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What is the Function of the Main Breaker?
A major circuit fuse is also known as a main breaker, and its function is to supply electricity to a building, normally at 240 volts to all circuits and outlets. For the electrical wiring, there are two wires which connect the main breaker panel to the electrical meter outside, or there are breaker levers which are fused together.
The current of electricity in a building is controlled and regulated by the circuit breakers. Each circuit breaker handles a certain amount of electrical current and when the limit exceeds, the circuit breaker cuts off the electricity supply. This process of tripping can be inconvenient, but acts as a safety precaution.
When electricians are working, it is important to shut off the power supply by hand, and at that time one can trip a main breaker manually. You can just pull the break levers or remove a fuse block. But if the main breaker trips you have to switch off all the breakers on the electrical panel. , and switch them on when you have reset the main breaker.
The main breaker generally has a set of wires, each one transporting 120 volts of electricity. The main breaker has one or two busbars, which include a band of aluminum or copper wires, through which electricity passes on to the circuits.
The position of the main breaker in a standard electrical panel is above the other breakers right on top of the unit. Sometimes the panel may be installed upside-down, which means that the main breaker could be at the bottom. In any case it is simple to identify the main breaker levers as they are bigger than the other breakers.
On top of the main breaker the amperage level of an electrical panel is mentioned. In residential buildings, which have modern amenities a 100-amp main breaker is enough.
For more information about the main breaker, contact professional electrical contractors.