The Differences between Circuit Breakers and Residual Current Devices
3 minutes of reading
By GroupSumi
January 24, 2024
When it comes to the electrical installation of a home or workplace, it is essential to understand the differences between two key components: the circuit breaker and the residual current device. Both play a fundamental role in protecting the electrical installation and, ultimately, in the safety of the people who use it. In this article, we will explore the
When it comes to the electrical installation of a home or workplace, it is essential to understand the differences between two key components: the circuit breaker and the residual current device. Both play a fundamental role in protecting the electrical installation and, ultimately, in the safety of the people who use it. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two devices and their importance in an electrical system.
What is a Circuit Breaker?
The magnetothermal switch, also known as a circuit breaker, is an essential component in any electrical system. Its main function is to protect the installation from overloads and short circuits. When an electric current that exceeds the nominal value of the switch is detected, it automatically disconnects to prevent damage to the wiring and connected electrical devices.
What is a Differential Switch?
The differential switch, also known as a ground fault circuit interrupter, focuses on detecting electrical current leaks. Its main function is to disconnect the current if it detects a ground leak, which can occur due to a defect in an electrical device or a damaged cable.
8 Key Differences between Magnetic Circuit Breakers and Differential Circuit Breakers
Once it is clear what each element is, it is time to understand what distinguishes them and what their fields of application are, since depending on whether we choose a circuit breaker or a residual current device, we will have certain advantages or others. However,
1. Main Function:
- Magnetothermal: Protects against overloads and short circuits in the electrical circuit.
- Differential: Protects against ground leakage currents, detecting differences between the incoming and outgoing current of the circuit.
2. Type of Protection:
- Magnetothermal: Provides protection against overloads and short circuits through the use of a thermal and magnetic switch.
- Differential: Offers protection against ground leakage currents by comparing incoming and outgoing currents.
3. Rated Current:
- Magnetothermal: It is classified according to the maximum current it can continuously withstand without tripping.
- Differential: Its classification is based on the nominal current and sensitivity to leakage currents.
4. Location in the Circuit:
- Magnetothermal: It is installed in series in the electrical circuit, between the power supply and the end devices.
- Differential: It is generally placed at the beginning of the electrical circuit to protect against leakage currents from the start.
5. Activation:
- Magnetothermal: It activates in case of overload or short circuit, disconnecting the circuit to prevent damage.
- Differential: It activates when it detects a ground leakage current, cutting off the electrical supply to prevent the risk of electric shocks.
6. Typical Applications:
- Magnetic circuit breaker: It is used in lighting circuits, sockets, appliances, etc.
- Differential: It is essential in circuits where protection against electric shocks is critical, such as in bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor circuits.
7. Sensitivity:
- Magnetothermal: It does not detect small leakage currents, as it is primarily designed for protection against overloads and short circuits.
- Differential: It is sensitive to small leakage currents, even in milliamperes, to protect against the risk of electric shocks.
8. Automatic Reconnection:
- Magnetothermal: Generally, it does not have the ability to automatically reconnect after being activated due to overload or short circuit.
- Differential: Some advanced models may have the ability to automatically reconnect after being activated due to leakage current.
Importance of Combining Magnetic Circuit Breakers and Differential Breakers
In a safe and efficient electrical installation, it is crucial to combine both the circuit breaker and the residual current device. These two devices work together to provide complete protection. Although each has its functionalities and purposes, it will be a matter of determining which is needed in each installation and proceeding with its installation for complete protection of all the wiring and appliances connected to the electrical network.
When an overload occurs, the circuit breaker disconnects, preventing damage to the installation. On the other hand, if there is a current leak to the ground, the residual current device activates, protecting people from potential electrical accidents.
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