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The panel circuit-breaker trips two ways: (1) instant-magnetically; (2) by delayed thermal overload. Instant-magnetically responds to a huge, direct short circuit, where thousands of Amperes may flow immediately. The resulting magnetic field around a hairpin of heavy wire in the breaker pushes the wire arms apart, releasing the latch in the breaker very quickly. The breaker also contains a bi-metalic conductor that bends as it gets hot. If the current exceeds the breaker capacity for a few seconds to a minute the bi-metalic arm heats, bends and releases the latch in the breaker. The thermal-delay allows motors with large startup-current to get running without tripping the breaker.

THE REST OF THE STORY: In other words, 20 Amp breaker can supply 40 amps or more for a few seconds. Not enough time to overheat the wire to the outlet, but enough time for a motor's centrifugal-switch to disconnect the start winding. If you overload the circuit a little bit, say 24 amps from a 20-Amp breaker, it will trip, but maybe not for a half hour or hour. On a hot day the thermal release will act more quickly, even though the current will be slightly less because copper wire has a higher resistance when warm.

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Roger Ing

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4y ago

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Will a circuit breaker function the same if supply and loads are reversed?

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To change a circuit breaker without a main breaker present, you must first turn off the power supply to the circuit at the main electrical panel. Then, remove the cover of the panel and locate the circuit breaker that needs to be changed. Carefully disconnect the wires connected to the old breaker and replace it with a new one of the same size and type. Reconnect the wires and securely fasten the new breaker in place. Finally, replace the panel cover and restore power to the circuit.


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