disyuntor principal
/disʝuntoɾ pɾinθipal/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'main circuit breaker' is translated into Spanish as disyuntor principal.
This phrase refers to the primary switch that controls the electricity flow for an entire building or electrical system.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Various regional terms are used depending on the location. In Mexico, you can use Interruptor General or the shortened form Interruptor Gral. In Spain, Interruptor Automático Principal is an alternative. In many Spanish-speaking countries, interruptor principal is a common way to refer to the main circuit breaker. Also in Spain, the term térmico is frequently used colloquially to refer to a circuit breaker (e.g., térmico principal).
How do you pronounce it?
/disʝuntoɾ pɾinθipal/
Did you know?
- When referring to the breaker, some people use the term pastilla in Mexico. This translates to 'pill' or 'tablet', which is a highly colloquial way to describe the small rectangular shape of the device.
- In many Latin American countries, you might hear a person say 'se saltó la luz' to mean the main circuit breaker has tripped. The verb 'saltar', meaning 'to jump', is used to describe the sudden disconnection of power.
- In parts of the Caribbean, you may hear the term breaker used directly. Although it is an English word, it has been absorbed into local Spanish-speaking technical slang through Spanglish.
Examples in context
- Tienes que bajar el disyuntor principal.You have to turn off the main circuit breaker.
- El disyuntor principal está en el sótano.The main circuit breaker is in the basement.
- No encontré el disyuntor principal de la casa.I couldn't find the house's main circuit breaker.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are dealing with a power outage in their home.
- Javier¿Sabes dónde está el disyuntor principal?Do you know where the main circuit breaker is?
- ElenaCreo que está cerca de la puerta.I think it is near the door.
- JavierYa lo encontré, Elena.I found it already, Elena.
- ElenaPerfecto, apágalo para revisar los cables.Perfect, turn it off to check the wires.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
