Breaker/Fuse Operation

Breakers and fuses are necessary to protect our electrical system from damaging overcurrent. Since current produces heat, overcurrent runs the risk of starting fires. The National Electrical Code is very specific about how, when and where breakers or fuses need to be installed.

When a breaker or fuse operates, it is indicative of something potentially wrong. If no cause is found for the trippage -- if no overcurrent situation is located -- then the resulting downtime for equipment can be very frustrating.