Deep dive into circuit breakers
Added 2025-04-24 04:37:50 +0000 UTC
A proper deep dive into the trip mechanisms in circuit breakers, and the way the two overcurrent sensing mechanisms work (thermal and magnetic).
It's the first time I've managed to find out how the trip mechanism works without a breaker exploding into an assortment of springs and random bits when I open it.
https://youtu.be/NQRI1bg6Ryk
Last week I was super upset to pay 5.5€ for a 25a siemens (super non standard type) because it was the only one that arrived in time. The standard 16a start at 2€ if bought in bulk. How are they so expensive in ca?
Cookie
2025-04-26 11:42:03 +0000 UTC
WOW. I had no idea how incredibly complex and well thought out these things are. Thanks so much Big Clive. A cheers to the engineers!
Dave Frederick AKA @amorphuc
2025-04-25 06:36:15 +0000 UTC
3 pounds for a breaker from a reputable supplier? Wow.
Here in Canada, the cheapest 15A, 120V breaker - the single most common, as that's our standard residential circuit - is between CDN $30 and $80, or 16 and 43 pounds, depending on the panel type.
Granted, that's retail price, so a tradesperson would pay less, but still.
Charles
2025-04-25 03:25:06 +0000 UTC