What is the difference between a circuit breaker and an isolating switch?

What is the difference between a circuit breaker and an isolating switch? First let’s understand them.A circuit breaker refers to a switching device that can close, carry, and break current under normal circuit conditions and can close, carry, and break current under abnormal circuit conditions within a specified time.The isolating switch is a type of switch mainly used for "isolating power supply, switching operation, connecting and cutting off small currents Circuit", switching device without arc extinguishing function.

1. Different symbols: The symbol of the isolating switch is QS, while the symbol of the circuit breaker is QF.

2. Different operating methods: circuit breakers are mostly operated by remote control electric operation, and isolating switches are mostly operated by local manual operation;

3. Different compositions and structures: The isolating switch is mainly composed of contacts, base, pillar insulators, connecting rods, etc. The circuit breaker generally consists of a contact system, an arc extinguishing system, an operating mechanism, a release, an insulating shell, etc.;

4. Different functions: the circuit breaker has a strong arc extinguishing function and various protection functions, and can be turned off under load; the isolating switch does not have an arc extinguishing function and can only be turned off under a small load;

5. Whether there is an arc extinguishing device: The circuit breaker has an arc extinguishing device, so the circuit breaker can operate with load, not only the load current, but also the fault (short circuit) current. The isolating switch does not have an arc extinguishing device;

6. Different functions: The function of the circuit breaker is to cut off and connect the load circuit, as well as cut off the fault circuit, to prevent the accident from expanding and ensure safe operation; while the function of the isolating switch is mainly to isolate the power supply, ensure the safety of maintenance work, and can breaking the current in the circuit;