How to Say "circuit breaker" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “circuit breaker” is “diferencial” — use 'diferencial' when referring to the safety switch in a home's electrical panel designed to prevent electric shock by detecting current imbalances.
Use 'diferencial' when referring to the safety switch in a home's electrical panel designed to prevent electric shock by detecting current imbalances.
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Use 'interruptor' for a more general term for any switch, including a circuit breaker, but be aware it also commonly means 'light switch'. Context is key.
Learn more →dee-feh-rehn-syahldifeɾenˈθjal
Examples
Si conectas demasiados aparatos, saltará el diferencial.
If you plug in too many devices, the circuit breaker will trip.
El mecánico dice que hay que cambiar el diferencial del coche.
The mechanic says the car's differential needs to be replaced.
Vete al cuadro eléctrico y sube el diferencial.
Go to the electrical panel and flip the circuit breaker back up.
Masculine Gender
When referring to the object (the switch or the gear), it is always masculine: 'el diferencial'.
Using 'Breaker' (English loanword)
Mistake: “Tengo que arreglar el breaker.”
Correction: Tengo que arreglar el diferencial.
een-teh-rroop-TOREinterupˈtoɾ
Examples
No encuentro el interruptor de la luz en la oscuridad.
I can't find the light switch in the dark.
Pulsa el interruptor para encender la máquina.
Press the switch to turn on the machine.
Se saltó el interruptor general de la casa.
The main circuit breaker of the house tripped.
Masculine Gender
This word is masculine, so always use it with masculine words like 'el' (the) or 'un' (a). For example: 'el interruptor'.
Don't say 'botón' for everything
Mistake: “Using 'botón' (button) for a wall switch.”
Correction: Use 'interruptor' for a switch that clicks or stays in a new position, and 'botón' for something you just push momentarily.
General Switch vs. Safety Switch
The most common mistake is using the general term 'interruptor' when the specific safety function of a 'diferencial' is intended. While 'interruptor' can refer to a circuit breaker, it's also the standard word for a light switch, so 'diferencial' is more precise for the safety device.
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