How To Distinguish Between Circuit Breakers And Air Switches

How to distinguish Circuit breaker from air switches Circuit breakers and air switches (air switches) are commonly used protection and control devices in electrical systems. They have some differences in function, structure, application scenarios, etc. The following are their main differences:

1. Definition and function
Circuit breaker: It is an automatic switch that automatically cuts off the power supply to protect circuits and equipment when the circuit is overloaded or short-circuited. It usually has multiple protection functions, such as overload protection, short-circuit protection, and leakage protection.
Air switch: It is a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) or air circuit breaker (ACB), which is mainly used to protect low-voltage circuits and uses air as an insulating medium. It mainly protects circuits from overload and short circuit.
2. Structure
Circuit breaker: The structure is relatively complex and can be divided into molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) and air circuit breakers (ACBs), etc., with multiple protection functions.
Air switch: The structure is relatively simple, mainly composed of a switch mechanism and contacts, and is designed for low-voltage circuits.
3. Application scenarios
Circuit breakers: Applicable to power systems of various voltage levels, including low voltage, medium voltage and high voltage, and are often used in places with extremely high requirements for power protection, such as substations, power plants, etc.
Air switches: Usually used in low-voltage distribution networks and power traction systems, such as circuit protection in homes, commerce, industry and other fields.
4. Technical parameters and performance
Voltage level: Circuit breakers are usually applicable to voltage levels above 220V, while air switches are generally applicable to voltage levels below 500V.
Interrupting current capacity: The load and short-circuit current that circuit breakers can withstand are usually larger, and they are suitable for high voltage and high current circuits.
5. Arc extinguishing medium
Circuit breakers: The arc extinguishing medium is diverse, including air, vacuum, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), etc., and is suitable for high voltage environments.
Air switches: Mainly use air as the arc extinguishing medium, suitable for low voltage circuits.
6. Protection characteristics and response speed
Circuit breaker: The protection function is more advanced and the response speed is faster. It is suitable for power protection occasions that require high precision and high reliability.
Air switch: The protection function is relatively basic and the response speed is slow. It is suitable for general load protection.

Through the above comparison, we can more clearly understand the difference between circuit breakers and air switches and their applicable scenarios.