Circuit Breaker vs. Air Switch: The Differences

【Air Circuit Breaker】The manufacturer of circuit breakers is a type of switch that will trip automatically when there is a short circuit and the circuit is formed. When a short circuit or severe overload current occurs in the line, the short-circuit current exceeds the instantaneous tripping setting current value. The electromagnetic tripping device generates a sufficient suction force, which causes the armature to be attracted and collide with the lever, causing the hook to rotate upwards around the shaft seat and disengage from the lock. The lock is acted upon by the counterforce spring and disconnects the three main contacts, cutting off the power supply. When a general overload occurs in the line, although the overload current cannot cause the electromagnetic tripping device to act, it can cause the thermal element to generate a certain amount of heat, causing the bimetallic strip to heat up and bend upwards, pushing the lever to cause the hook to disengage from the lock, and disconnecting the main contacts and cutting off the power supply. Since there are many insulation methods, such as oil circuit breakers, vacuum circuit breakers and other inert gas (sulfur hexafluoride gas) circuit breakers. The air circuit breaker is a switch that uses air to extinguish the arc generated during the switching process. Therefore, it is called an air circuit breaker. It utilizes air to extinguish the arc generated during the switching process. That’s why it is called an air circuit breaker.
【Breaker】: The breaker manufacturer has the function of automatic tripping for overcurrent and short circuit, and is equipped with a demagnetization arc-extinguishing device, which can be used to connect and disconnect large currents. Air switch: A type of breaker, its arc-extinguishing device is exposed to the air, and the arc can be eliminated in the air medium environment. Such electrical appliances are generally used in low-voltage circuits.
The difference in voltage levels: Generally, the voltage level applicable to an air switch is below 500V, while circuit breakers can typically be used for voltage levels above 220V and beyond.
2. Different in interrupting current capacity: Generally, circuit breakers can handle a greater load and higher short-circuit current.
3. Differences in arc-extinguishing media and methods: The arc-extinguishing media and methods of circuit breakers include not only air circuit breakers, but also vacuum circuit breakers, multi-oil circuit breakers, low-oil circuit breakers, and sulfur hexafluoride circuit breakers, etc.
4. Differences in equipment provided by circuit breaker manufacturers: Generally, compared to circuit breakers, the measuring, logical and execution components of circuit breakers require more complex equipment for their integration.