What Are Circuit Protection Products?

Introduction

Circuit protection products are essential components in many electrical applications. They prevent costly damage to the system from the effects of too much current passing through a circuit. Let’s find out more about circuit protection products, circuit protection device examples, manufacturers, and more!

How Are Circuit Protection Products Made?

Circuit protection products are fabricated using three main processes: stamping, forging, and machining. First, stamping is done by punching and pressing metal sheets into the desired shape. Next, forging is done by heating metal and manually shaping it, usually with the aid of a die. The last process is machining, which involves using specialized machinery to cut, shape, and finish the product to exact specifications. These processes are used to create components such as contact arms, housings, and terminals, which are then assembled to complete the product.

Different Types of Circuit Protection Products 

Circuit protection products can be divided into two categories: general-purpose and specialized. Every electrical system needs to be protected from any issues that may occur, which is why circuit protection products have become an essential part of the circuit board architecture. Circuit protection products are designed to protect circuits, ensure the longevity of the appliances, and prevent failure due to overcurrent, overvoltage, and short circuits.

Various circuit protection products are available in the market, each serving a different purpose. Here is a list of the most widely used circuit protection products and their purposes.

Thyristors

Thyristors are semiconductor devices that act as current-limiting devices in a circuit. They consist of four layers of semiconductor material and can block current in both forward and reverse directions. These are mainly used to protect electrical motors from overvoltage and overcurrent.

Relays

Relays are electromechanical switches used to protect circuits from overcurrents, short circuits, and overvoltages. They are available in both AC and DC versions. They are generally used for low-current applications and for the control of voltage.

Contactors

Contactors are electromagnetic switching devices used to switch high-voltage and high-current electrical circuits with extreme accuracy and reliability. In addition, contactors are used to protect circuits from overvoltages and overcurrents.

Fuse

Fuses are the most basic type of circuit protection devices used to protect electrical circuits from overcurrent and short circuits. They are available in both AC and DC designs and are typically used for low-current applications.

Circuit Breaker

Circuit breakers are electromechanical devices used to protect circuits from overcurrent and overvoltages. They are also used to prevent overloads and short circuits.

PolySwitch

PolySwitches are resettable fuses used to protect circuits from overcurrent and overvoltages. They are available in both AC and DC designs and are typically used for low-current applications.

RCCB

RCCB stands for Residual Current Circuit Breaker and is an electromechanical device that protects circuits from overcurrents, short circuits, and overvoltages.

Metal Oxide Varistor

Metal oxide varistors are electronic components used to protect circuits from overcurrents, short circuits, and overvoltages. Metal oxide varistors are available in AC as well as DC designs.

Inrush Current Limiter

Inrush current limiters are devices used to protect circuits from overcurrents and short circuits during the start-up of an electrical system. They are also used to reduce inrush currents in capacitive circuits.

Gas Discharge Tube

Gas discharge tubes are electrical devices used to protect circuits from overvoltages, overcurrents, and short circuits. Gas discharge tubes are available in both AC and DC designs and are used for high-current applications.

Lightning Arrester

Lightning arresters are devices used to protect circuits from lightning strikes. They consist of a resistive device connected to an electrode that is placed outside the facility. They are available in AC and DC designs, like gas discharge tubes.

How Do Circuit Protection Products Work? 

There are many circuit protection devices examples that can help us understand how these devices work. Circuit protection products limit the amount of current that flows through the circuit. When too much current passes through the circuit, the device senses it and reacts accordingly. For example, in the case of a fuse, the device will melt and disconnect the circuit. This helps to protect the electrical system from damage due to too much current.

One such circuit protection devices examples are circuit protection devices in cars. Circuit protection devices are critical components in automobiles. For example, circuit breakers are also used in automobiles to disconnect circuits when too much current is flowing. In addition, transient voltage suppressors are also used in conjunction with circuit protection devices in cars to help protect the system from voltage surges, which can also cause damage.

What Are the Applications of Circuit Protection Products?

Circuit protection products can be used in a variety of applications, such as

  • Automobiles
  • Industrial machinery
  • Home appliances

They are essential components in these applications and help to prevent costly damage due to too much current.

Who Are the Manufacturers of Circuit Protection Products?

There are many manufacturers of circuit protection products, such as Littelfuse products, ABB, Eaton, and Siemens. These companies offer various products, from fuses to circuit breakers and transient voltage suppressors.

Where Can Circuit Protection Products Be Purchased?

Circuit protection products, such as Littelfuse products, can be purchased from various resources, such as online retailers, electrical component distributors, and even automotive parts stores. Different circuit protection products are available in the market for different current and voltage levels. Selecting the right circuit protection product for the correct application is crucial to ensure maximum protection. You also must ensure that your product is compatible with your application and meets the required safety standards. Do you want a reliable circuit protection distributor that has Littelfuse Products? Look no further than BD Electronics Ltd! We have a wide range of circuit protection products, including circuit protection devices for cars, homes, industries, and more! For more information, click here to request a free quote.

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