How to test a Circuit Breaker ?

If a circuit continuously keeps tripping whenever you use gadgets, it could be the time to replace your breakers . Checking the voltage levels with a digital multimeter makes it simple to determine if breakers have the issue.

Follow these steps :

  • Unplug/turn off all devices connected to the breaker.
  • Take out the panel from the breaker box .
  • Turn on your digital multimeter.
  • Hold the red probe against the screw on the breaker you’re testing.
  • Put the black probe against the neutral bar.
  • Compare the meter reading to the breaker requirements.
  • If you have a single pole breaker, verify that the reading on it is around 120. The breaker needs to be replaced, if reading is 0. In case of a double pole breaker, make sure that the reading is between 220-250 V. The voltage of a faulty double pole breaker is 120 V, means it uses only half of its power.

Circuit Breaker

A circuit can be damaged which will reduce its reliability. Therefore, electrical circuits need to be protected using circuit protection devices. These will help a lot in boosting the performance of electrical tools. Plenty of devices such as fuses,  chokes, decoupling capacitors Zener diodes, protection diodes, etc, can be utilized for the protection of circuits. Circuit breakers are also used for the same purpose in electrical systems.

A circuit breaker can be defined as a type of switching device that prevents damage to the electrical system by acting as a switch and that interrupts the current flow. This article will take a closer look at circuit breakers along with various types, we will study their advantages and disadvantages, examine their operational principles, and more.

Table of Content

  • Circuit Breaker
  • Working Principle
  • Types
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Applications
  • How to test ?
  • How to replace ?

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