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Differences between disconnectors, load switches, switch

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

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.

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

1. Disconnectors (isolating
switches)

The disconnector is a mechanical

device that fulfills in the open
position the requirements specified
for the isolation function (IEC Figure 1 – Switch symbols: The horizontal line in the switch symbol of the contacts indicates that
they fulfill the isolating function
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
Legrand’s Isolating switches (photo credit: reliancegroupco.com)
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
 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 .

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3. Switch disconnectors

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