🔧 Circuit Protection: Time to Brush Up?

Whether you're just starting out in the electrical trade or you've been at it for years, the basics of circuit protection are always worth revisiting — especially when it comes to fuses and circuit-breakers.

At ACE: Electrical, our e-learning channel is designed to help you stay up to date with clear, straightforward training. Our latest modules focus on overcurrent protection, covering the operating principles of fuses and circuit-breakers, their time/current characteristics, and the all-important concept of selectivity.

If you're working towards your qualifications or completing CPD, these modules are well worth a look.

🛠 Back to Basics: Fuses vs Circuit-Breakers

The first module in the series looks at how circuit-breakers work — both thermally and magnetically — and compares them with traditional fuses. You'll learn about:

• How bi-metallic strips and solenoids respond to different types of fault.

• The difference between Icn and Ics — and why understanding these ratings matters.

• Arc suppression methods that help manage high fault currents.

It’s all explained with practical examples and clear illustrations, helping you connect theory with what you see on the job.

📈 Time/Current Curves Explained

Time/current curves might seem dry at first glance, but understanding them is essential to choosing the right circuit-breaker for the job. In our second module, we cover:

• The differences between Type B, C, and D circuit-breakers.

• How inrush currents from motors, transformers and even older fluorescent fittings affect your choice of device.

• What the wiring regulations say about disconnection times — and how circuit-breakers meet those requirements.

Rather than memorising numbers, the focus is on understanding how these devices behave in real installations.

⚙️ Selectivity: Keeping the Lights On

Selectivity — or discrimination — is the principle that ensures only the device closest to a fault trips, leaving the rest of the installation untouched. This might sound straightforward, but in practice it requires careful coordination.

In the third module, we look at:

• The importance of matching fuses and breakers correctly.

• General rules of thumb for achieving selectivity — such as skipping a rating when using devices of the same type.

• How to use manufacturer data to check that selectivity is achieved.

This is particularly relevant for larger installations with multiple distribution boards, but the principles also apply in domestic settings.

🎓 Why Choose ACE: Electrical?

Our e-learning is:

• Developed by experienced professionals with real-world knowledge.

• Based on current UK wiring regulations.

• Structured to suit both learners and qualified electricians doing CPD.

• Delivered in short, focused modules — perfect for topping up your knowledge without taking a day off.

📺 Watch Now

You’ll find all three modules on the ACE: Electrical e-learning channel. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to refresh your knowledge, it’s a simple and effective way to stay sharp on the fundamentals of circuit protection.

👉 Start learning today – visit ACE: Electrical https://learninglounge.com/aceelectrical

It’s always worth making sure the protective devices you rely on are properly understood.