The Difference Between Circuit Breaker and Air Switch

The Difference Between Circuit Breaker and Air Switch: Classification of circuit breakers
A circuit breaker is a switch device that can close, carry and break the current under normal circuit conditions and can close, carry and break the current under abnormal circuit conditions within a specified time.The main function of the circuit breaker is to cut off and connect the load circuit, as well as to cut off the fault circuit, to prevent the accident from expanding and to ensure safe operation. The high-voltage circuit breaker has to break the arc of 1500V and the current of 1500-2000A. These arcs can be extended to 2m and still continue to burn. Therefore, arc extinguishing is a problem that must be solved by high-voltage circuit breakers.

The air switch, also known as the air circuit breaker, is a type of circuit breaker. It mainly plays the role of short circuit and overload protection, and now also has leakage protection. It is widely used because of its sensitive response, moderate price and easy installation.Low-voltage circuit breakers, also known as automatic air switches, can be used to connect and disconnect load circuits, and can also be used to control motors that are not frequently started. Its function is equivalent to the sum of some or all functions of electrical appliances such as knife switches, overcurrent relays, undervoltage relays, thermal relays and leakage protectors. It is an important protective appliance in low-voltage distribution networks. Low-voltage circuit breakers have multiple protection functions (overload, short circuit, undervoltage protection, etc.), adjustable action values, high breaking capacity, easy operation, safety and other advantages, so they are currently widely used. Structure and working principle Low-voltage circuit breakers are composed of operating mechanisms, contacts, protection devices (various trip devices), arc extinguishing systems, etc.