Difference between a switch and a breaker
A switch and a breaker are both electrical devices used to control the flow of electricity in a circuit, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.
Switch:
A switch is an electrical device that is used to interrupt or connect an electrical circuit. It is typically a manual device that is operated by a user to turn a circuit on or off. Switches are commonly used to:
- Turn a circuit on or off
- Isolate a circuit for maintenance or repair
- Provide a means of emergency shutdown
Types of switches:
- Toggle switch: A manual switch that is operated by flipping a toggle or lever.
- Push-button switch: A manual switch that is operated by pressing a button.
- Slide switch: A manual switch that is operated by sliding a lever or button.
Breaker:
A breaker, also known as a circuit breaker, is an electrical device that is designed to interrupt an electrical circuit in the event of an overload or short circuit. Breakers are typically automatic devices that are designed to:
- Protect a circuit from damage caused by overcurrent or overvoltage
- Automatically shut off a circuit in the event of a fault
- Provide a means of resetting a circuit after a fault has been cleared
Types of breakers:
- Thermal-magnetic breaker: A breaker that uses a combination of thermal and magnetic sensors to detect overcurrent and overvoltage conditions.
- Arc-fault breaker: A breaker that is designed to detect and interrupt arc faults, which can occur when there is a fault in a circuit.
- Ground-fault breaker: A breaker that is designed to detect and interrupt ground faults, which can occur when there is a fault between a circuit and ground.
Key differences:
- A switch is a manual device that is operated by a user, while a breaker is an automatic device that is designed to detect and interrupt faults.
- A switch is typically used to turn a circuit on or off, while a breaker is used to protect a circuit from damage caused by overcurrent or overvoltage.
- A switch is not designed to detect faults, while a breaker is designed to detect and interrupt faults.
In summary, a switch is a manual device used to control the flow of electricity, while a breaker is an automatic device used to protect a circuit from damage caused by faults.