Are Electrical Supply Circuit Breakers Interchangeable?

Electrical supply circuit breakers are a small but mighty component of your overall electrical systems. What do they do exactly? They are an automatic circuit protection system. They are installed in a breaker box, also known as an electrical panel, to each singular circuit. In case of an overload of energy these breakers automatically shut off, preventing further damage, or a potential  fire!

Why Does an Overload Happen?

This typically occurs when an appliance in a home, or when equipment on a commercial site, gives off too much power to a singular circuit. An example of a potential overload is when you plug a:

• TV
• Vacuum
• Gaming system
• And lamp in the same outlet!

Using the right circuit breaker will prevent an overload to any circuit in your electric panel. 

Ultimately, circuit breakers are not interchangeable. While brands may carry the same kind of circuit breakers, using one type for another kind of electrical panel may not work. This is because there are multiple circuit breaker classifications.

Using the wrong one can lead to potential damage. RGV Electrical Supply can help you determine the type you need for the home, or on the job. Ask us for help now.

Classifying Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are classified based on their mechanics of Voltage, Interruption Mechanism, their design, and the way they are installed. 

There are:

• Low, medium, and high- voltage circuit breakers
• Different ways an interruption mechanism cuts the flow of current.
• Different brands with varying design of breakers. 
• Indoor and outdoor installation locations that may require additional maintenancing.

CHECK OUT OUR CATALOG

We carry several types of circuit breakers, call (956) 000-000 so we can search up the one you need. 

Single pole circuit breaker

Two- pole circuit breaker

Branch circuit breaker

Arc Fault breaker (AFCI)

Ground Fault breaker (GFCI)

Shunt-trip and regular Bolt-On BABA-type

Our circuit breakers are available in low to high voltage capability. We highly recommend you call first.

What’s the Difference?

• An Arc Fault breaker disconnects with a damaged circuit, usually caused by faulty wiring.
• A Ground fault breaker will completely shut down the circuit, usually caused by an overload of electrical current. 

Likewise:

• A single pole circuit breaker offers lower voltage (120 volts), 15-20 amps, and include one hot-wire and one neutral wire. These are commonly used for smaller projects.
• A two-pole breaker provides 240 volts, 40-60 amps, and include two hot wires that share an additional neutral wire. 

For The Home

While circuit breakers are made to last, it is obvious when they are damaged. Damaged circuit breakers often smell and have burnt plastic edges. This is proof you have a broken circuit. While some circuit breakers can be interchanged for a home, it is always best to go with your panel’s maker and model.

For the home, you will likely need a lower voltage, or a 1-prong circuit breaker. Unless of course, you are constantly working on projects or use master tools, a higher voltage, a 2-prong circuit breaker may be safer. 

It’s true, some circuit breakers may be interchangeable, but they don’t necessarily fit.

The option to buy a circuit breaker that offers both formats is possible, but may not be necessary for what you need. Rest assured we can help you decide.

Contact us Today

How do you choose the right circuit breaker? Contact RGV Electrical Supply today. Our experts can further explain the differences, help you choose the right breaker for your project, and even install it for you. There’s no need to hire multiple technicians to do the same, you can get it all done with RGV Electrical supply in McAllen.