Repair 7

Types of Automotive Circuit Breakers

There are three types of circuit breakers used in the automotive industry. The three types adhere to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J553 standard. This standard determines the operating conditions and the manufacturing conditions of the circuit breakers. Each type can be made for different pin types and different amps, depending on the exact application of the breaker.

Type 1

Type 1 automotive circuit breakers cycle on and off until the cause of the break is eliminated. This application can be hazardous if the goal of the breaker is to cut power totally to prevent damage or disruption to the circuit. Type 1 circuit breakers for automotive applications are available from a number of sources and insert types. Additionally, Type 1 circuit breakers are made for a variety of different amps.

Type 2

Type 2 circuit breakers switch off when they sense an overload and remain off. When the overload condition is removed, the circuit turns back on automatically. This type of breaker protects the circuit from overload and eliminates the need for a person to reset the breaker. Type 2 breakers are available with different inserts and amps for different automotive applications.

Type 3

The last type of automotive circuit breaker requires a person to turn it back on. These breakers switch off when they sense an overload, like the Type 2 breakers, but require a person to press a reset button to switch them back on. Type 3 breakers are available for between 10 and 30 amps for a variety of automotive applications.