An air break switch is used in a number of commercial and industrial applications as given below:
1. Air break switches are typically used for switching and isolation purposes.
2. Air break switches are generally installed in the distribution networks as a switching point to make or break connections between cables, transformers, and other high voltage electrical devices.
3. Air break switches are used in overhead power transmission lines. Here, these switches are mainly used to perform on/off switching by connecting the power system of a part of the overhead line to the main distribution line or by disconnecting it from the main distribution line. This allows the user to simply isolate a part of the overhead line without affecting the rest of the power transmission system.
4. These types of switches can also be used in power generation lines.
5. In certain power distribution systems, air break switches tend to provide crucial point isolation.
6. It is typically used to provide overcurrent and short circuit protection.
7. They are used in industrial plants for various control and safety operations.
Advantages of an Air Break Switch
An air break switch is advantageous in the following ways:
1. An air break switch is more effective than ordinary switches.
2. The reliability of air break switches is significantly high.
3. Air break switches can be operated manually as well as automatically depending on the requirement.
4. The maintenance of air break switches is relatively easy and cheap.
5. The air break switches are capable of fast breaker and switching operations.
6. These switches do not cause fire and explosion hazards.
7. An air break switch does not require a compressor.
8. These switches allow the user to maintain the stability of the operation.
Disadvantages of an Air Break Switch
Certain limitations or disadvantages of an air break switch are listed below:
1. They are quite heavy and bulky in nature.
2. The air break switches are less efficient for deionizing and lengthening action at high currents.
3. These types of switches are not suitable for modern power systems.
4. Air break switches require high capacity equipment for the storage and production of compressed air.
5. There exist chances of air leakage resulting in reduced pressure.
6. Air has comparatively lower arc extinguishing properties.
7. There are chances of a high rate rise of re-striking voltage and current chopping.
Post time: Mar-26-2022