Ceramic Fuses use a twin wire to create a a path for electricity to flow. Short circuits and overloads cause this wire to heat up and break, interrupting the flow of electricity.
Circuit breakers operate like a fuse to protect against overloads and short circuits, a bi-metallic element will heat up under fault conditions and release a leaver causing the breaker to trip.
RCD’s measure the current going out with the current coming back and if that exceeds a pre-determined value (generally 30mA) it will trip. RCD’s protect people and animals against electric shock. RCD’s must be used alongside circuit breakers to provide the required protection. They also contain a test button located on the unit that should be pressed monthly to ensure correct operation.
RCBO’s combine the functions of a RCD and circuit breaker in one unit. These are installed on individual circuits to provide the greatest protection and ensure that faults on one circuit, do not cause power to be lost on other circuits. They also contain a test button that should be pressed monthly to ensure correct operation.
Lucky Bay Electrical can assist you to make sure your home is safe from hazards and update your switchboard where required. Click here for more information about switchboards.