Shortstop circuit breakers manufacturer and distributor

Shortstop circuit breaker: What it is?

Shortstop circuit breakers are automotive circuit breakers designed for overcurrent protection in vehicle electrical systems. They feature metal or plastic housings with two stud terminals for easy installation and are available in 12VDC, 24VDC, and 32VDC ratings with amperages from 6A to 50A. These breakers comply with SAE J553 standards, and select models meet SAE J1171 for ignition protection. Commonly used in low-voltage DC systems like cars, trucks, RVs, and marine applications, they ensure reliable circuit protection.

 

Differences between a Fuse and a Shortstop Circuit Breaker

The primary difference between circuit breakers and fuses is that circuit breakers are resettable and reusable, while fuses need to be replaced after each trip.

 

Features and benefits of the shortstop circuit breaker

• Automatic, modified, and manual reset options after tripping.
• Compact design for easy installation in tight spaces.
• Can be offered with mounting brackets for flexible installation options to suit your application.
• Weather-resistant versions suitable for harsh environments.
• Includes ignition protection ratings for installation in marine environments.
• Available in 6A-50A ratings to match circuit requirements.

 

Common applications of the shortstop circuit breaker

Automotive

The shortstop circuit breaker is used in automotive applications to provide reliable overcurrent protection for electrical systems, including lighting and power accessories. Its resettable feature eliminates the need for fuse replacements, ensuring easier maintenance and preventing damage from overloads or short circuits.

Marine:

In marine environments, the shortstop circuit breaker ensures safety and reliability for boat electrical systems. With ignition protection ratings, it withstands harsh conditions while protecting critical systems, such as navigation lights and pumps, from overcurrent situations. Its weather-resistant design makes it suitable for various marine applications.

 

This is how a shortstop circuit breaker works

A shortstop circuit breaker features a bimetal strip that connects the two terminals. When excessive current flows through the circuit, the strip heats up. Once it reaches a certain temperature, it "flexes," breaking the connection between the terminals and shutting off the current. Depending on the reset type, the breaker may either snap back into position automatically (Type I circuit breakers) or require manual resetting via a button (Type III circuit breakers).

 

FAQs

How do I reset a shortstop circuit breaker?

Depending on the style of your shortstop circuit breaker, there are three different reset methods:

• Type I Circuit Breakers: These breakers automatically reset once the bimetal strip cools down after tripping.
• Type II Circuit Breakers: To reset these breakers, you must turn off your system and then restart the entire system.
• Type III Circuit Breakers: These breakers require manual resetting after tripping. This can be accomplished by pressing the black button located on the side of the circuit breaker.

 

What should I do if the breaker keeps tripping?

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, there are several potential reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Insufficient amperage rating: Ensure that the breaker is rated for a high enough amperage to meet your application needs.
• Aging breaker: An old breaker may derate over time, causing it to trip at lower ratings than it was originally designed for.
• Consistent fault or overload: You may have a persistent fault or overload that is causing the breaker to continue tripping. In this case, it is essential to identify and resolve the issue to prevent further trips.

 

How is a shortstop circuit breaker installed?

Depending on your style, shortstop circuit breakers can be bolted down directly or installed into a mounting bracket. Once securely fastened, the wires or busbars are connected to each terminal to allow power to flow through. The orientation of the circuit breaker does not matter, as it will function bi-directionally.

 

How much space do I need to install a shortstop circuit breaker?

Shortstop circuit breakers are relatively compact, requiring a maximum of 2 inches of space in either the vertical or horizontal direction to accommodate the built-in mounting brackets.

 

What is the lifespan of a shortstop circuit breaker?

OptiFuse shortstop circuit breakers have a contact endurance rating of 500 cycles at 150% of the rated current and 200 cycles at 200% of the rated current. However, if you notice your breaker tripping frequently without any abnormal current draw, it may indicate that the breaker is aging and requires replacement.