![]() This allows for multiple things such as light switches and outlets all to be hooked up in series while still having their own separate circuits. When you flip the switch up (the on position), this moves the metal bar away from the terminals, breaking the circuit and interrupting the flow of electricity. The most common type of isolator switch includes a metal bar inside the off position, so when electricity reaches this switch, it closes the circuit and completes the connection to allow the current to pass through to complete its course. The way that an isolator switch functions varies based on which type it is and how old or new it is. That’s why sometimes your power goes out and you need to hit the mechanical switch reset button on your electrical installations. For example, in your house, the main isolator switch would prevent electric current from flowing into areas such as your bathroom and kitchen where water can come into contact with electrical components such as outlets and switches. An isolator switch prevents electricity from flowing into an area where it could hurt people or damage property. It can not only kill you but it also costs a lot of money if not handled correctly. How often do you check them? What does an Isolator Switch Do?Įlectricity is a powerful force. ![]() ![]() When you turn on your lights in your house you want those lights to work, right? Well, it’s easy for these switches to fail so they need to be checked regularly. The open-air disconnecting switches typically need maintenance every five years (every two years under very polluted conditions), while circuit breakers have maintenance intervals of 15 years.An isolator switch sometimes called a “Safety Switch”, is an electrical switch that interrupts the flow of electricity when the switch is turned off. Where it is adopted the earthing switch must be used and the performance must be increased by the typical value. The usage of this device instead of a disconnector is limited due to the fact that the open gap is not clearly visible and many doubts in term of safety arise during maintenance activities. The intention of this combined device is to decrease maintenance and increase availability and reliability. In a disconnecting circuit breaker the disconnectors are integrated in the breaking chamber, which eliminates the need for separate disconnectors. These are selected based upon the sub-station layout, clearances available and space constraints.Ī switch disconnector combines the properties of a disconnector and a load switch, so it provides the safety isolation function while being able to make and break nominal currents. Yellow painting allows recognition of their stateĭisconnectors can be classified into various types based upon their constructional features and mounting arrangement. Such an arrangement would apply to circuits that inter-connect power distribution systems where both ends of the circuit need to be isolated. In some designs, the isolator switch has the additional ability to earth the isolated circuit thereby providing additional safety. In high-voltage or complex systems, these locks may be part of a trapped-key interlock system to ensure proper sequence of operation. IEC standard 62271-102 defines the functionality and features of a disconnector.ĭisconnectors have provisions for a lockout-tagout so that inadvertent operation is not possible. Standards in some countries for safety may require either local motor isolators or lockable overloads (which can be padlocked). Safety regulations of the utility must prevent any attempt to open the disconnector while it supplies a circuit. Thus, they are off-load devices, with very low breaking capacity, intended to be opened only after the current has been interrupted by some other control device. Unlike load switches and circuit breakers, disconnectors lack a mechanism for suppression of electric arcs which occur when conductors carrying high currents are mechanically interrupted. The disconnector is usually not intended for normal control of the circuit, but only for safety isolation. High-voltage disconnectors are used in electrical substations to allow isolation of apparatus such as circuit breakers, transformers, and transmission lines, for maintenance. Disconnectors can be operated manually or by a motor, and may be paired with an earthing switch to ground the portion that has been isolated from the system for ensuring the safety of equipment and the personnel working on it. They are often found in electrical distribution and industrial applications, where machinery must have its source of driving power removed for adjustment or repair. In electrical engineering, a disconnector, disconnect switch or isolator switch is used to ensure that an electrical circuit is completely de-energized for service or maintenance.
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