Darter Technologies

Circuit Breaker A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to detect a fault condition and interrupt current flow.  Unlike a fuse, which operates once and then must be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset (either manually or automatically) to resume normal operation.  Circuit breakers are made in varying sizes, from small devices that protect an individual household appliance up to large switchgear designed to protect high voltage circuits feeding an entire city. Leave your comment if this post helps in understanding the basics of this Topic.

What you know about DMMs and clamp meters can make a big difference to your bottom line How well you equip yourself to do your work plays a big role in your success. When it comes to electrical test equipment, are you sure you have the right tools for the job? Digital Multimeter Vs Clamp Meters We often think of a digital multimeter (DMM) as a direct contact instrument and a clamp meter as an inductive instrument. This leads to the erroneous conclusion that the only real difference is the input method. However, a clamp meter is not a DMM with a set of inductive jaws replacing the test leads. They are two distinctly different instruments, each with its own advantages. A DMM is essentially a voltage measuring tool with some current abilities, while a clamp meter is essentially a current-measuring tool with some voltage abilities. The DMM allows you to do electronic work because of its high resolution—it measures in milliunits (for example, millivolts, milliamps and milliohms). It...

Relays A relay is an electrically operated switch. Relays are used where it is necessary to control a circuit by a low-power signal (with complete electrical isolation between control and controlled circuits), or where several circuits must be controlled by one signal.   Many relays use an electromagnet to mechanically operate a switch, but other operating principles are also used, such as solid-state relays A type of relay that can handle the high power required to directly control an electric motor or other loads is called a contactor Solid-state relays control power circuits with no moving parts, instead using a semiconductor device to perform switching.

A contactor is an electrically controlled switch used for switching a power circuit, similar to a relay except with higher current ratings. A contactor is controlled by a circuit which has a much lower power level than the switched circuit. Contactors are used to control electric motors, lighting, heating, capacitor banks, thermal evaporators, and other electrical loads.