DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS &
SUBSTATION DESIGN LAB
LOAD BREAKER
SWITCH
WHAT IS A LOAD BREAK
SWITCH (LBS)?
A load break switch is an electrical
switch designed to interrupt or make
a current-carrying circuit. It is
commonly used in power distribution
systems for isolating and
disconnecting loads, transformers, or
other devices under load conditions.
WHERE ARE LOAD BREAK
SWITCHES USED?
LOAD BREAK SWITCHES ARE USED IN
VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN POWER
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS, INCLUDING IN
SUBSTATIONS, DISTRIBUTION LINES, AND
OVERHEAD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS.
THEY ARE EMPLOYED TO DISCONNECT
OR ISOLATE EQUIPMENT FOR
MAINTENANCE OR IN CASE OF FAULTS.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A LOAD BREAK SWITCH?
The primary purpose of a load break switch
is to provide a means of disconnecting
electrical equipment from the power supply
under load conditions. This is essential for
maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting
activities in power distribution systems.
HOW DOES A LOAD BREAK SWITCH WORK?
Load break switches work by physically opening
or closing an electrical circuit. They are designed
to handle the interruption of current under load,
allowing for the safe disconnection of equipment
without causing damage or excessive arcing.
TYPES OF LOAD BREAK SWITCHES THAT ARE
COMMONLY USED:
1. 2point load break switch - interrupts or by breaks an electrical
circuit at two distinct locations, providing flexibility and control
over the flow of electricity.
2. 4-Position load break switch - is a gadget that may be
manually set to four different places to connect or disconnect
electrical loads. Consider it a four-position switch that allows you
to govern electrical flow in a variety of ways for different
purposes inside a power system
POWER
FUSE
POWER FUSE
A power fuse is a safety feature that, when used alongside a load break switch,
it breaks the electrical circuit in the event of an overcurrent or other
malfunction. It prevents damage to the system or equipment by acting as a
safety mechanism and interrupting the circuit when the current reaches a
predetermined level. By providing both control and protection capabilities, the
combination of a power fuse and a load break switch improves the overall
safety and dependability of the electrical system.
Common Types of Fuses
Switch fuses
Drop-out fuses
Cartridge Fuses
Blade Fuses
Thermal Fuses
Resettable Fuses
Switch fuses
- A handle that is manually operated
can connect or disconnect high
current fuses.
Drop-out fuses,
commonly known as expulsion fuses, are critical components used in electrical distribution
systems to protect power lines, transformers, and other electrical equipment from damage
due to overcurrent and short-circuit situations.
These devices are designed to
interrupt excessive electrical currents,
preventing the risk of equipment
failure, fires, and other hazards.
Cartridge Fuses
- Cartridge fuses are cylindrical in shape
and typically used in industries and homes
for high voltage applications. They have
metal end caps and come in two types:
general purpose fuses for appliances and
electronic equipment, and heavy-duty
time-delay fuses for motor circuits.
Blade Fuses
- Blade fuses, also known as spade or
plug-in fuses, are widely used in
automobiles and marine applications.
They come in various amperage ratings,
each color-coded for easy identification.
Blade fuses protect the wiring and
electrical equipment in vehicles from
short-circuit and overload conditions.
Thermal Fuses
- Are a one-time use fuse commonly
found in household appliances such as
coffee makers, dryers, and microwaves.
When the device’s temperature exceeds
a certain limit, the thermal fuse blows
and stops the electrical current,
preventing overheating and potential
fires.
Resettable Fuses
- Unlike traditional fuses which need
replacing after a single use, resettable
fuses, or polymeric positive temperature
coefficient devices (PPTCs), can return to
their normal operation once the fault is
removed. They are often used in
computer applications and
telecommunication systems where
system uptime is crucial.
Thank
you!!
