Circuit breakers are switch devices used to protect circuits and equipment. They can automatically disconnect the circuit in cases of overload, short circuit, and ground fault, preventing overheating of equipment, wire overload, fires, and other hazardous accidents. There are many types of circuit breakers, among which the most common are the 1P, 2P, 3P, and 4P circuit breakers. This article will introduce the meanings of these circuit breakers and how to select them.

Single Pole Circuit Breaker

The 1 Pole circuit breaker is used in single-phase circuits and stands for a single pole circuit breaker. This type of breaker has one switch to disconnect the circuit and can protect one phase of the circuit. 1 Pole circuit breakers are suitable for residential and commercial use, commonly used to protect lighting, outlets, and some low-power electrical devices.

When selecting a 1 Pole circuit breaker, it is important to consider the current load and rated voltage. Generally, the rated current of a 1 Pole circuit breaker ranges from 6A to 63A, with a rated voltage of 230V. Selection should be based on the load current and rated voltage of the circuit.

2 Pole Circuit Breaker

The 2 Pole circuit breaker is a double pole circuit breaker used in single-phase circuits. It has two switches to disconnect the circuit, protecting two phases. 2 Pole circuit breakers are suitable for most residential and commercial applications, commonly used to protect lighting, outlets, air conditioners, electric water heaters, and other medium-power electrical devices.

When selecting a 2 Pole circuit breaker, consider the current load and rated voltage. Typically, the rated current ranges from 6A to 63A, with a rated voltage of 230V. Selection should be based on the load current and rated voltage of the circuit.

3 Pole Circuit Breaker

The 3 Pole circuit breaker is used in three-phase circuits and stands for a triple pole circuit breaker. It has three switches to disconnect the circuit, protecting three phases. 3 Pole circuit breakers are suitable for larger residential and commercial applications, such as factories and offices, and are commonly used to protect motors, air conditioners, elevators, lighting, and other high-power electrical devices.

When selecting a 3 Pole circuit breaker, it is important to consider the current load and rated voltage. Generally, the rated current ranges from 6A to 630A, with a rated voltage of 380V. Selection should be based on the load current and rated voltage of the circuit. Additionally, the wiring method of the three-phase circuit, either star or delta connection, should be considered to choose the appropriate 3 Pole circuit breaker.

4 Pole Circuit Breaker

The 4 Pole circuit breaker is a four-pole circuit breaker used in both three-phase and single-phase circuits. It has four switches to disconnect the circuit, protecting four phases. 4 Pole circuit breakers are suitable for applications requiring protection of three-phase and single-phase circuits, such as factories and large commercial buildings, commonly used to protect motors, transformers, air conditioners, lighting, and other equipment.

When selecting a 4 Pole circuit breaker, consider the current load and rated voltage. Typically, the rated current ranges from 6A to 630A, with a rated voltage of 380V. Selection should be based on the load current and rated voltage of the circuit.

Considerations for Selecting Circuit Breakers

In addition to the load current and rated voltage, the following should be considered when selecting circuit breakers:

The appropriate short-circuit protection capacity, which is the maximum current the circuit breaker can withstand in the event of a short circuit. This should exceed the circuit's maximum load current for safe operation.