From single and 2-pole circuit breakers to tandem circuit breakers and more, Ace has the supplies you need to keep things running smoothly in your home. Learn more about what to look for when you replace a circuit breaker in your load center, then discover additional lighting and electrical supplies you may need for specific jobs.
Why are Circuit Breakers Important?
Circuit breakers are an essential safety feature of modern electrical installation. By cutting the supply when the current reaches a dangerous level, they protect against shocks and electrocution and greatly reduce the risks of fire from faulty appliances.
Unlike traditional fuses, circuit breakers are reset using a circuit breaker switch rather than needing to be replaced. This makes it much easier to achieve the ideal balance of safety and convenience.
Understanding Circuit Breaker Amp Ratings
Amps measure electric current, and every circuit breaker has a maximum amperage rating. When the current exceeds the rating, either through a fault, short circuit or overload, the breaker will trip and cut off the juice almost immediately.
There are two things to bear in mind when choosing a circuit breaker with the right amp rating:
- The rating should never be higher than the amp limit of the circuit it's protecting, or it won't trip quickly enough to prevent damage.
- Every breaker should have an amp rating high enough to allow all the appliances on the circuit to work at once. Placing a low-amperage breaker on a circuit laden with washing machines, dishwashers and so on will mean inconvenient supply cuts when there's no actual danger.
Circuit Breaker Protection Types
There are three main types of circuit breakers offering different kinds of protection:
- Standard: These are the least complicated types of circuit breakers. They protect against circuit overloads and short circuits. Standard breakers are found in single- and double-pole designs.
- GFCI breakers: Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers detect when there's a direct electrical connection between the live supply and the earth, usually because of a fault in an appliance or the wiring. GFCI circuit breakers are excellent for protecting against shocks and are used in areas with high moisture levels, like your kitchen or bathroom.
- AFCI breakers: Arc fault circuit interrupters, or AFCI breakers, protect against excessive electrical arcing. A small amount of arcing often happens when a light switch is flipped, but any larger sparks caused by faults will trip the breaker to reduce the risks of fire. Combination AFCI breakers are also available.
Many circuit breakers combine all three types of protection and usually make the best choice unless there's a specific reason to use a single type.
Number of Poles: Standard 2-Pole and Single-Pole Circuit Breakers
The number of poles of a circuit breaker is simply the number of live electric wires it protects. A single-pole circuit breaker covers one wire and takes up one place in the panel, while 2-pole breakers cover two wires and take up two places, and so on.
What is a Tandem Breaker?
In addition to understanding the difference between single and 2-pole circuit breakers, you should be familiar with what sets tandem breakers apart. A tandem breaker does the job of a 2-pole breaker but occupies the space of a single-pole breaker. Tandem breakers are especially useful when your breaker box runs on limited space.
Replace Your Circuit Breaker with Quality Brands
Safety is an important part of any electrical installation, so it's important to shop trusted brands when replacing electrical circuit breakers. Our range includes breakers from top names like GE and Connecticut Electric, so you know you'll be buying a breaker you can rely on.
Your home's electrical installation isn't something to risk. If you're unsure of how to proceed when replacing your circuit breaker, consult a professional electrician.
Shop Electrical Circuit Breakers Near You at Ace
Shop circuit breakers near you at Ace or browse our selection online and enjoy fast shipping to your home. In addition to breakers, we also offer hubs, meter bases and boxes plus fuses and panels to help you get the job done right.
Looking for even more must-haves for your home? Stay prepared for power outages by checking out our selection of flashlights and batteries, as well as timers and lighting controls for maximum convenience.
