A better class of circuit breakers
Smarter protection for modern power demands
Power distribution has become far more complex, yet many systems still rely on outdated protection components. At StageSmarts, we took a different path – by choosing a higher standard of circuit breaker that matches the technical demands of today’s live events, broadcast environments, and professional installations.
Why overcurrent protection matters
Excessive electrical current poses serious risks, particularly in environments where power reliability is crucial. When too much current flows through a cable, it generates heat. If left unchecked, this can lead to overheating, damage to connectors, and in severe cases, fire hazards. Connectors at the ends of the cables can also be affected, sometimes melting together due to excessive heat. To prevent these risks, a circuit breaker must detect and interrupt the current flow before a hazardous situation arises.
How circuit breakers respond to overcurrent
A circuit breaker is designed to trip when excessive current passes through it. The speed at which it reacts depends on the severity of the overcurrent. In cases where the overcurrent is moderate, it may take a few minutes before the breaker trips, while a severe overload can trigger an almost instant response. However, the effectiveness of a circuit breaker also depends on the resistance within the cables. Longer cables introduce more resistance, which can slow down the breaker’s response time. This is why electrical regulations limit cable lengths and require thicker cables for longer runs to ensure that circuit breakers respond quickly and effectively.
The problem with conventional circuit breakers
Most traditional power distribution systems use thermal-magnetic circuit breakers—affordable and widely used in homes and offices. They combine a thermal element for moderate overloads and a magnetic one for severe faults like short circuits.
While sufficient for everyday use, they fall short in professional environments. Their performance varies with temperature, leading to early or delayed tripping. After tripping, they require time to cool before resetting, causing unnecessary downtime. They also struggle with high inrush currents from equipment like LED walls and AV systems, often tripping unnecessarily.
For demanding applications where reliability and uptime are critical, thermal-magnetic breakers simply don’t measure up.
Hydraulic – Magnetic Circuit Breakers; the smarter alternative
To overcome the limitations of traditional thermal-magnetic breakers, StageSmarts exclusively uses hydraulic-magnetic circuit breakers in all our power distribution systems. Designed for the demands of modern professional environments, these breakers deliver consistent, high-performance protection where it matters most.
Unlike conventional designs that rely on separate thermal and magnetic elements, hydraulic-magnetic breakers use a single, unified mechanism to detect and respond to both moderate overloads and severe short circuits – ensuring faster, more accurate protection.
We chose hydraulic-magnetic breakers for their reliability and operational advantages:
Consistent performance
Unaffected by ambient temperature, delivering dependable protection in any climate.
Instant reset
No cooling period required, reducing downtime and ensuring fast recovery.
Inrush current tolerance
Handles high startup currents from LED panels, video walls, and amplifiers without nuisance tripping.
Low internal heat
Minimises stress on components, extending service life and system reliability.
Built for demanding environments
Proven performance in mission-critical applications like live events, touring productions, and broadcast setups.
By integrating this superior circuit breaker technology into our systems, we go beyond minimum standards – delivering safe, resilient, and intelligent power distribution that professionals can rely on, show after show.