Difference between circuit breaker and switch

A circuit breaker and a switch 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 designed to be manually operated, meaning it can be turned on and off by hand. Switches are typically used to:

  1. Turn a circuit on and off
  2. Isolate a circuit for maintenance or repair
  3. Provide a means of controlling the flow of electricity in a circuit

Switches can be classified into two types:

  1. Momentary switch: A momentary switch is a type of switch that remains in the "on" position only as long as the switch is held in the "on" position. When the switch is released, the circuit is interrupted.
  2. Toggle switch: A toggle switch is a type of switch that remains in the "on" position until it is manually turned off.

Circuit Breaker:

A circuit breaker is an electrical device that is designed to automatically interrupt an electrical circuit in the event of an overload or short circuit. It is designed to protect people and equipment from electrical shock, fire, and other hazards. Circuit breakers are typically used to:

  1. Protect a circuit from overcurrents or overloads
  2. Provide a means of disconnecting a circuit in the event of a fault
  3. Automatically reset a circuit after a fault has been cleared

Circuit breakers are designed to trip (interrupt the circuit) when:

  1. The current exceeds a predetermined level (e.g., 15 amps)
  2. A fault is detected in the circuit (e.g., a short circuit)

Key differences between circuit breakers and switches:

  1. Automatic operation: Circuit breakers are designed to automatically interrupt a circuit in the event of a fault, whereas switches are manually operated.
  2. Overcurrent protection: Circuit breakers are designed to protect a circuit from overcurrents or overloads, whereas switches are not.
  3. Resetting: Circuit breakers can automatically reset a circuit after a fault has been cleared, whereas switches require manual operation to reset the circuit.
  4. Type of fault detection: Circuit breakers are designed to detect a wide range of faults, including overcurrents, overloads, and short circuits, whereas switches are not designed to detect faults.

In summary, a switch is a manual device used to control the flow of electricity in a circuit, whereas a circuit breaker is an automatic device designed to protect a circuit from overcurrents, overloads, and other faults.