Article Summary
You might not have heard of the world disconnect switch, but now and then, it pops up on your feed, or you listen to it over the radio while driving your car. Here is the perfect guide to a disconnect switch and its types that will make you better understand it.
Disconnect switch:
The first step is understanding the meaning of a disconnect switch before diving deeper into its types.
- Another name for a disconnect switch is an isolator switch or a safety switch. Disconnect switches play a vital role in the safety and security of users that are present near an electrical circuit because many mishaps can occur due to negligence and the wrong type of switches.
- An electrical circuit is useless unless there is a disconnect switch attached to it. The sole reason for this is that when there is an emergency, the current flow must be stopped. That’s when disconnect switches come into question and save the day.
- There are many manufacturers of disconnect switches in the market. Make sure you are making the right decision while choosing one.
Types of disconnect switches
All electrical installation sites need a disconnect switch as the work cant be processed without them. This is a law that the government has passed to avoid significant problems and hazards. There are several types of disconnect switches available that we will be looking into:
- Fused load break switch: If you just look at the name, you will know what kind of switch this is. A fused load break switch combines a fuse and a load break switch. In this case, the fuse’s primary purpose is to shut the circuit down in case of an abnormal flow of current. The switch comes with multiple features. You can shut it off manually, but the automatic feature is the one that stands out. The circuit performs its protective function unless and until all the necessary precautions are not taken.
- Manual Disconnect switch: Manual disconnect switches are often seen in large electrical stations that can be turned on and off manually. This switch can be used for multiple things, such as powering solar systems, power distribution, motor control centers, and much more.
- Motor-Operated disconnect switch: A motor-operated disconnect switch has the functions that regular disconnect switches have and is considered superior. These witches can be operated manually or electrically, depending on the need of the hour.
- Air disconnect switch: This type of switch is either known as an air disconnect switch or an air break switch because, as you might have guessed, it operates in the air. An air disconnect switch’s primary and most crucial task is to disconnect the transformer from the load and not the substation.
You could go on and on, but the list of disconnect switches does not end here. Companies use the type of disconnect switches according to their needs because, working in an electrical plant, you must always be careful. Disconnect switches help save from many abnormal circumstances.
