Rating of the best circuit breakers in 2022

Having completed the construction of a house or 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 power surges, overloads and emergencies, the installation of 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, against overload, short circuit or voltage loss.

The first such product was designed by Charles Page back in 1836. It was a reservoir with mercury, where there was 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 switch with automatic protection. The device had spring contacts held by a latch. When there was an increase in the electromagnetic field, the latch turned off the spring.

The patent for the switch, which we are used to seeing in the modern world, was received by German engineers. They invented a device that could protect not only from overload, but also from short circuit. After operation, such an automatic machine only required the button to be turned on, and the replacement of the insert was not required.

Principle of operation

The functioning of the circuit breaker is based on the thermal and electromagnetic principle. 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 it enters 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.So it affects the release. After that, the circuit opens. And in products with an electromagnetic principle of operation, there is a solenoid and a spring mechanism holding the core. If there is an increase in the current value, then the core overcomes the spring force and is drawn into the solenoid. After that, disengagement takes place.

During network overload, the current exceeds its limit value. If the machine has thermal protection, then disengagement does not occur immediately. Here it must be taken into account that the melting and deformation of the plate takes time. The time will depend on the extent to which the current has exceeded its nominal value. This principle of operation allows you not to immediately break the circuit during a short-term overvoltage. The minimum limit that the current can exceed is set at the factory. Also, the temperature of the room where the device is installed can affect the deformation of the plate. At a cold temperature, the plate can begin to deform only if the nominal value is significantly exceeded. And at high temperatures, on the contrary, it will work prematurely. Having eliminated the cause of the overload, do not immediately turn on the machine. We must wait for it to cool 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 necessary, and this is what the electromagnetic release does. The core immediately retracts into the solenoid and disengages the circuit. This process takes less than a second. Also in the devices there is a grid 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 a wide variety of products on the market. All of them have their own distinctive features. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you should understand their distinctive characteristics.

All devices have a letter marking. To protect house wiring, devices marked "B" are used. It will take from 5 to 20 seconds to turn them off, and the current deviation from the nominal value will be 3-5 units. General industrial products include a product with a marker with the letter "C". They work in 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 operate instantly if the current value exceeds its rated value by 14 times.

Also, 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 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 machine does not guarantee complete protection, since when it is turned off, a phase break occurs, and zero remains connected. When complete disconnection from the mains is necessary, two-pole devices are used. In the event of an accident or short circuit, the electrical wiring will be completely disconnected.By turning off 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 electrically savvy mistakenly assume that a device with a high current rating will be the best option. But if you take an option for your home that can withstand high power, then this will be a big mistake. In the event of an overload that the cable cannot withstand, there will be no break in the circuit. The machine will not consider this 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 less power, then frequent shutdowns will occur when household appliances are turned on. And thus the machine will quickly fail.

So, in order for the device to optimally match your electrical circuit, then you need to select it based on the cross section of the wires. And in order to choose the right cable cross-section, it is necessary 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.

In addition, 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 failure of electrical appliances, wiring and even a fire.

Popular manufacturers

ABB

This company was founded in 1988. It was formed by the merger of Swedish and Swiss companies. But almost half of the production is located in Germany, so many mistakenly attribute the company to German. The company specializes in the production of automation systems, automatic switches, complexes for power distribution. Today, ABB products are considered one of the highest quality and are in great demand. The machines of this manufacturer have a large 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, the company has undergone many transformations and changes. Today the company is engaged in the implementation of innovative technologies in life. In the Russian market, Schneider Electric has long gained popularity, 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 at first 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 of four categories. The maximum rated current can reach 630 A, and the minimum 6 A.this allows you to use the products of this brand both for home and for production.

The best circuit breakers

ABB S201 1P(C) 6kA

This automatic switch from the Swedish company "ABB" is made in Germany. It is a single-pole type C circuit breaker. "ABB S201 1P(C) 6kA" is designed to protect the circuit from overload and short circuit. To manually turn off the device, there is a lever 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 for 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 a different cross section to such a machine. The maximum allowable cross section is 35 sq. mm.

The average cost is 450 rubles.

• Popular manufacturer;
• Ability to connect two wires;
• Quality assembly;
• Easy installation.

• Price.

ABB SH203L 3P(C) 4,5kA

This device is a three-pole machine. Devices from this series are part of the Compact Home line, they are suitable for residential and small commercial premises. Also, the SH200 series machines are 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 operation, there will be no chips, scratches or other traces of mechanical stress.

The nominal value of the currents of the machine 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 manufacturing material;
• You can connect solid and stranded wires.

• No.

Schneider Electric BA63 1P(C) 4.5 kA

The circuit breaker from the well-known 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 businesses. The main purpose of the device is to protect the network from overload and short circuit. During a malfunction, the machine will turn 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 high-quality materials used in production.

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

The average cost is 263 rubles.

• Quality assembly;
• Clear operation;
• Easy installation;
• Price.

• 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 ensures the protection of the line from breakdowns, as well as devices and lighting connected to it.

Installation of "Legrand TX3 1P(C) 6 kA" is quite simple, it installs on a DIN rail, the installation depth is 44 mm. The design of the machine complies with 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 premises and small businesses. The breaking capacity is 6 kA. "Legrand TX3 1P(C) 6 kA" has a thermomagnetic release mechanism. The maximum cross-section of the connected cable is 35 square meters. 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 from overloads. "IEK BA47-29 3P(C) 4.5 kA" operates 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 working 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 feedback;
• Suitable for domestic and industrial use.

• The cross section of the cable 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 all of them are made of high quality material, which guarantees reliability in use and a long service life.