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A circuit breaker is an automatically-operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit
from damage caused by overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to detect a fault condition and, by
interrupting continuity, to immediately discontinue electrical flow. Unlike a fuse, which operates once and
then has to be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset (either manually or automatically) to resume
normal operation.
NOTE: always place the main circuit breaker in the "OFF" position prior to starting the engine.
A short circuit (sometimes abbreviated to short or s/c) in an electrical circuit is one that allows a current
to travel along a different path from the one originally intended. The electrical opposite of a short circuit
is an "open circuit", which is an infinite resistance between two nodes. It is common to misuse "short
circuit" to describe any electrical malfunction, regardless of the actual problem. Damage from short
circuits can be reduced or prevented by employing fuses, circuit breakers, or other overload protection,
which disconnect the power in reaction to excessive current.
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Multiquip Inc. ◦ GA Series Generators ◦ Manual No. GAGENSM
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Dude, why such
long wires?
Cartoon by: Ehren Stillman
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