0
Chcophy Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary

Ask for help...

Hi! Does anybody know the word to describe the action of home electric mainswitch 'jump' when hit by lightning? Can we say 'kick circuit'? Thank you!
  

Top answer

" Are you talking about a magnetic breaker? Our distribution systems are well protected, so this is rare in our area. But we also use the term when the overcurrent is caused by a short circuit on the user side.

— Avangi

  • " Are you talking about a magnetic breaker?
  • Our distribution systems are well protected, so this is rare in our area.
  • But we also use the term when the overcurrent is caused by a short circuit on the user side.
  • Both transitive and intransitive: The lightning tripped the breaker (main switch).
  • The breaker tripped.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
I've always used "trip."

Are you talking about a magnetic breaker?

Our distribution systems are well protected, so this is rare in our area.

But we also use the term when the overcurrent is caused by a short circuit on the user side.

Both transitive and intransitive:

The lightning tripped the breaker (main switch).

The breaker trippe
0
0
Thanks Avangi.

Actually I'm not sure about the concept of how the breaker works. But it should be a magnetic breaker as you mentioned. We need to trigger it on to resume the power.

Your reply is helpful to me. I think I'll like this forum. Thanks again.

Best Regards!
0
0
chcophyWe need to trigger it on to resume the power.
Hi, chcophy,
The term we use in this case is "to reset the breaker."

Most of these devices trip to a neutral position, and must be forced to the full "off" position before they can be turned back on. This "forcing down" of the handle is actually the "reset" part of the routine, al
0

Related Questions