Surge Protector Vs. Circuit Breaker: Guide To Usages & Advantages

Is there any difference between circuit breakers and surge protectors? Although both seem to perform a similar function and are an essential part of the electrical circuit, both address distinct types of electrical issues. 

In this guide, we are going to look at the differences between surge protectors vs. circuit breakers. We will not only try to understand what each of these is but will also look at how both are used and their advantages.

What are Surge Protectors?

Surge protectors are devices that protect your electrical devices from voltage spikes. These voltage spikes can occur due to many reasons, including lightning strikes, power outages, or switching operations. 

Here are some of the key features of surge protectors:

• Surge protectors protect your devices from voltage spikes. They limit the voltage by diverting the extra back to the source or ground, protecting your electrical appliances.
• Surge protectors are usually installed at electrical outlets and protect the connected devices. 
• Surge protectors wear out over time after absorbing multiple surges and hence need to be replaced to maintain their effectiveness.

What are Circuit Breakers?

Circuit breakers are designed to protect your electrical system from overcurrent. When a circuit breaker detects overcurrent, it opens or breaks the circuit and prevents damage to your appliances caused by overheating or potential fires. 

Here are some of the key features of circuit breakers:

• Circuit breakers basically provide protection against overcurrent. When a circuit breaker detects overcurrent, it trips and interrupts the flow of current. 
• The main function of a circuit breaker is to detect faults. When it does, it interrupts the flow of electricity, protecting wiring, electrical appliances & equipment.
• Once the issue is resolved, you can reset the circuit breakers and reuse them. 

Key Differences Between Surge Protectors & Circuit Breakers

Function

• Surge protectors protect your electronic devices from sudden voltage spikes. These work by diverting electricity away from the devices and back to the source or the ground. 
• On the other hand, circuit breakers keep your homes and buildings safe by detecting overcurrent and interrupting its flow. When a lot of electricity flows through the circuit, circuit breakers detect it and break the circuit to stop this flow. 

Operation

• One of the components in surge protectors, namely metal oxide Variables (MOVs), absorbs and dissipates the extra voltage. When a surge occurs, the MOVs react by diverting the excess energy away from the device and safely toward the ground. This process happens in seconds, protecting your electronic devices. 
• However, circuit breakers work by detecting overload or short circuits. When an overload or short circuit is detected, the circuit trips; this tripping mechanism is designed to keep your wires, appliances, and devices safe by cutting off the electricity supply. 

Mandatory vs Optional

• Circuit breakers are mandatory for home safety and are required by building codes in many regions. These legal requirements highlight their importance in preventing electrical fires and making your electrical circuits safe. 
• While surge protector devices (SPDs) are not a mandatory part of your electrical systems. These are recommended to be used to keep sensitive electrical equipment safe. Unlike circuit breakers, which are required by law to be installed in buildings, surge protectors are optional devices that you can use to choose based on your specific needs.

Surge Protectors vs Circuit Breakers: Usages and Applications

Surge Protectors

• SPDs are ideal for protecting computers, televisions, and other sensitive electronic devices.
• These can be used in power strips or installed as whole-house surge protectors.
• These are especially useful in areas prone to lightning strikes or frequent power surges.

Circuit Breakers 

• Circuit breakers are essential for overall home electrical safety.
• These are installed in the main electrical panel to protect against overloading and short circuits.
• Moreover, circuit breakers are used to protect the wiring and prevent potential fire hazards.

Power Strip with Circuit Breaker vs. Surge Protector

The power strip is a series of electrical sockets that are connected to a flexible cable, so you can connect multiple electrical devices from the same socket. If your power strip does not have a built-in circuit breaker or a surge protector, it might be susceptible to sudden power surges, overcurrent loads, or short circuits. A built-in surge protector or circuit breaker can help deal with these issues. 

Here is how built-in circuit breakers vs surge protectors perform different functions. 

Built-in Circuit Breaker

Power strips often include a circuit breaker so it can interrupt electric current when it detects an overload or a short circuit. Interruption of electric flow protects your devices from damage.  

Built-in Surge Protector

A surge protector power strip is specifically designed to withstand a power surge and keep your electronics safe. 

Advantages & Disadvantages of Surge Protectors vs Circuit Breakers

Advantages of Surge Protectors

1. Surge protectors protect electrical devices from sudden power surges. 
2. Power strip surge protectors are affordable and easy to install. 

Disadvantages of Surge Protectors

1. Lower-end surge protectors may fail if the voltage spike is too high. 
2. If surge protectors are being installed for large units, the initial cost might be high.

Advantages of Circuit Breakers

1. Circuit breakers protect your electrical appliances from damage and prevent the need for costly repairs. 
2. Installation of circuit breakers is legally required in many regions. 
3. Once the issue is resolved, you can reset the circuit breakers and reuse them. 

Disadvantages of Circuit Breakers

1. If your circuit breaker trips often, it can wear out quickly, leading to higher maintenance costs. 
2. When compared with fuse boxes, their initial installation is more costly. 

When to Use Each Device?

Now that you know and understand the differences between the two devices let’s have a look at when you can use each of these:

• Use circuit breakers if you want to protect the wiring or prevent overheating and fires caused by overcurrent or short circuits. 
• However, if you want to protect your electronic devices and are looking for outlet-level protection, surge protectors are an ideal choice. 

To Sum Up

Both surge protectors and circuit breakers serve distinct yet complementary roles. Circuit breakers protect your electrical system from overcurrent or faults, while surge protectors protect your electronic devices from sudden voltage spikes. We recommend using both devices to ensure the safety of electrical systems and devices. 

For professional installation or consultation, consider visiting Go Switch Gear today. Ensure the safety and longevity of your electrical systems and devices with surge protectors and circuit breakers from Go Switch Gear.

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