A circuit breaker (also known as a micro circuit breaker, MCB, or isolator) is essentially a more sophisticated version of the well-known fuse. Circuit breakers have the same protective purpose in an electrical system as fuses, however unlike fuses, which frequently destroy themselves to protect an appliance, circuit breakers are more powerful and serve as switching devices by turning off electricity, after which they can be reset.
They are intended to safeguard electrical circuits and appliances from defects such as overloads and short circuits. When an electrical circuit or piece of equipment experiences an overload or short circuit, the breaker’s tripping gear responds quickly and disconnects the circuit, preventing damage to the circuit and assuring safety. When, on the other hand, the electrical circuit or equipment is operating normally, the breaker maintains a reliable connection with the circuit through its main contact.
Why Do Solar Panels Require Circuit Breakers? Well, we believe they are critical to our clients’ investments for the following reasons:
They safeguard system components
DC circuit breakers are frequently installed to act as a barrier between the solar panels, which give DC, and the inverter and grid electricity, which provide AC for usage in appliances. As a result, they safeguard both the panels in the event that the AC changes direction and moves up to the panels, a circumstance that can bring both physical and economic risks such as panel damage or even solar panel fires. This is their primary function.
They shield inverters from lightning.
During the rainy season, it is not uncommon for clients to complain that a lightning strike damaged their inverters, sometimes beyond repair.
Breakers safeguard the inverter from lightning damage.
Lightning bolts can reach 100 million volts and generally take the path of least resistance, which allows them to reach and go through the panels and into the inverters, where they destroy circuit boards. Grounding or earthing gives guaranteed protection against lightning strikes, but because most systems are not grounded, breakers are used to provide this protection.
They assist in disconnecting the panels during maintenance or in the event of an emergency.
Breakers make it simple to disconnect panels from the system during installation, maintenance, or in the event of an emergency.
