A circuit breaker does exactly what its name implies—it is designed to automatically break, or cut off, an electric circuit if the current in that circuit gets dangerously high. The resistance electricity encounters as it flows through a circuit...

A device in an electric circuit that automatically operates as a switch to cut off the flow of electricity under certain preconditions. They are generally used as safety devices and can be operated, for example, by increased temperature (e.g. if...

A circuit breaker is an automatically-operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. Unlike a fuse, which operates once and then has to be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset...

Tax Debate II, the summer sequel that's been anticipated for months, will finally open this week at a Senate near you. But it will be Tax Debate III -- scheduled for November -- that will determine finally whether the drama is seen as...

On the morning of the fourth week of the Iran-contra inquiry, two congressmen held a news conference down the hall from the hearing room to push a bill that could well be the only lasting consequence of the whole ugly mess. Reps. Jim...

Ask Jane: How to Install a Dimmer Switch Dear Jane, Help! I am hosting the family holiday dinner this year and I want my place to look and feel great. My place is in pretty good shape, but are there any quick upgrades I can tackle...

Ask Jane: Fixing a chirping smoke detector Dear Jane,One of my hard wired smoke detectors chirps constantly! I have replaced the wiring, replaced the back up battery and it still makes noise. It even chirps when the power is off! My house is only five years...