As discussed in Part 1, the interrupting ratings of low-voltage circuit breakers and fuses are classified on a symmetrical-current-rated basis. In this context, “symmetrical-current-rated” implies ...

A short is actually a safety measure, so when the wires get too hot, the circuit breaker trips, causing the flow of electricity to stop.

Most people understand, too, that the breaker will trip if you overload the circuit with too many things plugged in or with an accidental short circuit. But how does this common device actually work?