The term "Switch" appears in so many electrical terms. It may lead to an explosion if you dare to open this "switch" during a fault. Which 1? ...
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Electrical quiz/poll. The term switch appears in so many electrical terms. If you dare to open this “switch” during a fault, it may lead to an explosion. Which one?
This link shows the original poll
The answer is the disconnect switch.
Let’s review all those 4 equipment: Disconnect switch, load break switch, switchboard, and switchgear. We will start with the incorrect answers.
Load Break Switch
A load break switch is a disconnect switch that interrupts a circuit's current flow. It also isolates the circuit and prevents voltage propagation in the entire circuit.
Notice the word disconnect switch in its definition? So, if it is a disconnect switch, why don’t we call it a disconnect switch?
Why do we have another term load break switch when we can use the term disconnect switch?
Unlike a disconnect switch, a load break switch is made to break the circuit even when the current is flowing.
Some load break switches are rated to break the circuit with a fault, while some are only rated for normal full load amps.
So, the load break switch was not an answer for this poll.
Switchboard and Switchgears
Those 2 devices are similar, and both have breakers and switches. A breaker is rated to interrupt fault currents and can also interrupt normal load currents.
Both switchboard and switchgear do much more than just interrupting the current flow. They also help with power distribution and for monitoring, and control.
Switchboards and switchgear were not the answer.
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It is critical to know that switchgears and switchboards are similar but not identical. Using the switchboard instead of a switchgear can often lead to unsafe conditions and improperly rated equipment.
Disconnect Switch
A disconnect switch is a device designed to isolate a circuit from its power source. Unlike a switchboard and switchgear, a disconnect switch has no breaker; hence, it is not rated to interrupt fault or load current.
Moreover, unlike a load break switch, a disconnect switch is not rated to interrupt any current.
Disconnect switch is the answer.
The end - La fin - El Fin ??
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11 个月That is right, But what about load break switch, will they also not get damaged if we open them under fault condition(meaning short circuit current still flowing). Will they have short circuit rating, I thought they can safely break the rated load current possibly with some margin but not fault current. Circuit Breakers will be required probably in that case. Kindly correct me if my understanding is not correct.
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11 个月Keep writing and educating your electrical community