Breakers

What are breakers?

Breakers are switches that interrupt electrical flow after detecting a fault. That is to say that they protect important equipment in an electrical circuit from power spikes or short circuits that could cause irreparable harm. Rather than ruining expensive or sensitive equipment, breakers offer a method to protect those parts. They do this by breaking the circuit before the overload or short circuit can reach those sensitive pieces of equipment. Breakers are an important part of an electrical system in part because they protect the circuit and in part because they can be reset and reused. One question that we often receive is about the difference between a breaker and a fuse.

"Rather than ruining expensive or sensitive equipment, breakers offer a method to protect those parts."

Where are breakers implemented?

Breakers protect expensive equipment from power spikes

Breakers are implemented in situations that call for electrical systems to be protected from power spikes. This is why you will find breakers in nearly every marine electrical system. All our breakers are ideal for new installations and are easy to install and connect. Additionally, they are perfect for replacement parts as well. Say you have older breakers, outdated breakers, or even damaged breakers, then these are the ideal products for you. All you will need are the proper tools, the correct terminals, and some breaker accessories. Now that we have covered the basics, let us look at what differentiates breakers and fuses.

What is the difference between a breaker and a fuse?

The main difference between a breaker and a fuse is that a breaker can be reset and used multiple times. A fuse, on the other hand, performs that same basic function as a breaker however, a fuse must be replaced each and every time. This is not to say that fuses are useless and should be replaced with breakers. Fuses are extremely useful and are the ideal choice in a multitude of applications. There are, however, applications where a fuse is just not pragmatic and even reasonable. In these applications, breakers are better suited for the job.

Thermal Breaker

AGC Fuse

What types of breakers are available?

Breakers are available in a wide range of styles, amperages, and sizes in order to meet the needs of various industries. Pacer Group offers the most useful breakers that you will need, especially in a marine environment. We currently offer magnetic, thermal, and marine breakers in order to complement and protect your electrical system. Below we will take a more in-depth look at each of these types of breakers.

Magnetic Breakers

Magnetic circuit breakers use magnets to interrupt the flow of electric current if an overload or short circuit occurs. They do this through the use of a solenoid. The solenoid pulling force increases as the electrical current increases. When the electrical current exceeds the threshold, the solenoid’s pulling force increases to the point that it releases the latch and causes the contacts to open, thus interrupting the electrical current. This type of electrical circuit breaker is most commonly used in the United States of America.

Thermal Breakers

Thermal breakers are a type of circuit breaker that uses a bi-metallic strip employed to sense electrical overload conditions. When an overload occurs, that bi-metallic strip absorbs the heat causing it to bend. If the overload surpasses the threshold, the strip will bend to the point that the breaker is tripped, and the electrical circuit is interrupted. It is important to note that thermal breakers are affected by the ambient temperatures of their environment. The higher the ambient temperature, the quicker they are to trip.

Marine Breakers

Marine breakers refer to breakers, whether magnetic or thermal, that are designed with the marine environment, or other similarly harsh conditions in mind. This means that these breakers are better suited to handle the exposure to elements that the marine environment provides. When you use marine-rated circuit breakers you are getting a higher level of protection than you would get otherwise. When choosing the correct breakers for your specific application, always make sure to consider the conditions they will be subject to.

Where would I use a breaker?

Breakers are used anywhere you have an electrical circuit that has sensitive or expensive equipment that needs to be protected from short circuits or overloads. Remember they are built to essentially be a weak point in an electrical circuit. One that can be reset and used repeatedly. If you have a boat over 18 feet in length, chances are pretty good you will have an electrical circuit breaker in there. Always pick the type of circuit breaker best suited for your individual application.

Can these breakers withstand the harsh marine environment?

Every breaker that we carry has been tested and confirmed to work in harsh marine conditions. Now, this does not mean that you can submerge them or leave them open to the elements. It means that they can handle the constant vibration and reasonable exposure that comes with being in an enclosed engine room or compartment. The point is that if you treat them the same way you treat the rest of your electrical system, then they are the ideal choice for use in marine conditions.

What industries use breakers?

Breakers are found in just about every industry that has deals, in any shape or form, with electrical systems. Seeing as how they protect electrical circuits, and more importantly, sensitive equipment, it makes sense that they are a very common electrical part. You will find electrical circuit breaks in the marine industry, automotive manufacturing industry, RV industry, database industry, industrial applications, and a multitude of others. This goes to show just how reliable and trustworthy these circuit breakers are.