What is a Load Break Switch

As much as electrical equipment is important in ensuring that industries, homes, and workplaces have power supply, so also is disconnecting them in cases of bad load currents. When this happens, an immediate action must be taken to avoid uncontrollable damage, which is why installing switchgear components with your electrical equipment is very important.

There are various types of switchgear components. Some of them are the load break switch, disconnector, switch disconnector, and circuit breaker. These components act as regulators of current in electrical equipment, thereby ensuring a smooth flow of operation.

Amongst these components, the load break switch stands out because it regulates all kinds of currents (normal and short-circuit). 

What is a Load Break Switch

A load break switch (lbs) is a device that ensures the on-load making, breaking, and safety disconnection of low-voltage electrical circuits. This is done by adding equipment that enhances the disconnect switch blade’s operating speed, as well as equipment that changes arcing phenomena and allows for the safe stoppage of arcs that occur when switching load currents. Examples of these equipment are arcing horns, spring actuators, and whips.

A lbs switch could be manual, automated, or have a trip function.  Assembling a load break switch is quite easy and the usage is not hard. It is very necessary in the industrial sector, emergency switching, public distribution, motor feeders, and distribution panels.

A load break switch must possess the following capabilities:

● Must be able to interrupt current equivalent to the continuous current rating in the system voltage.

● Must be able to provide sufficient insulation to isolate the circuit when it’s closed.

● Must be able to interrupt small capacitive and inductive current, which is necessary for removing unloaded overhead lines, cables, transformers, and other electrical equipment.

● Must be able to carry the maximum fault current till the interrupting device clears the fault.

What is a Non-load Break Switch

A non-load break switch is an “offload device,” i.e., it can only be operated when the current running through is zero. It’s usually turned off when electrical equipment needs to be inspected, serviced, or replaced. This is done to isolate the equipment from the current flowing in the circuit. It can be done to the whole system or just the part that needs to be worked on.

A non-load break switch is exactly the opposite of the load break switch. It is not designed to disconnect a circuit that is under load i.e., a circuit that has current running through it. To disconnect the circuit, you will need to use another tool. Using a tool will save you from the hazards that could be caused from turning off the switch. Turning off the switch without using a tool can cause an arc flash, which could in turn result in a fire outbreak, damage to properties, or even injure you.

There are several types of non-load break switches. They include:

● A connector that is attached to a solar module, such as an MC connector.

● A finger-safe fuse holder. A good example is those used in a combiner box.

● An isolating device that must be turned off with a tool.

How does a Load Break Switch Work

A load break switch works in an easy and relatable way. The load break switch alters the current by mechanically moving its contact at a proper speed to “make” or “break” the current. “Make” means to close the current, while “break” means to open the current. During switching, it is subjected to mechanical, thermal, and dielectric stresses.

As a result, the load break switch must undergo numerous test duties in accordance with the IEC 62271-103 in order to investigate and thoroughly explore its interrupting capabilities. The current levels and the Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV) are the most important characteristics to examine when analyzing the behavior of the load break switch during breaking tests.

Advantages of a Load Break Switch

● Cheap: A load break switch is very cheap and it’s relatively the go-to option for everyone who puts their pockets into consideration when deciding on the type of switch to go for. It is much cheaper than a double pole switch (a switch that is connected to two separate electric circuits).

● Safer: The safety advantage of a load break switch is premium. You can easily make (open) and break (close) the circuit without the fear of being in danger. You can operate the load break switch from a safe distance while remaining outside the arc-flash boundary.

A load break switch has a switching device that assists in grounding any charges that may remain after the switch has been turned off. Also, with the switching device, you will safely close against short-circuit currents, while protecting yourself and the switchgear from inadvertent operation.

● Protection provided for transformer: A load break switch has HRC fuses that act as protective agents for faults in a transformer. The HRC fuses prevent any damage that could be caused by the stresses generated by power supply, stresses due to the load, or internal faults.

● Very easy to switch ON & OFF the supply: A load break switch is very easy to operate. You can easily switch ON and OFF the supply. Unlike the non-load break switch, you don’t need any tool to operate the switch’s ON and OFF function. A load break switch comes with a spring mechanism for turning the supply ON and OFF. A load break switch is shock proof and it consumes less power.

Functions of a Load Break Switch

● Make and break currents: A load break switch has an arc extinguishing ability that is used to make (open) and break (close) currents in a circuit. This helps to ensure a smooth flow of electrical equipment operation.

● Prevention of damages: A load break switch as a switchgear component, make sure that damages that could occur due to irregular current in the circuit are prevented. A load break switch acts as an inspector and stops irregular current that could damage the circuit.

● Short circuit current: This is a function that other types of switchgear components fail to perform. A load break switch can make (open) specified currents in short circuits.

● Energize and de-energize a circuit: A load break switch is used to energize and de-energize a circuit with a small amount of magnetic or capacitive current. Examples are transformer exciting currents and line charging currents.

● Protection of lives and properties: A load break switch has an overall function of preventing damages due to electrical factors from getting close to lives and properties. It prevents any electrical hazard that could be caused from imbalanced current flow, under-voltage or over-voltage. A load break switch eliminates the risk of a fire outbreak or worse, thereby guaranteeing the safety of lives and properties.