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Selects appropriate circuit breaker to protect circuits from overcurrent while allowing normal operation. Wrong sizing causes nuisance trips or fire risk.

Fórmula

Typical breaker = current × 1.25 (non-motor) or × 2.5 (motor)

Guia passo a passo

  1. 1Calculate circuit maximum current
  2. 2Breaker must exceed running current for motor inrush
  3. 3Typical breaker = current × 1.25 (non-motor) or × 2.5 (motor)
  4. 4Match breaker to wire ampacity (wire must handle breaker rating)
  5. 5Select trip curve (A, B, C, D) for application

Exemplos resolvidos

Entrada
40A circuit, #8 wire
Resultado
50A breaker

Erros comuns a evitar

  • Oversizing breaker to avoid nuisance trips (creates fire hazard)
  • Using undersized wire for breaker rating

Perguntas frequentes

Why not just use larger breaker?

Oversized breaker won't protect from short circuits, creating fire/electrocution risk.

What's the difference between breaker curves?

A: sensitive (electronics), B: general, C: motors, D: high inrush; choose for application.

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