The Ultimate Guide to Circuit Breaker Varieties    

Take a moment to picture all circuit breaker varieties as guardians of your electrical system. From navigating an overloaded circuit to stopping a power surge dead in its tracks, circuit breakers are a first line of defense. That is, these small but mighty devices are responsible for leaping into action whenever an electrical fault is detected. This protects you from hazardous electrical overloads, short circuits, and ground faults.  

With so much on the line, selecting the right circuit breaker for your needs is non-negotiable. By gaining a clear understanding of the various types of circuit breakers, their amperage ratings, and their recommended applications, you empower yourself to mitigate many of the dangers that come with using electricity. From amperage ratings to differences in poles, this guide will explore the key aspects of circuit breaker varieties to help you make informed decisions as you work towards safeguarding your electrical infrastructure.

Circuit Breakers Varieties: Understanding Amperage Ratings 

Choosing a circuit breaker with the right amperage rating for your application has a direct impact on the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. Since each circuit breaker has a designated amperage capacity, using a breaker with the proper rating can ensure that each circuit has enough protection to keep you out of the danger zone. For example, if you were to use a breaker with an amperage rating that is too low, it would cause frequent tripping and might not have enough breaking potential to stop electrical faults from wreaking havoc. 

On the other side of the coin, circuit breaker varieties with a higher amperage rating than your circuit needs won’t have a good outlook either. This is because a mismatched circuit breaker rating can allow dangerous levels of electricity to continue to flow, even after it’s tripped. When this happens, it completely defeats the purpose of having a circuit breaker, leaving you prone to experiencing overheating, fires, and even electrical shocks. 

By reviewing this guide to picking the perfect amperage rating, you can set yourself up for success. And remember, unless your circuit breaker is 100% rated, the NEC (National Electrical Code) states that your application should never exceed 80% of the circuit breaker’s maximum rating. For example, your typical 20-amp circuit breaker should never be introduced to more than 16 amps of electrical usage.  

When in doubt, never be afraid to call an experienced electrician! 

 

Circuit Breakers Varieties: Understanding Amperage Ratings 

1. 15 Amp: 

• Common Uses: General lighting, small appliances, and residential outlets. 

• Typical Applications: Bedrooms, living rooms, and dens. 

2. 20 Amp: 

• Common Uses: Commercial properties, large appliances, heavy-duty tools, kitchen and bathroom outlets. 

• Typical Applications: Kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and workshops. 

3. 30 Amp: 

• Common Uses: Dedicated circuits for heavy appliances. 

• Typical Applications: Electric water heaters, central air conditioning units, and electric dryers. 

4. 40 Amp: 

• Common Uses: Large appliances requiring more power. 

• Typical Applications: Electric ranges, large air conditioning units, and electric ovens. 

5. 50 Amp: 

• Common Uses: High-power appliances and power distribution. 

• Typical Applications: Power distribution units, workshops, and larger air conditioning units. 

Circuit Breakers Varieties: Everything You Need to Know About Poles 

As far as circuit breaker varieties are concerned, a pole refers to how many breakers are grouped and what voltage is associated with that breaker. Every additional pole a circuit breaker has increases its overall voltage capacity and allows it to take on larger and more complex applications. In this section, we’ll explore circuit varieties that feature a single pole, (2) poles, or (3) poles.  

1. 1-Pole Breaker: 

• Usage: Controls one hot wire, 120 volts. 

• Application: Standard household circuits, lighting, outlets. 

2. 2-Pole Breaker: 

• Usage: Controls two hot wires, 240 volts. 

• Application: Larger appliances like dryers, water heaters, subpanels. 

3. 3-Pole Breaker: 

• Usage: Controls three hot wires, 208V or 240V, used in three-phase systems. 

• Application: Commercial and industrial equipment, three-phase motors, heavy machinery.  

Whether you're working on residential, commercial, or industrial projects, choosing the right circuit breaker is key to ensuring the safety and performance of your electrical infrastructure. Implementing the right circuit breaker for your needs ensures that every switch, outlet, and device is properly protected so you don’t need to worry about overloaded circuits and electrical faults. We hope that this guide has prepared you to approach your next project with the confidence of knowing you’ve selected the perfect circuit breaker for your needs.  

At Big Electrical Supply, we specialize in all things residential and RV power. We have in-depth circuit breaker varieties in stock and ready for you to order. In fact, we have thousands of circuit breakers available that have been manufactured by trusted brands such as Eaton, Siemens, Square D, and Zinsco. From our comprehensive variety of amperage ratings to pole variations, we have everything you need to keep your circuits safe and sound.  

If you have any questions about our variety of circuit breakers or would like us to create a free, personalized quote for you, contact us today at (317) 721-4702 or email info@bigelectricsupply.com.