There are a large number of different types of circuit breakers, but in this section we will list the most commercially available for domestic circuits. It is very important to know what they protect against, as well as the different applications they are usually used for.
Circuit breaker
A circuit breaker designed to cut off electricity when it exceeds safe levels, preventing damage to electrical installations against hazards such as overloads and short circuits. It operates on the basis of the magnetic and thermal effects produced by current in a circuit.
Magnetothermal circuit breakers will protect an electrical system when it is overloaded, such as when many power-hungry electronic devices are used at the same time. They also protect against variations in inrush current, and also prevent overheating of the circuit.
Differential
A residual current circuit breaker is a device that will cut off power when a ground fault occurs. This fault can be a passage of current between the power source and earth, or with an object making contact with earth, thus preventing a circuit from being damaged due to loose parts or misuse.
These switches are intended to prevent electrical hazards to people, closing the electrical system when it detects a connection between it and the earth, such as when someone suffers a shock by making contact with any part of the circuit.