Rating of the best circuit breakers in 2024

After finishing the construction of a house or a public building, it becomes necessary to connect to the power grid. Thanks to electricity, there will be light in the house, it will be possible to use electrical appliances. So life will become comfortable and pleasant. To protect the network from voltage surges, overloads and emergency situations, a circuit breaker is required.

What is a circuit breaker?

A circuit breaker or machine is a device with which you can turn off or turn on the current in the circuit, so it protects the electrical network from emergency situations. For example, from overload, short circuit or voltage loss.

The first such product was designed by Charles Page back in 1836. It was a mercury tank with a contact rod. With an increase in the electromagnetic field, the rod began to rise and thereby opened the circuit. Later in 1880, Edison patented a fuse that looked like a light bulb. Inside there was an insert made of foil or wire, which burned out when the network was overloaded, thereby opening the circuit. By the end of the 19th century M.O. Dolivo-Dobrovolsky created a circuit breaker with automatic protection. The device had spring contacts that were held by a latch. When the electromagnetic field increased, the latch disconnected the spring.

The patent for the switch, which we are used to seeing in the modern world, was obtained by German engineers. They invented a device that could protect not only from overload, but also from short circuits. Such an automaton, after triggering, only required turning on the button, and replacing the insert was not required.

Principle of operation

The function of the circuit breaker is based on thermal and electromagnetic principles. In normal operation, an electric current flows through it. If we consider the thermal principle, then first the current passes through the electromagnetic coil, then falls on the bimetallic plate. When the current begins to exceed its permissible value, the plate begins to melt, as a result of which its deformation occurs. This is how it affects the release. The circuit then opens. And in products with an electromagnetic principle of operation, there is a solenoid and a spring mechanism holding the core. If the current increases, the core overcomes the spring force and is pulled into the solenoid. Then the release occurs.

During a mains overload, the current exceeds its limit. If the circuit breaker has thermal protection, then tripping does not occur immediately. It should be taken into account that it takes time to melt and deform the plate.The time will depend on the extent to which the current has exceeded its rated value. This principle of operation makes it possible not to immediately break the circuit in case of short-term overvoltage. The minimum limit that the current can exceed is set at the factory. Also, the deformation of the plate can be affected by the temperature of the room where the device is installed. At cold temperatures, the plate can begin to deform only if the value is significantly exceeded. And at high temperatures, on the contrary, it is premature to work. Having eliminated the cause of the overload, you should not immediately turn on the machine. We must wait until it cools completely, then the plate will take its previous state.

When a short circuit occurs, the current in the circuit increases so much that it can begin to melt the insulation of the electrical wiring. In this case, an instant break in the circuit is required, this is what the electromagnetic release does. The core is immediately pulled into the solenoid and disengages the circuit. This process takes less than a second. The devices also have a grill made of metal plates, which is designed to extinguish the electric arc. After such a shutdown of the machine, it should not be turned on until the cause of the short circuit has been eliminated.

Types of circuit breakers

There are many different products on the market. They all have their own distinctive features. In order not to be mistaken with the choice, you should understand their distinctive characteristics.

All devices are labeled with letters. To protect the house electrical wiring, devices marked "B" are used. It will take 5 to 20 seconds to turn them off, and the current deviation from the nominal value will be 3-5 units. The general industrial product includes a marker with the letter "C". They operate after 1-10 seconds, when the current deviates from the nominal value by 5-10 units. Such a device is used under normal loads and is considered universal. In industry, automatic machines of category "D" are used. They are triggered instantly if the current has exceeded its rated value by 14 times.

Also, the switches can be divided according to the number of poles. This value will determine the number of wires that can be connected to the device. To protect a certain section of the circuit, single-pole products are used. Their design is considered to be the simplest. Only 2 wires can be connected to them: one will serve as an input and the other as an output. A single-pole circuit breaker does not guarantee full protection, since when it is disconnected, a phase break occurs, and zero remains connected. When it is necessary to completely disconnect from the mains, two-pole devices are used. In the event of an accident or short circuit, the wiring will be completely cut off. By disconnecting such a machine, you can carry out repair work or connect equipment. If the electrical network has three phases, then three-pole machines are installed here. This version of the device is used on an industrial scale.

How to choose an automatic switch

People who are not versed in electrics mistakenly assume that a device with a high rated current is the best option. But if you take an option for a home that can withstand high power, then this will be a big mistake. In the event of an overload that the cable cannot withstand, the circuit will not break. The machine will not consider such a situation as an overload, since it is designed for a different rated current. A break in this case will occur only in the event of a short circuit, and before that a fire may already start due to the melting of the cable. If the product is designed for lower power, then there will be frequent shutdowns when turning on household appliances. And thus the machine will quickly fail.

So, in order for the device to optimally match your electrical circuit, then it must be selected based on the cross-section of the wires. And in order to choose the right cable cross-section, you need to take into account the power of all devices that will be available in the apartment.

If you have a single-phase network, you should take a two-pole machine for input. And for lighting and connecting individual high-power devices (water heater, air conditioner), a single-pole device is suitable.

Also, pay attention to the manufacturer. It is better to give preference to proven brands that have established themselves in the market. The products of a little-known company may not correspond to the declared parameters, in which case the machine may not work in case of overload or short circuit. And this will lead to the destruction of electrical appliances, wiring, and even a fire may occur.

Popular manufacturers

ABB

This company was founded in 1988. It was formed through the merger of Swedish and Swiss companies. But almost half of the production is located in Germany, so many people mistakenly attribute the company to German. The company specializes in the production of automation systems, circuit breakers, power distribution systems. Today ABB products are considered to be of the highest quality and are in great demand. The machines of this manufacturer have a wide range of rated current, so they can be easily adapted to any building.

Schneider Electric

This French company was formed in 1836. For more than 180 years of work in the company, there have been many transformations and changes. Today the company is engaged in the implementation of innovative technologies in life. Schneider Electric has long gained popularity in the Russian market, the products of this brand have a large number of positive reviews and are recommended by electricians.

Legrand

Legrand is also a French company engaged in the production of electrical products. The company was founded in 1866, and initially it was engaged in the production of porcelain products. Then they started making porcelain insulators. And only since 1949 "Legrand" switched to the production of wiring devices. Today the company produces machines in four categories. The maximum rated current can reach 630 A, and the minimum 6 A. This allows the products of the given brand to be used both for home and for production.

Best circuit breakers

ABB S201 1P (C) 6kA

This circuit breaker from the Swedish company "ABB" is manufactured in Germany. It is a type C single-pole circuit breaker. "ABB S201 1P (C) 6kA" is designed to protect the circuit against overload and short circuit. There is a lever for manual shutdown of the device, which is located on the front of the machine. The device also automatically turns off when the voltage exceeds its nominal value by 6-10 times. It is also worth noting that "ABB S201 1P (C) 6kA" is made of high quality materials, so temperature drops do not affect the operation of the device, in addition, they provide protection against mechanical damage. The product is mounted on a DIN rail.

The rated current of such a model can be from 0.5 A to 63 A. And the rated voltage is 220 V. It is possible to simultaneously connect wires with different cross sections to such an automatic machine. The maximum allowable section is 35 sq. Mm.

The average cost is 450 rubles.

• Popular manufacturer;
• Ability to connect two wires;
• High-quality assembly;
• Easy installation.

• Cost.

ABB SH203L 3P (C) 4.5kA

This device is a three-pole circuit breaker. The devices from this series are part of the Compact Home range and are suitable for residential and small commercial spaces. The SH200 series machines are also a simplified version of the S200 series. This was achieved by reducing the nominal switching capacity, as well as by reducing the model range. But, nevertheless, this model is made of a durable plastic case. During installation or use, there will be no chips, scratches or other traces of mechanical impact.

The rated value of the machine currents is from 6 to 63 A. And the breaking capacity is 4.5 kA.

The average cost is 690 rubles.

• Does not respond to temperature changes;
• High quality workmanship;
• Solid and multi-core wires can be connected.

• Not.

Schneider Electric BA63 1P (C) 4.5 kA

The circuit breaker from the famous French company "Schneider Electric" is included in the "Merlin Gerin" product line, which indicates its suitability for home use, as well as operation in small enterprises. The main purpose of the device is to protect the network from overload and short circuit. During malfunctions, the machine will cut off the current, and thereby protect the devices from burnout. Installation of "Schneider Electric BA63 1P (C) 4.5 kA" is carried out to a depth of 78.5 mm. It is also worth noting that the machine has a well thought-out design, which gives an IP20 protection class, and will be reliable and durable in operation, thanks to the high-quality materials used in production.

The rated current of this can be from 6 to 32 A. The breaking capacity is 4.5 kA. The machine has an electromagnetic release mechanism. The connected cable can have a maximum cross-section of 35 sq. mm.

The average cost is 263 rubles.

• High-quality assembly;
• Clear response;
• Simple installation;
• Price.

• The rated current does not exceed 32 A.

Legrand TX3 1P (C) 6 kA

This model is a compact device that protects group and distribution systems from short circuits and overloads. In the event of a malfunction, the machine stops the current supply, which protects the line from breakdowns, as well as the devices and lighting connected to it.

Installation of "Legrand TX3 1P (C) 6 kA" is quite simple, it mounts on a DIN rail, installation depth is 44 mm. The design of the machine is IP20. The materials used in the product meet the high strength and durability of the device. The rated current in this model can be from 6 to 50 A, which makes the machine suitable for both residential and small businesses. The breaking capacity is 6 kA. The Legrand TX3 1P (C) 6 kA has a thermomagnetic release mechanism. The maximum cross-section of the connected cable is 35 sq. mm.

The average cost is 220 rubles.

• Has a 2-year manufacturer's warranty;
• Quality;
• Easy installation.

• Some products may have a manufacturing defect.

IEK BA47-29 3P (C) 4.5 kA

This three-pole circuit breaker is designed to protect the circuit against overload. The IEK BA47-29 3P (C) 4.5 kA functions normally at a rated current of 48 V. It is suitable for domestic and industrial use. For convenient operation, color indicators are provided to show the operating status of the contacts. The device has the third class of current limitation and is resistant to short-circuit current. Mounting is via a screw connection on a DIN rail, no tools are required.

The rated currents of this model can vary from 6 to 63 A. The breaking capacity is 4.5 kA, and the rated voltage is 380 V. The maximum cross-section of the connected cable should not exceed 25 kV. mm.

The average cost is 360 rubles.

• Light indication:
• Positive customer reviews;
• Suitable for domestic and industrial use.

• The cable section should not exceed 25 sq. mm.

The single-pole and three-pole circuit breakers presented in the rating have an IP20 protection class. They are suitable for both home use and small businesses. It is also worth noting that they are all made of high-quality material, which guarantees reliability in use and a long service life.