Circuit Breaker vs. Switchgear: What’s the Difference?

Circuit breakers and switchgear are popular terms among those with electrical experience. However, to individuals who are not electrical professionals, the two terms may appear to be similar, if not identical.

Despite the similarities, the two are fundamentally different. This article will explain the distinctions between circuit breakers and switchgear, two essential components of an electrical circuit.

What is a Circuit Breaker? 

Circuit breakers are an integral part of an electrical system. They are electrical switches intended to safeguard an electrical circuit from harm caused by a short circuit or overcurrent/overload.

The switch monitors the electrical current flowing through the circuit and immediately interrupts it in the event of a short or overload. These devices are essential components of electrical systems in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial.

Type of Circuit Breaker

Here are some of the most common types of circuit breakers used in switchgear applications:

Air Circuit Breakers (ACBs)

Air Circuit Breakers (ACBs) provide overcurrent and short-circuit protection for circuits over 800 amps to 10K Amps. it employs an air blast to extinguish an electrical arc when it trips. hey are commonly used in medium and high-voltage switchgear.

Vacuum Circuit Breakers (VCBs)

Vacuum Circuit Breakers (VCBs) employ vacuum interrupters to stop an arc. They offer dependable security without requiring as much upkeep as ACBs. Popular for medium-voltage systems.

Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) Circuit Breakers

These breakers employ SF6 gas to eliminate arcs. Very effective for high-voltage systems and requires less space than ACBs.

Oil Circuit Breakers

Use oil as an arc-quenching medium. Maintenance-intensive, yet appropriate for extremely high-voltage transmission systems.

Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs)

Compact breakers have casings that are formed around the components. Used in low voltage switchgear and panelboards.

Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs)

Smaller versions of MCCBs are utilized in control panels and electronics.

Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

detect leaks to the ground and trigger to prevent electrocution. Found on LV switchboards and distribution boards.

Reclosers

Reclosers are special breakers that automatically reclose after a fault. Help to reduce power line outages.

How Do Circuit Breakers Work?

Each type of circuit breaker functions somewhat differently from the next. However, they all have the same overall purpose of avoiding circuit damage. Circuit breakers will interrupt or turn off electrical flow when it reaches a specified level to achieve that purpose.

Each circuit breaker has a certain rating, which determines how much electricity it will accept. The rating is dependent on the amount of current that the circuit breaker can safely carry and interrupt.

Consider the interior components to have a more precise understanding of how circuit breakers function. Inside each breaker, a spring is looped around a little bit of solder, which is a meltable fusible alloy. Every breaker connects to an electrical cable that goes throughout your home. The electric current that flows through your home passes via the solder. If the wire is in danger of overheating, the solder melts.

Circuit Breaker Applications

Circuit breakers are found in various applications to protect the electrical system. The typical applications include:

• Industries
• Buildings
• Commercial complexes
• Hotels

Features Of Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers have the following key characteristics:

1. Function: A circuit breaker’s principal role is to halt the current flow in a circuit when abnormal conditions arise, such as overloads or short circuits.
2. Components: A circuit breaker has three components: switching mechanisms, protective trip units, and arc extinguishing devices.
3. Scope: Circuit breakers are a sort of switchgear component that primarily protects against electrical problems.
4. Applications: Circuit breakers are utilized in a wide range of systems, including household electrical panels, industrial installations, and power substations.
5. Simplicity: Circuit breakers are often simpler devices than comprehensive switchgear systems, with a major emphasis on protection.

What is Switchgear?

Switchgear is a set of electrical disconnect switches, fuses, or circuit breakers used to regulate, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. Switchgear is used to de-energize equipment so that work may be done and to remove faults downstream.

Read More: What is Switchgear? A Beginner’s Guide

Types Of Switchgear

• Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear: This type of switchgear operates at voltage levels of up to 1000V. It contains circuit breakers, switches, and contactors. LV switchgear is widely used in residential and small business applications.
• Medium Voltage (MV) Switchgear: Designed to handle voltage levels ranging from 1000V to 33,000V, MV switchgear is critical for power distribution in factories, big commercial complexes, and substations.
• High Voltage (HV) Switchgear: HV switchgear, which is used in utility substations and big industrial applications, operates at voltages more than 33,000V. It frequently uses innovative technology to assure safety and dependability.

How Does A Switchgear Work?

Although each type of switchgear has somewhat different working methods, the core notions are the same: when an electrical fault occurs, the relay shuts the trip circuit, disconnecting downstream loads. This allows the rest of the circuit to function properly, without interruption, while also safeguarding critical equipment from harm.

Features Of Switchgear

Key characteristics of switchgear include: 

1. Functions: Switchgear serves a variety of roles, including circuit protection, isolation, control, and monitoring.
2. Components: Switchgear may include a variety of components in addition to circuit breakers, such as switches, relays, transformers, and contactors.
3. Scope: Switchgear is a wide term that refers to a variety of devices that work together to manage and regulate power distribution.
4. Applications: Switchgear is utilized in a variety of situations, including homes, businesses, factories, and utility substations.
5. Complexity: Switchgear can be more complicated, with additional functions like remote monitoring, problem detection, and automation.

What Is the Difference Between Switchgear and Circuit Breakers?

While both switchgear and circuit breakers are crucial components of electrical systems, there are some significant distinctions between the two

Function

Circuit breakers and switchgear have unique roles and purposes.

• Circuit breakers are electrical switches that operate automatically to avoid overloads and short circuits. Its primary function is to trip the circuit as soon as the relay detects a breakdown. It interrupts continuity and prevents power flow to guarantee circuit protection.
• Switchgear has several more functions. Its primary duty is to safeguard electrical equipment, but it may also control and separate it. It can also de-energize the apparatus. Although circuit breakers play an important function in electrical systems, the switchgear directly influences power supply dependability.

Components

• Control panels, fuses, circuit breakers, current transformers, potential transformers, protection relays, and other components make up switchgear. Enclosures and busbars are also components that enclose and connect other components.
• Circuit breakers are distinct components that can work as part of switchgear or on their own. They typically include electrical connections, arc extinguishing systems, basic operating mechanisms, and trip components.

Application

• Switchgear is used in a variety of applications, including residential and commercial structures, industrial facilities, transmission networks, and power generation. It is critical for the functioning of large electrical distribution systems because it controls complex electrical networks using many circuit breakers and other safety devices.
• Circuit breakers can operate within a switchgear or independently in certain basic applications. They are often used in household electrical panels, industrial control systems, and other areas that require localized protection.

Installation and Design

• Switchgear is a more sophisticated undertaking that requires a significant amount of labor during installation. It can handle higher voltages and more circuits, which is why it requires greater complexity and durability.
• Circuit breakers, on the other hand, are more convenient to install and repair. They can also be installed individually or integrated into switchgear, depending on their intended function.

Operating frequency

• Switchgear allows operators to manually control the flow of electrical power and isolate faulty equipment.
• circuit breakers are not intended for frequent usage. This is because the circuit breaker’s role is to activate whenever it detects a fault. It checks the electric current that flows across each circuit, although it should not trip too frequently. Frequent circuit breaker resets can cause problems such as an overloaded circuit or a faulty, outdated breaker.

Conclusion

Switchgear and circuit breakers are both necessary components of electrical systems, yet they perform distinct functions. Switchgear is a complete system for controlling, protecting, and isolating electrical equipment, whereas circuit breakers are especially intended to safeguard electrical circuits from damage caused by high current. Understanding the distinctions between these two components is critical for the safety and dependability of electrical systems.