Which condition can trigger the operation of a magnetic time-delay circuit breaker?

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The operation of a magnetic time-delay circuit breaker can be triggered by various conditions, notably short circuits and ground faults. When a short circuit occurs, an abnormal surge of current flows through the circuit, far exceeding the normal range. The magnetic mechanism in the circuit breaker detects this surge and trips, disconnecting the electrical supply to protect equipment from damage.

Similarly, a ground fault, where current finds an unintended path to the ground, creates an abnormal current flow that can also trigger the breaker. The magnetic time-delay feature specifically allows for temporary overload conditions, providing a delay before tripping. This prevents nuisance tripping due to brief inrush currents that might occur during normal operation, while still ensuring protection in more severe fault conditions.

Considering these points, both short circuits and ground faults, along with other potential overload scenarios, can indeed prompt the breaker to operate, making the option indicating that all of these conditions can trigger it correct.

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