What is the difference between a load switch and a circuit breaker?

Switches are frequently used in daily life, and there are two main types of switches: load switches and circuit breakers. Both can connect and disconnect the power supply of the circuit, but circuit breakers have overcurrent and overload protection functions. Now, let’s specifically introduce the differences between the two.
A load switch is a control electrical appliance with a simple arc-extinguishing device that can interrupt and close circuits under load. It can interrupt certain load currents and overloading currents, but cannot cut off short-circuit currents. It must be used in series with a high-voltage fuse to remove the short-circuit current. It is specifically designed to handle currents (fault currents, rated currents). The insulation level of the circuit breaker’s breaking point is very low, so its ability to handle overvoltage is very weak. The switch specifically designed to handle voltage (with a high insulation level at the breaking point, capable of withstanding very high breaking voltage values) is a disconnect switch, commonly known as a knife switch. The disconnect switch cannot handle any large currents, such as rated currents and short-circuit currents, but can cut small circulating currents.
The intelligent miniature circuit breaker can connect and disconnect the circuit under load conditions. When a short circuit fault occurs in the system, it can quickly cut off the short circuit current. It can also automatically remove the short circuit fault under the action of the protection device. It can handle currents (rated current) and voltages (the insulation level at the break is higher than that of the circuit breaker, but lower than that of the disconnect switch), but the load switch can open and close the rated current and the short circuit current, but it is strictly prohibited from opening the short circuit current. Because the load switch cannot open the short circuit current, remote backup protection must be provided and a fuse must be installed.
Load switch – without protection (can only perform opening operation at rated load) Circuit breaker – with protection (in addition to the above, can open fault current) Isolating switch – for isolation purpose (cannot be operated under load)