It is generally recommended to install an air switch at the outlet end of the meter because the wiring distance can be quite long. If the leakage current increases, it may be due to the wires themselves. It’s better to install a leakage protection switch before using any electrical device. The main difference between an air switch and a leakage switch is that the air switch will trip when the current exceeds its rated value, while the leakage switch will trip if the current exceeds the rated value or if there is a leakage. These switches are commonly used in homes and offices to ensure personal safety.
An air switch, also known as an air circuit breaker, is a low-voltage switching device with multiple protective functions. It can cut off the circuit under normal voltage and current conditions. Common protections include short-circuit and overcurrent protection, while other features like under-voltage or shunt control are optional. This makes it capable of handling various fault scenarios such as short circuits, overloads, and low voltage.
A leakage protection switch, also called a residual current circuit breaker, is essentially an air circuit breaker with added leakage protection. It detects any imbalance in the current flowing through the live and neutral wires. When a leakage occurs, the device quickly disconnects the power to prevent electric shocks and damage to equipment.
However, a leakage switch cannot fully replace an air switch. Although it offers more protection, it is prone to false trips due to normal leakage currents, which can cause unnecessary power interruptions. Therefore, it is typically used in temporary construction sites or socket circuits in residential and industrial buildings.
While both devices share similar mechanical structures and arc-quenching methods, the leakage switch is specifically designed to protect people. Its tripping threshold is usually in the milliampere range, making it highly sensitive to ground faults. In contrast, an air switch primarily protects against overcurrent and short circuits, with a higher tripping threshold.
Air switches are mainly divided into two types: miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) and molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs). Both provide overcurrent and short-circuit protection, but they differ in their short-circuit breaking capacity. Leakage protection switches, on the other hand, are designed for detecting and interrupting leakage currents. In residential settings, the typical leakage current threshold is 30mA, which is based on human body resistance and shock voltage calculations.
The leakage switch includes an additional leakage detection system compared to a regular air switch. This allows it to detect imbalances in the current flow and automatically trip when necessary. However, it only protects against single-wire contact; if someone touches both the live and neutral wires simultaneously, it won’t trigger. So it’s important to understand its limitations.
Both air switches and leakage switches can trip due to overcurrent, but the leakage switch adds an extra layer of protection by detecting leakage current. Some models combine both functions. If an air switch is not energized, pressing the test button will still cause it to trip, but a leakage switch will not respond unless it is powered on.
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