Knife Switches | Manual isolation in substations | - Dielectric Strength: 18 kV/mm (Std) ▲22 (Base) ▲25 (Adv) (prevents arcing up to 25,000 V/mm) - Copper contacts (58 MS/m ▲ vs Std’s 37 MS/m) (low resistance for efficient current flow) - Frequency: 50Hz (Std) ▲50–60Hz (Adv) (global power system compatibility) | Cost-effective, simple design | No automatic fault protection, manual operation only |
Circuit Breakers | Automatic interruption in industrial plants | - Aluminum contacts (37 MS/m) (moderate conductivity) - Epoxy insulation (15 kV/mm) (standard protection) - Auto-tripping mechanism (interrupts faults automatically) | Auto-fault protection, high current handling | Higher cost, complex maintenance requirements |
Load Break Switches | Switching under load in distribution networks | - Load-breaking capability (50–60Hz) (operates under active current) - Dielectric strength: 18 kV/mm (similar to Std knife switches) | Operates under load, compact design | Limited fault current interruption capability |
Earth Switches | Grounding during maintenance | - Steel housing (IP54 rated) (durable outdoor protection) - Earth grounding capability (mandatory for safety) | Ensures safety during maintenance | Single-function, requires coordination with other switches |
Vacuum Disconnectors | High-voltage substations with arc suppression | - Vacuum interrupters (100 kV/cm dielectric strength) (no arcing) - Zero maintenance contacts (long lifespan) | No arcing, maintenance-free operation | High cost, complex installation requirements |
Fuse Switches | Residential overcurrent protection | - Fuses rated up to 200A (basic overcurrent protection) - Voltage ≤1 kV (low-voltage applications) | Inexpensive, simple replacement | Requires fuse replacement, limited capacity |