09/01/2018 Differences between disconnectors, load switches, switch disconnectors and circuit breakers

Energy and Power / Protection

Di erences between disconnectors, load switches, switch disconnectors

and circuit breakers

Device Types
Various types of device are available for carrying out the switching and protection tasks listed under title that are
specially designed to fulfill the respective requirements. The various parts of IEC 60947 (Low voltage switchgear and
controlgear) specify the design, performance and test features of the devices.

Differences between disconnectors, load switches, switch disconnectors and circuit breakers (on
photo: Low-voltage disconnect switch max. 1000A – SIEMENS via directindustry.com)

The most important features of the main device types are presented below:

1. Disconnectors (isolating switches)

2. Load switches
3. Switch disconnectors
4. Circuit breakers

Figure 1 – Switch symbols: The horizontal line in the switch

symbol of the contacts indicates that they fulfill the isolating
function

1. Disconnectors (isolating switches)

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09/01/2018 Differences between disconnectors, load switches, switch disconnectors and circuit breakers

Legrand’s Isolating switches (photo credit:

reliancegroupco.com)

The disconnector is a mechanical device that fulfills in the open position the requirements specified for the isolation
function (IEC 60947-1).

The purpose of the isolating function is to cut off the supply from all or a discrete section of the
installation by separating the installation or section from every source of electrical energy for reasons of
safety.

The key factor here is the opening distance. Isolation must be guaranteed from pole to pole and from input to output,
whether this is by means of a visible isolation gap or by suitable design features within the device (mechanical
interlocking mechanism).

A device fulfills the isolating function stipulated under IEC 60947-1 when in the
“Open” position the isolation at a defined withstand voltage is assured between
the open contacts of the main circuit of the switchgear.

It must also be equipped with an indicator device in relation to the position of the movable contacts. This
position indicator must be linked in a secure, reliable way to the actuator, whereby the position indicator can also
serve as actuator, provided that it can only display the position “Open” in the “OFF” position, when all moving
contacts are in the “Open” position. This is to be verified by testing.

According to IEC 60947-3, an isolator must only be able to make and break a circuit, if either a current of negligible
size is switched on or off, or if during switching no noticeable voltage difference between the terminals of each pole
occurs.

Under normal conditions it can conduct operational currents as well as under

abnormal conditions larger currents (e.g. short-circuit currents) for a certain
period.

The isolator function can be realized with a variety of devices such as for example in disconnectors, fuse-
disconnectors, switch-disconnectors, fuse-switch disconnectors and circuit breakers with isolating function.

Go back to Index ↑

2. Load switches
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09/01/2018 Differences between disconnectors, load switches, switch disconnectors and circuit breakers

4 pole load break switch with visible breaking and a remote tripping
function (photo credit: directindustry.com)

Load switches (or only “switches”) are mechanical switching devices capable of making, carrying and breaking
currents under normal circuit conditions which may include specified operating overload conditions and also carrying
for a specified time currents under specified abnormal circuit conditions such as those of short-circuit.

A load switch may have a short-circuit making capacity, however it does not have a short-circuit breaking
capacity (IEC 60947-1 and -3).

Short-circuit currents can be conducted (high short-circuit withstand capacity), but not be switched-off.

For load switches the range of designs is similarly wide as for isolator switches, for example “normal” (load) switches,
fuse-switches, circuit breakers.

Fuse-switches are not legally permitted in all countries.

Go back to Index ↑

3. Switch disconnectors

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09/01/2018 Differences between disconnectors, load switches, switch disconnectors and circuit breakers
Switch disconnectors; Left – ABB’s motorized switch disconnector 160-2500A; Right – Schneider
Electric’s low-voltage disconnect switch with free tripping 80-3200A (photo credit:
directindustry.com)

Switch disconnectors combine the properties of (load) switches and disconnectors. In this case, too, there are a
variety of designs such as “normal” switch disconnectors, fuse- switch-disconnectors and circuit breakers.

Fuse-switch-disconnectors are not legally permitted in all countries.

Go back to Index ↑

4. Circuit breakers

Schneider Electric’s low voltage moulded case circuit breaker (MCCB) type
Compact NSX

Circuit breakers are mechanical switching devices, capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under
normal circuit conditions and also making, carrying for a specified time and breaking currents under specified
abnormal circuit conditions such as those of short-circuit (IEC 60947-2).

They thus also fulfill the requirements of (load) switches. Circuit breakers are often designed so that they can fulfill
the requirements for disconnectors.

Reference: Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear – Rockwell Automation

About Author

Edvard Csanyi

Edvard -

Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for design of LV/MV switchgears and LV high
power busbar trunking (<6300A) in power substations, commercial buildings and industry fascilities. Professional in
AutoCAD programming. Present on Google+

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