How Are Electrical Circuit Breakers Different From Power Isolation Switches?
Protective
gadgets like power isolation switches and electrical circuit breakers have made
their way to homes and commercial spaces. They keep a check on the power supply
and ensure protection to your appliances in case of electrical overflow.
However, a power isolator switch is
different from an electrical circuit breaker. Although their common goal is to
protect your electrical system, you should know the differences in their
operational mechanisms.
When is a power isolation switch used?
An isolator can be
considered as a disconnecting switch, which functions under off load
conditions. In case a fault develops in the circuit, the dp isolator switch isolates that particular
area from the main line of supply. These are generally integrated in
high-voltage devices like transformers. These gadgets allow the AC signals to
pass through, while blocking the DC signals.
An isolation
switch is used more for industrial purposes than in domestic areas. As the name
suggests, a power isolator switch separates the circuits from the electrical
connections. This device does not work like an on-off switch, as it is an
off-load and no-load gadget. Heavy industries generally integrate their systems
with this kind of protective devices. People use the device to disconnect the
main supply from their electrical systems. It provides additional safety to the
system and the trapped charge is passed to the ground terminal. A power
isolation switch is used in addition to an electric circuit breaker.
When is
an electrical circuit breaker used?
An electrical
circuit breaker is a protective gadget, acting like a switch. It can open and
close the circuit in faulty conditions as well as in normal conditions.
Whenever the system suffers an electrical overload, the electrical circuit
breaker snaps the connection in the circuit, thereby protecting your
appliances. It also keeps your system protected against short circuits.
Electrical
circuit breakers are used in homes, commercial places and industries. These are
available in various dimensions and sizes, ranging from tiny MCBs to large
switch gears. The circuit breaker identifies the fault as well as the area of
the fault. It also keeps the people protected from electrical shocks, arising
from short circuits.
From the above
analysis, it is clear that the key difference between a switch disconnector and an electrical circuit breaker is that, the
MCB, at a loaded condition snaps the connection in the circuit. On the other
hand, an isolator disconnects it at an offload condition. Various factors, like
the type of device and its function are taken into consideration while
incorporating these devices into the systems.
The key areas of difference
Before we conclude, let’s have a quick look at
the differences between electrical circuit breakers and power isolation
switches. An electric circuit breaker is an on-load tool, whereas an isolator
works under off-load conditions. Circuit breakers are not manually operated,
they have an automatic functional mechanism. However, you need to operate an
isolator manually. You may look out for a 2
pole isolator switch from a reputed brand. When you use an isolator, a
portion of the system, where the fault has occurred, is cut away from the main
power source. An isolator trips the entire system and keeps the appliances
protected.
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