In thermal-magnetic circuit breakers, what does the thermal element primarily protect against?

In thermal-magnetic circuit breakers, the thermal element is primarily designed to protect against overloads. When the load current exceeds the rated current, the thermal element generates heat, causing a bimetallic strip to bend and eventually trip the breaker to prevent damage to the circuit and connected devices.

Ground faults and short circuits, on the other hand, are typically detected and interrupted by the magnetic element of the breaker. This magnetic element responds to sudden surges of electrical current associated with short circuits, providing rapid disconnection to minimize risks such as fire or equipment damage.

While ground faults can involve overload conditions that lead to the thermal element being activated, the primary purpose of the thermal element is overload protection. Hence, the focus on ground faults and short circuits as primary functions of the thermal element may lead to misunderstanding. It is crucial to recognize that each part of the thermal-magnetic breaker serves a distinct role in protecting against different electrical anomalies.