Comments on: What is the difference between a cicuit breaker and surge protection?

By: Tom H

Tom H — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 03:07:59 +0000

DMB has it exactly correct. But may I add this: A very good surge protecting power strip will have both a circuit breaker and a surge protecting device. A really bad surge can destroy the surge protecting device and then destroy your equipment. But if the strip also has a circuit breaker, it will open the circuit before the surge device or your equip. is destroyed.
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By: Jeff B.

Jeff B. — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 02:30:59 +0000

Circuit breakers protect a circuit from drawing excessive current, usually due to a malfunction within the equipment itself (short circuit, defective component, etc.). Circuit breakers act like a fuse and "break" the circuit, or a switch that disconnects the device from it's voltage source. It differs from a fuse in that, as previously stated, it can be reset manually rather than replacing like a fuse. Surge protectors usually protect equipment from high voltage spikes on the incoming power line. When excessively high voltage on input is detected, it acts like a "short circuit" and grounds the spike before it can reach the equipment or damage the equipment it is protecting. Often, when the surge protector is activated, it may also trip the circuits circuit breaker (double protection).
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By: dmb06851

dmb06851 — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 02:23:59 +0000

A circuit breaker is a special kind of switch which replaces a fuse. It protects the wiring from excessive current.

If too much current is drawn on the circuit which it is protecting then it simply switches off the supply. When the overload has been removed you just switch the supply on again.
It saves you the trouble of replacing a fuse.

A surge protector is a voltage limiter. It protects any equipment which is plugged in from voltage spikes, or surges, which could damage them.
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By: ruth4526

ruth4526 — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 02:08:59 +0000

A circuit breaker, if something goes wrong, will shut your electric off, Such as over loading an out let or if a storm hits you can loose you electric and possible burn some items out such as your tv. A surge protecter will shut things down but saves then from being burnt out or ruined in any way. I us one on my microwave, tv and computer.
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By: father of 4 husband of 1

father of 4 husband of 1 — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 01:18:59 +0000

About $25
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