Can a Circuit breaker be used as a Switch?

Answer 1

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.

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

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.