AC vs DC Breakers: Understanding the Differences and Applications

Breakers are essential in electrical circuits for assuring the security of the associated machinery and users. When an overload or short circuit is detected, a breaker instantly shuts off the power flow in the circuit. By doing so, the risk of fire or electrocution is reduced as well as damage to the circuit and equipment.

Breakers may be divided into two categories: ac breaker and DC (direct current) breakers. We will examine the variations between these two categories and how they are used in this blog.

The majority of houses and buildings utilize AC electricity, and AC breakers are made to safeguard these circuits. An electrical current known as AC power flows back and forth in a sine wave pattern, changing direction on occasion. Breakers for AC circuits monitor the circuit’s current and trip when it rises over a certain threshold, usually as a result of an overload or short circuit.

According to the application, there are several types and sizes of AC breakers. Residential AC breakers, for instance, often have a current rating of up to 200 amps and a voltage rating of 120 or 240 volts. The voltage and current specifications of industrial AC breakers, however, may reach several thousand volts and amps, respectively.

On the other hand, DC breakers and air circuit breaker are made to safeguard circuits that utilize DC power, which is the kind of energy found in batteries and other electrical equipment. The positive terminal of a battery or other power source connects to the negative terminal in a single path for DC power. Like AC breakers, DC breakers operate by monitoring the circuit’s current and tripping when the current exceeds a certain threshold.

In places where DC electricity is used, including solar panels, wind turbines, and electric cars, DC breakers are frequently employed. Depending on the voltage and current rating of the circuit, they are available in several kinds and sizes.

The construction of AC and DC breakers is a significant distinction. When an overload or short circuit is detected, an electromagnet is commonly used in AC breakers to trip the breaker. The magnetic field produced by the circuit’s current turns on the electromagnet. Contrarily, DC breakers often employ a thermal-magnetic trip device. The breaker trips as a result of a bimetallic strip heating up and bending when the current reaches a specified threshold.

Their performance traits are another differentiator. Since AC breakers often respond more quickly than dc breaker to faults, they can trip more quickly. This is because an AC circuit’s magnetic field produces a greater magnetic field than a DC circuit does. On the other hand, DC breakers are more susceptible to low-level failures such as those brought on by contamination or corrosion. This is because AC electricity generates a stronger magnetic field than DC power.