Circuit breaker
Circuit breakers in a meter box.
circuit breaker
electrical device
Also known as: contactor
- Key People:
- Joseph Slepian
- Related Topics:
- electromagnet
- relay
- On the Web:
- IOPscience - Journal of Physics: Conference Series - Intelligent Circuit Breaker (PDF) (July 12, 2025)
circuit breaker, automatic switch in an electric circuit. Its function is similar to that of a fuse—to open the circuit if abnormal current conditions occur, usually overloads—but it is not destroyed in operation and can be closed again. The simplest circuit breakers are operated by a solenoid that is activated by an excessive increase in current flow. Small circuit breakers are widely used in place of fuses to protect electrical systems in homes.