Isolator and circuit breaker difference
An isolator and a circuit breaker are both electrical devices used to protect electrical circuits from overcurrents, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.
Circuit Breaker:
A circuit breaker is an automatic device designed to interrupt an electrical circuit when the current exceeds a certain level, known as the trip current. Its primary function is to:
- Protect people and equipment from electrical shock and damage caused by overcurrents.
- Prevent fires by interrupting the circuit in case of a fault or overload.
- Provide a means of switching the circuit on and off.
Circuit breakers typically have a thermal-magnetic trip mechanism, which means they can detect both thermal (heat) and magnetic (current) faults. They are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Isolator:
An isolator, also known as a disconnector or isolating switch, is a device that allows you to disconnect a circuit from the power source without interrupting the flow of electricity. Its primary function is to:
- Isolate a circuit from the power source, allowing for maintenance, testing, or repair without interrupting the power supply.
- Provide a means of disconnecting a circuit without interrupting the flow of electricity, which is useful in applications where power must be maintained, such as in hospitals or data centers.
- Allow for the safe removal of faulty equipment or wiring without exposing personnel to electrical shock.
Isolators are typically used in applications where the circuit must remain energized, such as:
- In hospitals, where medical equipment must remain powered during maintenance or repair.
- In data centers, where power must be maintained to prevent data loss.
- In industrial settings, where equipment must be isolated for maintenance or repair without interrupting production.
Key differences:
- Purpose: A circuit breaker is designed to interrupt the circuit in case of an overcurrent, while an isolator is designed to isolate the circuit from the power source without interrupting the flow of electricity.
- Operation: A circuit breaker trips when the current exceeds a certain level, while an isolator allows you to manually disconnect the circuit from the power source.
- Application: Circuit breakers are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications, while isolators are typically used in applications where power must be maintained, such as hospitals, data centers, and industrial settings.
In summary, a circuit breaker is designed to protect against overcurrents and interrupt the circuit, while an isolator is designed to isolate a circuit from the power source without interrupting the flow of electricity.