Circuit Breakers

RV circuit breakers are crucial safety devices found in recreational vehicles, protecting electrical circuits from potential damage caused by excessive electric current. Primarily, they serve as automatic electrical switches designed to interrupt current flow in cases of overcurrent, short circuit, or a significant imbalance between outgoing and incoming currents.

There are mainly two types of RV circuit breakers, which are DC Circuit Breakers and AC Circuit Breakers. DC Circuit Breakers are used for protecting the DC electrical systems while the AC Circuit Breakers are used for guarding the AC electrical systems in RVs.

Circuit breakers typically consist of a switch, connected to an electromagnet or a bimetallic strip. The electromagnet or strip responds to the current flow, and if it exceeds the breaker's limit, the switch is triggered, immediately disrupting the current and protecting the system.

In addition to automatic triggering in case of an overload or short circuit, RV Circuit breakers can also be manually switched off to isolate a circuit for maintenance or repair. They are usually designed as resettable, meaning that once the issue causing the tripping is resolved, they can be reset to restore the electric connection.

Advantages of RV Circuit Breakers:

1. Protection: They protect the wiring, electrical systems, and devices in an RV from electrical faults, overcurrent or short circuits.

2. Safety: By interrupting the flow of electricity immediately in case of a fault, they reduce the risks of electrical fires.

3. Resettable: Unlike certain fuses that must be replaced when blown, circuit breakers can be reset once the fault is fixed, reducing maintenance cost and effort.

4. Manual control: The ability to manually switch off the breaker provides an accessible way to isolate a circuit during repairs or maintenance.

5. Durability: Circuit breakers are made to last, providing long-standing service and protection.

6. Cost-effective: They avoid the need for constant replacements as they can be reset following a trip.

7. Ease of Diagnosis: Since circuit breakers trip in the instance of an overload or short circuit, identifying and fixing the problem becomes easier.

8. Versatility: They are suitable for both AC and DC circuits in the RV.