answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Yes a circuit breaker is a switch but it should not be used as a switch. The continuous turning off and on of a breaker weakens the internal mechanism and reduces the tripping value of the breaker. There is in the marketplace breakers that are designed to be used as switches. These are usually used in large warehouses where the lights are turned on in the morning and shut off at night. Using these specifically designed breakers for switches does not wear out the tripping mechanism or reduce the tripping value.

<<>>

A circuit breaker can be used as a switch, although in most cases there are less expensive switches you can use.

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 11y ago

You cannot use an isolator as a circuit breaker, as they are designed to do two different jobs. A circuit breaker is a protective device designed to interrupt an overcurrent, which can be substantially larger than a circuit's rated current. An isolator, on the other hand, is designed (as its name implies) a part of a circuit from an energised source so that maintenance can be performed on that part. Isolators are generally not designed to disconnect an energised circuit and have no mechanism for interrupting a fault current. Some isolators are designed to interrupt normal load currents but certainly not fault currents. Generally, isolators are opened after a circuit has been disconnected using a circuit breaker and must be closed before the circuit breaker is reclosed.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 12y ago

To isolate a circuit, both the line and neutral conductors must be disconnected. A circuit breaker is installed in the line conductor, so would not meet this requirement.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Can a Circuit breaker be used as a Switch?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Engineering

What is the difference between disconnect switch and circuit breaker?

A circuit breaker is an automatically-operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to detect a fault condition and, by interrupting continuity, to immediately discontinue electrical flow.The term switchgear, used in association with the electric power system, or grid, refers to the combination of electrical disconnects, fuses and/or circuit breakers used to isolate electrical equipment. Switchgear is used both to de-energize equipment to allow work to be done and to clear faults downstream.


What is the ACB circuit breaker?

The letters ACB stand for Air Circuit Breaker. These types of circuit breakers are used for high voltage switching. The breakers are usually enclosed in steel switch gear enclosures that are situated in electrical service vaults.


What device protects an electrical circuit?

An example of a circuit protection device is a fuse. Another example is a circuit breaker.


What might cause a breaker to trip when switching on a light when resetting the breaker and checking the fuse doesn't restore power to one circuit?

Overloaded circuit, short in circuit, or defective switch.


True or false A device that is used to open the circuit when the current flow is to great is a disconnect switch?

False. A device that is used to open the circuit when the current flow is too great is a circuit breaker or fuse.A disconnect switch is a manual device that isolates or turns off the load.

Related questions

What device is used for turning a circuit on or off?

Circuit breaker or switch


Is the circuit where is the is the circuit where is the circuit breaker for the?

The circuit breaker for the headlights is intergrated with the headlight switch.


What is a non auto circuit breaker?

A non-auto circuit breaker is a circuit breaker with the trip element removed. Basically, it is a modified circuit breaker that is now a disconnect switch (glorified disconnect switch).


What is the device to break a circuit?

A switch is a device used to break a circuit. By opening the switch, the circuit is interrupted and electricity stops flowing. This allows for controlling the flow of electricity to different components in a circuit.


What circuit breaker will interchange with American Switch Company?

Replacement for American Switch single pole 15 amp circuit breaker


Where is the headlight circuit breaker on a 1998 Crown Victoria?

the circuit breaker is built into the headlight switch.


What is a device used to break or open an electrical circuit?

A switch, switching transistor, circuit breaker, and fuse are all used for that job.


Why 630 amps load breaker switch is used in ht line?

A circuit breaker is necessary to protect the equipment from faults.


What is the symbol of circuit breaker?

The symbol for a circuit breaker is typically a vertical rectangle with a horizontal line through the middle, resembling an on/off switch. This symbol is commonly used in electrical schematics and diagrams to indicate the presence of a circuit breaker in a circuit.


Where can you find circuit breaker for headlamps on 1997 jimmy?

The circuit breaker for the headlights is built into the headlight switch.


What is a switch that opens a cuircut when too much current is flowing?

Where I'm from, it's called a "circuit breaker".A circuit breaker.


Where is Headlight circuit breaker 1997 s 10 blazer?

The headlight circuit breaker is intergrated with the headlight switch.