What is a circuit protection?
Industrial circuit protection is a foundational element of every electrical and control system. Whether a panel powers PLCs, sensors, motor starters, or VFDs, each circuit must be safeguarded against overloads, short circuits, and other fault conditions that can damage equipment or put personnel at risk. Proper overcurrent protection ensures that when a fault occurs, only the affected portion of the system is isolated to minimize downtime, prevent cascading failures, and maintain overall system reliability.
Modern panels rely on a variety of protective devices, including circuit breakers, fuses, supplementary protectors, and specialized components designed for motor and control applications. These devices must be selected and applied in accordance with established electrical codes and standards such as NFPA 70 (NEC), UL 508A, and IEC 61439, which define how circuits must be protected to ensure safe operation. Designers must also consider factors like available fault current, coordination between devices, and the demands of the equipment being powered.
Effective circuit protection isn’t just a compliance requirement, it’s a critical design practice that keeps machines running, protects valuable assets, and prevents electrical faults from escalating into costly failures.
Don’t stop here! Check the Products menu for more articles and resources on industrial circuit protection.
Electrical Circuit Protection Essentials: Codes, Faults & Safety Basics
Electrical safety starts with proper circuit protection! This article explains faults, codes, and key protection devices like fuses & breakers to help you design safer electrical systems. Electrical Circuit Protection Essentials >>
Product Focus: Circuit Protection
Take a dive into all AutomationDirect options for circuit protection! From fuses to SPDs to disconnects we’ve got you protected! Intro to Circuit Protection >>
Understanding Circuit Breaker Types: Finding the Right Breaker at AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect carries a full selection of industrial circuit protection devices at incredible prices, high stock rates and fast shipping. This video helps you to understand circuit breaker types so you can find the right circuit breaker for your application. Circuit Breaker Types >>
5 Circuit Protection Mistakes That Could Cost You Big
Avoid costly electrical protection mistakes! Learn the 5 biggest pitfalls like wrong breaker sizing, ignoring fault current, misusing protectors, poor motor protection & LOTO oversights — and how to fix them. 5 Circuit Protection Mistakes >>
A Practical Guide to Electrical Circuit Protection for Industrial Applications
This eBook is for users who want to strengthen their circuit-protection knowledge, from panel design basics to selecting and coordinating devices. It covers codes and standards, disconnects and distribution, fuses and breakers, electronic protection, motor circuits, ground-fault protection, and power-quality mitigation. Circuit Protection Ebook >>
2-for-1 Control Panel Components Deliver Savings
Control panel real estate is always at a premium. These innovative solutions help designers save space, time, and money. Overcurrent devices, disconnects and more >>
What is a Trip Curve? Understanding Circuit Breaker Trip Curves from AutomationDirect
Circuit breaker and fuse trip curves (CB Trip curves) explain how a trip occurs based on current and time. What is a trip curve? >>