#ciruits

Saturdays Workout

30 min running intervals

Sundays Workout

Full body circuit

5 min treadmill walk

step ups to knee tuck to backward lunge

bi curl to shoulder press to triceps extension

ab ball crunches

straight leg butt ups

fire hydrants

ab scissors

chest flye

half plank

side plank

Circuit breakers are electrical switches designed to protect an electric circuit from damage due to an overload or a short circuit. Circuit breakers were designed by Thomas Edison in 1879 although the modern version that is closest to what we use today wasn’t patented until 1924. Although many people know to “flip the breaker” when the microwave stops working, few people know the purpose and function of a circuit breaker.

Have you ever found yourself wondering:

What are the functions of a circuit breaker?

There are commonalities between all circuit breakers but many functions will vary depending on the voltage class, current rating, and type of circuit breaker. The main function of all circuit breakers is to detect a fault, whether in the device itself (common in small and low voltage breakers) or otherwise. Once a fault is detected the breaker must disrupt the charge by separating the contacts. The contacts in a circuit breaker are typically separated using a spring or compressed air. Another common way to separate the contacts is through the use of the extra current itself, in higher voltage breakers this is commonly done with thermal expansion or a magnetic field. When the contacts are separated the electrical current can create an arch that will heat the contacts considerably. For this reason, it is important that the contact is made with a highly conductive metal capable of withstanding the heat when the contacts are separated, typically copper or silver. The heat generated in the arch must also be contained and cooled in order for the contacts to once again be able to conduct the current necessary for a working breaker. The following are some of the ways in which cooling takes place:

– Division into partial arcs – Intensive cooling (in jet chambers) – Lengthening or deflecting the arc – Connecting capacitors in parallel with contacts in DC circuits.