Identifying the Differences Between an Industrial Circuit Breaker and a Safety Switch

A common misconception is that industrial circuit breakers and safety switches perform the same functions. On the contrary, safety switches provide personal protection in case there is an abnormal amount of electricity flowing through a circuit while industrial circuit breakers are responsible for protecting the electrical circuits. Learn about the other ways that industrial circuit breakers and safety switches differ.

What is an Industrial circuit breaker?

An industrial circuit breaker is used for electrical systems to protect electrical circuits from overloads or short circuits. It works by automatically switching off as soon as an overload is detected. The industrial Circuit Breakers can be reset to its normal position in order to operate correctly the next time that there is an overload or short circuit. Industrial circuit breakers have replaced fuses in many settings. Fuses can only be used once, then when an overload a short circuit occurs, it needs to be replaced. Industrial circuit breakers can be used over and over when overloads or short circuits occur.

What is a Safety Switch?

A safety switch, also identified as a load break switch, is used to open and close a circuit in electrical equipment. Safety switches are operated manually. It is sometimes labeled as a safety switch so that people do not get confused as to which one they are switching it on or off. Safety switches also always have a test function. It is important to remember that even though safety switches monitor the flow of electricity in a circuit and help detect any issues and then take action, people working with them should still use caution and common sense.

How Do Industrial Circuit Breakers and Switches Differ?

There are a few major differences between industrial circuit breakers and switches. One of them is that while industrial circuit breakers are automatic while switches have to be turned on or off manually. When certain situations occur, such as an overload or shirt circuit, then the circuit breaker trips off to prevent any problems in the entire electrical system of the facility. Someone would just have to switch the circuit breaker back on to start working again. Switches are turned on and off manually and someone can cut the power supply to a specific area or piece of equipment. Also, switches give a level of personal safety and protection to users by detecting any possible dangers to people then automatically shutting off in about three seconds or less.