysonline