How Are Electrical Circuit Breakers Different From Power Isolation Switches?

Posted by Aliza Elly
6
Dec 29, 2017
330 Views

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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