How2Day: Home Circuit Breaker Types

Circuit breakers have replaced fuses in homes because of the ease in resetting them. Toggle switches inside the breaker panel represent the different circuits in the home and switch off when a circuit is overloaded or "tripped." This prevents appliances from getting ruined by an overload and keeps the home and occupants safe. Panels include a circuit map that indicates what each circuit controls.

Pole breakers are either single or double circuit breakers. Pole breakers are often referred to as outlets. Single breakers are 120 volts and are commonly used for plug receptacles and light circuits. Pole circuits are the most common household circuit for living rooms and bedrooms where lamps, TVs, alarm clocks and other small appliances will be used. Double pole breakers run 240 volts and are used where electric water heaters, washers and dryers are used. The higher-voltage breaker is necessary for these large appliances.

A quad breaker is half the size of a regular breaker and takes up less room. These breakers have multiple configurations that usually include both double and single pole breakers. This type of circuit breaker does save space, but it requires a special type of panel that is not standard in most homes.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are meant to measure the current that is passing in and out of the circuit. When a leak is detected it interrupts the circuit which trips the breaker to prevent damage or injury. These types of circuit breakers are usually required in kitchens, garages, bathrooms and outdoors. A GFCI breaker fits into a regular breaker panel. GFCI are the most expensive options for home circuit breakers.

A surge protection device looks similar to a double pole breaker. It has a light that glows steady when power is running through the circuit. When a surge of electricity runs to it, the surge protection "trips" just like a circuit breaker and must be reset by pressing the switch off and then on again.

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