Definition of Thermal Circuit Breakers
A circuit breaker is an electrical switch that protects an electrical circuit from damage, which is generally caused by either overload or short.
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Function
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Thermal circuit breakers have the same function as any other type of circuit breaker, which is simply to control electric current.
Significance
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Thermal circuit breakers are very important to the world of electronics because they prevent devastation to electronic products by preventing shortages and overflows of electric current.
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Bi-Metal Strip
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Thermal circuit breakers contain a bi-metal strip that is composed of two different metals, each with different properties of expansion. When current flows through the strip, it heats up, causing it to snap.
Controlling Current
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When the strip snaps, the current can no longer flow. As the strip cools down, it returns to its original position and the current can once again continue.
Comination Breakers
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Some circuit breakers are composed of both magnetic and thermal materials. The bi-metal strip in the combination breaker is used to trip the breaker internally instead of completely stopping the current flow.
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