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Differences between disconnectors, load switches, switch

disconnectors and circuit breakers

Differences between disconnectors, load switches, switch disconnectors and circuit breakers (on photo: Low-voltage disconnect switch max.
1000A SIEMENS via directindustry.com)

Device Types
Various types of device are available for carrying out the switching and protection tasks listed under title that are
specially designed to fulfill the respective requirements. The various parts of IEC 60947 (Low voltage switchgear and
controlgear) specify the design, performance and test features of the devices.
The most important features of the main device types are presented below:

1. Disconnectors (isolating
switches)
The disconnector is a mechanical
device that fulfills in the open position
the requirements specified for the
isolation function (IEC 60947-1).

Figure 1 Switch symbols: The horizontal line in the switch symbol of the contacts indicates that
they fulfill the isolating function

The purpose of the isolating function is

to cut off the supply from all or a discrete section of the installation by separating the installation or section

from every source of electrical energy for reasons of safety.

The key factor here is the opening distance.
Isolation must be guaranteed from pole to pole
and from input to output, whether this is by
means of a visible isolation gap or by suitable
design features within the device (mechanical
interlocking mechanism).

A device fulfills the isolating function

stipulated under IEC 60947-1 when in the
Open position the isolation at a
defined withstand voltage is assured
between the open contacts of the main
circuit of the switchgear.

It must also be equipped with an indicator

device in relation to the position of the
Legrands Isolating switches (photo credit: reliancegroupco.com)
movable contacts. This position indicator must
be linked in a secure, reliable way to the actuator,
whereby the position indicator can also serve as actuator, provided that it can only display the position Open in the
OFF position, when all moving contacts are in the Open position. This is to be verified by testing.
According to IEC 60947-3, an isolator must only be able to make and break a circuit, if either a current of negligible
size is switched on or off, or if during switching no noticeable voltage difference between the terminals of each pole
occurs.

Under normal conditions it can conduct operational currents as well as under abnormal conditions
larger currents (e.g. short-circuit currents) for a certain period.

The isolator function can be realized with a variety of devices such as for example in disconnectors, fusedisconnectors, switch-disconnectors, fuse-switch disconnectors and circuit breakers with isolating function.
Go back to Index

2. Load switches

4 pole load break switch with visible breaking and a remote tripping function (photo credit: directindustry.com)

Load switches (or only switches) are mechanical switching devices capable of making, carrying and breaking
currents under normal circuit conditions which may include specified operating overload conditions and also carrying
for a specified time currents under specified abnormal circuit conditions such as those of short-circuit.
A load switch may have a short-circuit making capacity , however it does not have a short-circuit breaking capacity
(IEC 60947-1 and -3 ).
Short-circuit currents can be conducted (high short-circuit withstand capacity), but not be switched-off.
For load switches the range of designs is similarly wide as for isolator switches, for example normal (load) switches,
fuse-switches, circuit breakers.

Fuse-switches are not legally permitted in all countries .

Go back to Index

3. Switch disconnectors

Switch disconnectors; Left ABBs motorized switch disconnector 160-2500A; Right Schneider Electrics low-voltage disconnect switch with
free tripping 80-3200A (photo credit: directindustry.com)

Switch disconnectors combine the properties of (load) switches and disconnectors. In this case, too, there are a
variety of designs such as normal switch disconnectors, fuse- switch-disconnectors and circuit breakers.

Fuse-switch-disconnectors are not legally permitted in all countries .

Go back to Index

4. Circuit breakers

Schneider Electrics low voltage moulded case circuit breaker (MCCB) type Compact NSX

Circuit breakers are mechanical switching devices, capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under
normal circuit conditions and also making, carrying for a specified time and breaking currents under specified
abnormal circuit conditions such as those of short-circuit (IEC 60947-2).
They thus also fulfill the requirements of (load) switches. Circuit breakers are often designed so that they can fulfill the
requirements for disconnectors.
Reference: Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear Rockwell Automation

About Author //
Edvard Csanyi
Edvard - Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for
design of LV high power busbar trunking (<6300A) in power substations, buildings and
industry fascilities. Designing of LV/MV switchgears. Professional in AutoCAD
programming and web-design. Present on Google+

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9 Comments

1.
Besher Eng
Oct 21, 2014
many thanks sir
(reply)
2.
Zeeshan Sohail
Aug 11, 2014
Very thanks its good update knowledge and Information
(reply)
3.
yaser tanweer
Jul 15, 2014
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and protection
(reply)
4.
yaser tanweer
Jul 15, 2014
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(reply)
5.
haytham151
Jul 12, 2014
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(reply)
6.
liladhar lohare
Jul 07, 2014
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(reply)

7.
Opsingh
Jun 28, 2014
It is good to update knowledge ang technogy
(reply)
8.
MARUTHUPANDIAN
Jun 27, 2014
better study site for electrical as far as i know.
got lot of articles among all the electrical equipments
(reply)
9.
komichi
Jun 23, 2014
Many thanks;
(reply)
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