circuit breakercircuit-protectionpowerprotection
http://www.carlingtech.com/sites/default/files/documents/M-Series_Details_%26_COS_021114.pdf
This circuit breaker have two different current ratings, depending on amperage range: Full Load Amps and General Purpose Amps. What is the difference between them?
The thermal setting is a thermal overload protection. It has a time-delayed response. The heavier the overload, the faster it trips. It may be implemented by something like a bimetallic strip.
The magnetic setting is instantaneous short-circuit protection. It has no intentional delay. It may be implemented by something like a solenoid plunger, restrained by a spring.
Here is an illustration of a typical time-current curve for a miniature circuit breaker (Clipsal 4 series) showing the thermal and magnetic trip characteristics. Note the thermal trip takes a long time - minutes or seconds - while the magnetic trip responds in 10ms or less.
You can just use the next largest size, LNK306 with the components for Iout(max) = 360mA. When it says 360 it doesn't mean "exactly 360", it means "not more than 360", and so of course you can draw anything between 0 and 360, including your desired 300mA.
Caution: the circuit you show looks like it is supposed to connect to mains voltage based on the input ratings, but it would be extremely unsafe to use in that way, because it doesn't have any galvanic isolation. What's wrong with using a USB power supply? (readily available for $2-3/each, does have isolation, and can produce up to 1A)
Best Answer
"Full load amps" appears to be a term that is applied to large electrical motors. It is the current that the motor can be expected to draw at its rated power output (like a 3HP motor that is really delivering 3HP of mechanical power to the load.)
Since a motor is largely an inductive load (electrically) and since its current consumption can be expected to vary drastically from the rated current, it makes sense to rate the breaker differently for motors and general purpose electrical loads (lighting, computers, etc.)