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The difference between circuit breaker and isolating switch

By:Nader Updated:September 09,2020 11:32AM

The shape of the analog-digital isolation switch and the micro-break (circuit breaker) are very similar.

Micro break

Micro-break is short for miniature circuit breaker. It is the most widely used terminal protection electrical appliance in building electrical terminal power distribution devices. With short circuit protection: the live line and the neutral line contact, the instantaneous current is very large, and the circuit breaker trips. Overload protection: the circuit breaker trips if the electric current exceeds the rated current of the appliance.

Isolation switch

The main feature of the isolating switch is that it has no arc extinguishing ability and can only open and close the circuit when there is no load current. The isolation switch is used to change the circuit connection or isolate the circuit or equipment from the power supply. It has no current interruption capability and can only be operated after disconnecting the circuit with other equipment. The isolating switch can reliably isolate the equipment working in power failure from the live part, that is, it has an obvious disconnection point to ensure the safety of the staff.

Internal structure

The picture below is a circuit breaker and isolating switch of a certain brand dismantled by the editor (the top is the micro-break, the bottom is the isolating switch)

The easiest way to distinguish is to look at the electrical symbols on the panel.

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