What is the difference between isolator and circuit breaker.
Created:
8 months ago |
Updated:
3 months ago
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Difference between Isolator and Circuit Breaker
The following table highlights the major differences between isolator and circuit breaker-
| Basis of Difference | Isolator | Circuit Breaker |
|---|---|---|
| Description | An isolator is a type of disconnecting switch which is used in an electrical circuit to ensure that the circuit is totally isolated from the supply mains. | A circuit breaker is a protective electrical device that works as a switch and is used to stop the flow of electric current through the circuit wherever necessary. |
| Circuit symbol |  |  |
| Construction | An isolator is a simple mechanical switch. | A circuit breaker consists of an electromechanical switch and a relay system in a single unit. |
| Operation Method | Isolator can only be operated manually. | Circuit breaker can be operated manually as well as automatically. |
| Type of device | Isolator is an off-load device, i.e. it can only be operated when there is no current flowing through the circuit. | Circuit breaker is an on-load device. Hence, it can be operated under power on conditions. |
| Functions | The major function an isolator is to disconnect the faulty part of an electrical system, so that it will be safe to repair. | The function of a circuit breaker is to protect the entire electrical system, if there is a fault. Also, it serves the function of a switch to cut off the supply wherever necessary. |
| Contacts | A typical isolator has main and moving arms. | A typical circuit breaker has main and arcing contacts. |
| Withstand capacity | Isolator has a low withstand capacity to currents. | A circuit breaker has high withstand capacity. |
| Insulation & quenching medium | Isolator does not need insulation or insulation medium. Isolator uses atmospheric air as arc quenching medium. | Circuit breaker requires insulation medium and arc quenching medium such as air, oil, vacuum, SF6 gas, etc. |
| Provide interruption | Isolator provides the interruption in the power supply only during inspection, maintenance or repair. | Circuit breaker interrupts the power flow during normal as well as fault like short-circuit and overload. |
| Removal of trap charges | Isolator can remove the trap charges. | Circuit breaker is incapable of removing the trap charges. |
| Need of relay system | Isolator does not require relay system for the operation. | Circuit breaker uses relay system to detect the errors in the system. |
| Earth switch | Single or double earth switches can be provided in an isolator. | No earth switch can be included in a circuit breaker. |
| Over voltage during switching | There is no rise of overvoltage during switching of an isolator. | There may be rise in overvoltage during switching of a circuit breaker. |
| Breaking capacity | The breaking capacity of isolator is less, as it cannot be used to break load faults. | The breaking capacity of circuit breaker is more, hence it can be used to break the load faults. |
| Safety | The isolator ensures the safety for technicians and switchgears. | Circuit breaker is not very safe, only professional and well trained technicians can operate it safely. |
| Cost | Isolator is less costly. | Circuit breaker is very expensive. |
| Applications | Isolators find applications only in industrial electrical systems to disconnect the circuit during maintenance | Circuit breakers are widely used in domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical systems for normal switching as well protection from fault. |
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Created:
8 months ago |
Updated:
3 months ago
Created:
8 months ago |
Updated:
3 months ago
Created:
8 months ago |
Updated:
3 months ago