Thermal Breakers

Thermal breakers are crucial components in electrical systems, designed to protect circuits and equipment from the harmful effects of excessive current. They offer a resettable alternative to traditional fuses, providing a more convenient and efficient solution for circuit protection.

Thermal breakers rely on a bimetallic strip made of two different metals bonded together. When excess current flows through the circuit, the bimetallic strip heats up and bends due to the differing thermal expansion rates of the metals. This bending triggers a mechanism that opens the circuit, interrupting the flow of current and protecting the electrical system.

Types of Thermal Breakers

Thermal Magnetic Circuit Breakers

Thermal magnetic circuit breakers are devices that provide protection against overcurrent in circuits. Circuit breakers use an automatically operated electrical switch to disrupt the flow of current when an overload or short circuit is detected. Thermal magnetic circuit breakers do this using an electromagnet and bimetallic strips.

Circuit breakers provide more sophisticated protection against overcurrent than a simple fuse. Fuses simply burn out and have to be replaced, whereas circuit breakers just need to be reset.

Thermal Automotive Circuit Breakers

Thermal automotive circuit breakers are devices used to break the flow of current in automotive circuits, in order to protect them against a fault such as an overcurrent or short circuit.

The thermal aspect of this type of circuit breaker allows for smaller overcurrents over a longer period of time, but will quickly trip the circuit for larger overcurrents. This is useful in the case of motors, as there will be a small overcurrent each time the engine is switched on for a short length of time, which should not trip the circuit.

Choosing the Right Thermal Breaker

Selecting the correct thermal breaker is essential to ensure optimal protection for your electrical circuits and equipment. It involves careful consideration of several key factors:

• Current Rating: The current rating specifies the maximum current the breaker can handle continuously without tripping. It's imperative to choose a breaker with a current rating that aligns precisely with the specific requirements of the circuit it will be protecting. Oversizing or undersizing the breaker can lead to inadequate protection or unnecessary tripping.
• Voltage Rating: The voltage rating of the breaker must be compatible with the system voltage to ensure safe and reliable operation. Using a breaker with an incompatible voltage rating can result in serious safety hazards and equipment damage.
• Thermal Response Characteristics: Different thermal breakers exhibit varying trip curves, which dictate how quickly they trip in response to different levels of overcurrent. The choice of breaker depends on the specific application and the level of protection required.

Advantages Over Fuses

Thermal breakers offer distinct advantages compared to traditional fuses, making them a preferred choice in many applications.

• Resettable Functionality: A key advantage of thermal breakers is their resettable functionality. Unlike fuses, which require replacement after tripping, thermal breakers can be easily reset once the fault is cleared, minimising downtime and maintenance costs.
• Enhanced Protection: Certain thermal breakers, such as thermal magnetic circuit breakers, incorporate both thermal and magnetic trip mechanisms. This combination provides comprehensive protection against both overloads and short circuits, safeguarding sensitive electronic equipment from a wider range of potential faults.

What Are Thermal Magnetic Circuit Breakers Used for?

Thermal magnetic circuit breakers, with their dual protection mechanisms, find widespread applications across diverse settings, ensuring the safety and integrity of electrical systems.

• Residential and Commercial Buildings: Thermomagnetic circuit breakers protect against overloads caused by excessive appliance usage or faulty wiring, preventing potential fires and electrical hazards. They also act as a safeguard against short circuits, which can occur due to insulation damage or accidental contact between live wires.
• Industrial Machinery and Equipment: Industrial environments often involve complex machinery and equipment that draw significant electrical currents. Thermal magnetic circuit breakers play a crucial role in protecting these valuable assets, safeguarding motors, control panels and other critical components to ensure uninterrupted operation and minimise downtime.
• Renewable Energy Systems: Thermomagnetic circuit breakers are essential in renewable energy systems, safeguarding solar panels, wind turbines, and associated equipment from overcurrents and short circuits. This ensures the safety and longevity of these renewable energy installations, contributing to a sustainable future.

What Are Thermal Automotive Circuit Breakers Used for?

Thermal automotive circuit breakers are essential components in safeguarding electrical networks across a variety of vehicle types, ensuring the safety and reliability of critical systems. Here are some key industries and applications where these breakers play a crucial role:

• Automotive Industry: From passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks, thermal automotive circuit breakers protect vital electrical circuits powering headlights, taillights, power windows, air conditioning systems and other accessories, preventing overloads and short circuits that could lead to system failures or even fires.
• Marine Industry: In boats and marine vessels, these breakers safeguard critical systems like navigation lights, bilge pumps, communication equipment and onboard electronics from the harsh marine environment and potential electrical faults.
• Emergency and Specialty Vehicles: Ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles require reliable electrical systems to operate critical equipment. Thermal automotive circuit breakers safeguard these systems, enabling these vehicles to perform their life-saving duties effectively.

Your Trusted Thermal Breakers Supplier and Manufacturer

Safeguarding your electrical systems demands reliable circuit protection solutions.

RS is your trusted partner for high-quality thermal breakers. We offer a wide selection of thermal breakers from leading brands like Eaton, Schneider Electric and Siemens. Our comprehensive range includes thermal magnetic circuit breakers and thermal automotive circuit breakers to meet your specific needs.

With our extensive inventory, expert technical support, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we are the preferred choice for businesses and individuals across Australia. Choose RS for your thermal breaker requirements and experience the difference. For more information on our delivery options, please refer to our delivery policy.