In modern household and industrial electricity, in order to ensure the safe operation of the circuit, we need to use a variety of electrical protection equipment. Among them, air switches and leakage switches are two common protection devices. So, what are the functions of air switches and leakage switches, and what are the differences between them? This article will introduce it to you in detail.
First, the role of the air switch.
An air switch, also known as an automatic air circuit breaker, is an electrical switch with overload, short circuit, and undervoltage protection. Its main function is to quickly cut off the power supply and protect the circuit and electrical equipment from damage when an abnormal situation occurs in the circuit. The working principle of an air switch is to attract the iron core by the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil, so that the switch contacts are closed or disconnected. When the current in the circuit exceeds the rated value, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil is enhanced, causing the iron core to engage, thus cutting off the circuit.
Second, the role of leakage switch.
A leakage switch, also known as a residual current protector (RCD), is a protection device specially designed to detect leakage current in a circuit. Its main function is to quickly cut off the power supply when the circuit leaks and prevent the occurrence of electric shock accidents. The working principle of the leakage switch is to detect the leakage current in the circuit through the zero-sequence current transformer. When the leakage current exceeds the set value, the leakage switch will act immediately to cut off the circuit.
3. The difference between air switch and leakage switch.
1.Functional differences: The air switch is mainly for the protection of overload, short circuit and undervoltage of the circuit, while the leakage switch is mainly for the protection of the leakage of the circuit.
2.Difference of protection objects: The air switch mainly protects the circuit and electrical equipment to prevent damage caused by overload, short circuit and undervoltage; The leakage switch mainly protects personal safety and prevents the occurrence of electric shock accidents.
3.The difference in action principle: the action principle of the air switch is to attract the iron core through the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil to close or disconnect the switch contact; The operating principle of the leakage switch is to detect the leakage current in the circuit through the zero-sequence current transformer, and cut off the circuit when the leakage current exceeds the set value.
4.Difference in installation position: The air switch is usually installed in the distribution box to protect the entire circuit; Leakage switches, on the other hand, need to be installed near the electrical equipment to protect the individual equipment.
In short, although air switches and leakage switches are both electrical protection equipment, their functions, protection objects, operating principles and installation locations are different. In practical applications, we need to choose the appropriate protection device according to the actual needs to ensure the safe operation of the circuit and personal safety.