I really missed out on Mr. Wizard. I'm old and this was still interesting.
The fuse makes sense but how do circuit breakers differ such that you can use them over and over?
There are two main types of circuit breaker tripping mechanisms:
Thermal Protection (Overloads): A bimetallic strip inside the breaker heats up as current flows through it. Because the two bonded metals expand at different rates, excessive current causes the strip to bend. This bending movement triggers a release mechanism that separates the contacts, breaking the circuit. This process is slower, allowing for brief current surges without tripping.Magnetic Protection (Short Circuits): An electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field proportional to the current. During a sudden, massive spike in current (such as a short circuit), the magnetic force becomes strong enough to instantly pull a lever or armature. This snaps the contacts apart almost immediately, preventing dangerous heat buildup and fire hazards.
