Types B, C, and D Circuit Breakers: Areas of Use

Circuit breakers, used to prevent dangers such as overcurrent and short circuits in electrical systems, are among the most common solutions among circuit protection devices. These breakers automatically disconnect the circuit when the current exceeds predetermined limits, ensuring the safety of the system. However, since each electrical system has different characteristics, various types of circuit breakers have been developed according to different current types and load profiles. Types B, C, and D are among the most widely used of these and are each designed for different application areas.

In this content, we will examine the characteristics and usage areas of Type B, C, and D circuit breakers in detail. We will also address important considerations when choosing circuit breakers to help you select the one that best suits your needs.

General Features of Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are safety devices that detect abnormal conditions in the circuit and automatically shut it off. These breakers protect the circuit against overcurrent, short circuits, and grounding faults, minimizing damage and safety risks in the system. Unlike traditional fuses, circuit breakers are reusable, making them more economical in the long run.

Types B, C, and D circuit breakers are designed based on these general principles and are optimized for different current types and load conditions. Now let's look at the areas of use and advantages of these types of circuit breakers.

Type B Circuit Breakers

Type B circuit breakers are typically used in circuits with low current capacity. These breakers detect sudden overcurrent conditions quickly and cut off the circuit. Type B breakers are an ideal solution for sensitive devices operating with low current. They are commonly preferred in residential and light commercial applications.

Usage Areas of Type B Circuit Breakers:

Residential Applications:

• Lighting systems in homes

• Socket circuits

• Small electrical appliances (e.g., televisions, computers)

Type B circuit breakers used in homes protect household electrical devices from conditions such as overcurrent and short circuits, ensuring your safety. Since residential electrical systems generally have low current loads, Type B breakers are an ideal solution.

Light Commercial Applications:

• Small offices and commercial businesses

• Commercial kitchen appliances (e.g., microwave ovens, small ovens)

Type B circuit breakers are widely used in small commercial businesses for devices with low power consumption. Office equipment and small commercial kitchen devices are protected by these types of breakers.

Sensitive Electronic Equipment:

• Security systems

• Alarm and camera systems

Since sensitive electronic devices are more vulnerable to overcurrent, Type B circuit breakers provide ideal protection for such systems. Their low current sensitivity ensures the safe operation of these devices.

Type C Circuit Breakers

Type C circuit breakers are suitable for devices that draw moderate current and have high inrush currents. These breakers are often used with devices that have high starting currents. Type C circuit breakers detect overcurrent and short circuits at a medium speed to protect the circuit.

Usage Areas of Type C Circuit Breakers:

Commercial Buildings and Workplaces:

• Air conditioning systems

• Commercial lighting systems

• Office equipment (photocopiers, computer servers)

Type C circuit breakers are suitable for medium-power electrical devices used in workplaces. Since commercial building devices such as air conditioners and lighting systems draw high energy at startup, this type of breaker is used for their protection.

Industrial-Type Electric Motors:

• Medium-sized electric motors

• Compressors and pump systems

Type C circuit breakers can tolerate sudden increases in starting current in industrial-type motors. Therefore, they are an ideal solution for devices such as industrial motors and pump systems.

Small and Medium-Sized Workshops:

• Power tools

• CNC machines

Devices used in small and medium-sized workshops can draw high current momentarily. Therefore, Type C breakers are frequently preferred in such environments. The safety of industrial devices such as CNC machines is ensured by this type of breaker.

Type D Circuit Breakers

Type D circuit breakers are designed for high current-drawing devices. These breakers can withstand sudden current surges and are used in high-current circuits. Generally preferred in heavy industrial facilities, these breakers provide protection against high short-circuit currents.

Usage Areas of Type D Circuit Breakers:

Heavy Industrial Facilities:

• High-power electric motors

• Generators and large compressors

Type D circuit breakers are used to protect large motors with high inrush currents. In heavy industrial facilities, generators, large compressors, and powerful machines are protected with this type of breaker.

Large Electrical Facilities:

• Power plants

• Industrial production facilities

Due to the high power demands and large electric motors in power plants and large industrial production facilities, Type D breakers are required. Since high current surges frequently occur in these facilities, Type D circuit breakers offer the most appropriate solution.

High-Power Devices:

• Large cooling systems

• Crane and elevator systems

Type D breakers are indispensable for devices with high power requirements. Especially systems like cooling systems, cranes, and elevators draw very high current when first activated. Therefore, Type D circuit breakers are ideal for the protection of such devices.

What to Consider When Choosing a Circuit Breaker?

When selecting a circuit breaker, it is important to consider the characteristics of the electrical circuit in which it will be used. Here's what you should take into account when choosing a circuit breaker:

Circuit Load:
It is important to determine what type of devices will be protected by the breaker. Type B for low-current devices, Type C for medium-current devices, and Type D for high-current devices should be selected.

Starting Current:
Electric motors and other devices can draw high current momentarily when first activated. This must be considered when choosing the correct breaker type.

Application Area:
The characteristics of the environment in which the breaker will be used must be considered. Type B breakers are sufficient for residential applications, while Type C and D breakers should be preferred for industrial areas.

Ensure Safety with Circuit Breakers

Type B, C, and D circuit breakers, developed for various areas of use, are designed to ensure safety in all types of electrical systems. To maximize electrical safety both at home and in industrial facilities, selecting the correct type of circuit breaker is of critical importance.