The main differences between automatic voltage protectors, air switches, and circuit breakers are their functions, application ranges, and protection mechanisms.
In household electrical safety, automatic voltage protectors, air switches, and circuit breakers are common devices, but their functions and roles differ. This article will explore the automatic voltage protector, as well as the difference between air switches and circuit breakers.
What is an automatic voltage protector?
The main function of the automatic voltage protector is to protect electrical equipment and circuits from overvoltage and undervoltage. When the power supply voltage exceeds or falls below the set range, the automatic voltage protector can automatically cut off the power supply to protect the connected equipment from damage. It works by detecting changes in voltage, and once a voltage abnormality is detected, it quickly cuts off the circuit to protect the equipment from damage.
What is an air switch?
The air switch, also known as an air circuit breaker, is an electrical switching device that can automatically disconnect the circuit when the current in the circuit exceeds the rated value to protect the circuit and equipment from damage. The air switch not only has an overload protection function but also protects against short circuits, severe overloads, and under voltages in circuits or electrical equipment. Its working principle is based on thermal magnetic release. When the circuit is generally overloaded, the thermal element will generate heat, causing the bimetallic strip to bend due to heat, thereby disconnecting the circuit. In the case of a short circuit or severe overload, the short-circuit current will generate enough magnetic field to activate the electromagnetic release and quickly cut off the power supply.
What is a circuit breaker?
A circuit breaker is a mechanical switch that can connect, carry, and disconnect the current under normal circuit conditions, and connect, carry, and disconnect the current for a certain time under specified abnormal circuit conditions. Circuit breakers can not only distribute electrical energy and start asynchronous motors infrequently but also protect power lines and motors. They can automatically cut off the circuit when severe overloads or short circuits and under voltages occur. The function of a circuit breaker is equivalent to a combination of a fuse switch and an over-underheating relay, and generally, no parts need to be changed after disconnecting the fault current.
The difference between functions and application scope:
The automatic voltage protector is mainly used to protect electrical equipment and lines from overvoltage and undervoltage, ensure that the equipment operates under stable voltage conditions, and prevent equipment damage caused by voltage fluctuations.
An air switch, also known as an air circuit breaker, is a switch that automatically disconnects as long as the current in the circuit exceeds the rated current. It is a very important electrical appliance in low-voltage power distribution networks and electric traction systems. It has multiple protection functions such as short circuit, overload, and undervoltage protection, and can also be used to start motors infrequently.
A circuit breaker is a mechanical switch that can connect, carry, and disconnect current under normal circuit conditions, and can also connect, carry for a certain time, and disconnect current under specified abnormal circuit conditions. It can distribute electrical energy, start asynchronous motors infrequently, protect power lines and motors, etc., and automatically cut off the circuit when serious overload or short circuit and undervoltage faults occur.
Different protection mechanisms:
An automatic voltage protector detects voltage changes and automatically cuts off the power supply when the voltage exceeds the set range to protect the connected equipment from damage.
Air switches and circuit breakers mainly realize protection functions by detecting current changes. When the current exceeds the set value, they automatically disconnect the circuit to prevent damage caused by overload or short circuit of the equipment.
Summary
Automatic voltage protectors focus on voltage stability, while air switches and circuit breakers focus more on current control and protection.
Automatic voltage protectors focus on voltage changes to protect equipment from overvoltage and Undervoltage; air switches focus on current protection and can automatically disconnect the circuit when the current exceeds the rated value; circuit breakers are more comprehensive protection devices that can cope with a variety of circuit abnormalities including overloads and short circuits, and have the functions of distributing electrical energy and starting motors.
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