answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

A circuit breaker is designed to break a circuit which is carrying current at the time. Where large currents and/or voltages are present, the opening of the circuit may induce dangerous arcing, so means such as air blast must be used to "blow out" the arc. Air breakers are being phased out and replaced with vacuum or SF6 breakers.

An isolator is only designed to isolate a circuit or other component after the current has already ceased, so it doesn't need to have any means to stop the arc.

Thus in high voltage/high current installations such as in power stations or grid switching stations, the initial operation to isolate the circuit, whether planned or as a result of a fault, is by the circuit breaker, the isolator is then used to isolate the circuit breaker for maintenance or repair.

The difference between a circuit breaker and a contactor is that a circuit breaker can break fault current while a contactor cannot. A contactor is typically implemented in series with a fuse which serves to interrupt fault current. An isolator and a contactor are not synonymous.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

4mo ago

A circuit breaker is a device designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current flow (overload) or short circuit. A relay is an electrically operated switch that opens and closes circuits electromechanically or electronically. While both devices can control the flow of electricity, a circuit breaker is primarily a protective device, while a relay is used for switching or controlling circuits.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

A relay senses a condition (voltage, flow, amperage, pressure, level, etc.) and allows component actuations (circuit breaker operation, pump start, valve open/close, etc.) to occur. It is part of the control circuitry for a component.

A circuit breaker interrupts electrical current flow by opening a circuit under load conditions.

Both can provide component protection, but only a circuit breaker directly protects components. A relay could actuate a circuit breaker to provide protection.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

A circuit breaker is a device for the limiting of current supplied to a circuit. Typically using a bi-metalic strip of metal to sense an increased current. The bi-metallic element will react to the increased current by heating up, and typically 'tripping' a mechanisim that will open or clear the circuit. When the bi-metallic unit cools of, the circuit breaker can usually be reset. After repeated 'trips', it is possible for the circuit breaker to become ineffective, wear out, and require replacement.

A relay is an electro-mechanical device, typically used to control a system or application. Where as a electrical current is passed through a coil of wire, generating a magentic force which then effects a mechanical response. Such as opening or closing a contact that completes another electrical circuit.

A circuit breaker is to designed to protect an electrical circuit, and a relay is designed to control one. Unless a relay has a circuit breaker included in the construction (very uncommon/extremely rare), it is no protection to an electrical circuit.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

A circuit breaker is a protective device that interrupts current flow in a fault condition. It is not intended for routine use to turn the load on and off

A contactor is a controlling device that turns the current flow on and off to a load. It is not intended for use as the protective device.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

A circuit breaker is a protective device that interrupts current flow in a fault condition. It is not intended for routine use to turn the load on and off
A contactor is a controlling device that turns the current flow on and off to a load. It is not intended for use as the protective device.

A circuit breaker will have a contactor of some type in it. The key here is the circuit breaker is designed to interrupt fault current, while a contactor may be designed to interrupt load current (substantially less). Circuit breakers are much larger than their equivalent contactor / switch, because they are designed to handle the excessive heating that naturally will occur when breaking substatial amounts of current flow.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

There is not a huge difference between C.B. and contactor as they work as a switches
but usually CB is normally closed while there a normally open/closed Contactor.
the Contactor used only in a control circuit while CB is used on large power system utility, such as substations. Contactor receive an electrical signal from relay while CB need an auxiliary contactor to trip. Most of the CB needs a arc quenching fluid such as oil, SF6 and vacuum..etc.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

1. Relay-"it is the sensing device which is connected to power circuit and if the any parameter of circuit crosses safe limits ,it sends signal to circuit breaker to break circuit."
2. Circuit breaker-" A part of switchgear which is connected in circuit and it opens the circuit on receiving signal from relays"

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the Difference between circuit breaker and a relay?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What is a switch that opens a cuircut when too much current is flowing?

Where I'm from, it's called a "circuit breaker".A circuit breaker.


How is the relay effecting the bimetallic strip of circuit breaker?

The relay controls the flow of current through the circuit breaker by responding to an overcurrent situation. When the relay detects an overcurrent, it triggers the circuit breaker to open, which releases the tension on the bimetallic strip inside. This causes the bimetallic strip to bend and disconnect the circuit, effectively breaking the flow of electricity to prevent damage or hazards.


Why does the 59n relay keep tripping the breaker?

The 59N relay may be tripping the breaker due to circuit overload, short circuit, or ground fault. Check for any faulty connections, damaged wires, or improper settings on the relay. Ensure that the relay is properly sized for the load it is protecting and troubleshoot any potential issues in the circuit.


What is Trip circuit supervision?

Trip circuit supervision is a feature in protection relay systems that monitors the integrity of the trip circuit wiring and components. It ensures that the circuit is operational by checking for faults, breaks, or short circuits that could prevent the relay from sending a trip command to the circuit breaker when a fault occurs. This supervision helps maintain the reliability of the protection system.


What is earth relay circuit breaker?

An earth relay circuit breaker is a protection device used in electrical systems to detect faults to earth, such as ground faults or short circuits. When a fault is detected, the relay sends a signal to the circuit breaker to trip and disconnect the power supply to prevent damage to the electrical system and ensure safety.

Related questions

What is the difference between a circuit braker and a relay?

A circuit breaker when energized will latch and stay in that position until the load is reduced and manually reset. a relay will change state continuously if the source continuously changes


What is the function of an LBB relay?

A local breaker backup relay is used to check the operation of distribution circuit breakers and to trip the feeder circuit breaker if the distribution circuit breaker fails to trip on an overload.


What is a switch that opens a cuircut when too much current is flowing?

Where I'm from, it's called a "circuit breaker".A circuit breaker.


What do relay and circuit breakers use?

No. A relay is an electric switch and a circuit breaker is an overcurrent device.


How is the relay effecting the bimetallic strip of circuit breaker?

The relay controls the flow of current through the circuit breaker by responding to an overcurrent situation. When the relay detects an overcurrent, it triggers the circuit breaker to open, which releases the tension on the bimetallic strip inside. This causes the bimetallic strip to bend and disconnect the circuit, effectively breaking the flow of electricity to prevent damage or hazards.


Where is the motor relay circuit breaker located on a 1989 mustang?

The motor relay circuit breaker may be found on the driver's side of the vehicle, on or near the fender apron. There is a cable that runs from it to the battery.


Is there a relay switch or circuit breaker on a 94 sts?

There are multiple relays and circuit breakers in that vehicle.


Why does a lawn mower keep popping the relay circut breaker?

you have a short to ground in the electrical circuit that that breaker is on.


What is difference between isolation transformer and earth protection relay?

An isolation transformer is a mutual transformer having a voltage ratio of 1:1, so that the secondary circuit is electrically isolated from the primary circuit, yet subject to the same voltage.An earth protection relay is a category of protective relay that responds to an earth fault monitored by a current transformer (CT). In the event of an earth fault being detected by the CT, the relay with activate the trip circuit to a circuit breaker which will then disconnect the fault.


Why does the 59n relay keep tripping the breaker?

The 59N relay may be tripping the breaker due to circuit overload, short circuit, or ground fault. Check for any faulty connections, damaged wires, or improper settings on the relay. Ensure that the relay is properly sized for the load it is protecting and troubleshoot any potential issues in the circuit.


What is the difference between Earth Fault Relay and Earth Leakage Relay?

Earth leakage relays are instantaneous tripping relays where as earth fault relays have the option of time and ampere setting i.e. for a setted ampere the circuit breaker will be tripped off after the setted time (in second).


What is function of damping relay in circuit breaker?

The anti-pumping relay is a device in circuit-breaker whose function is to prevent multiple breaker closures. For instance, if the operator gives the closing command to the breaker by pressing the close button and the breaker closes. However, a fault in the system causes the breaker to trip. Since the close command is still in the pressed condition, there is a chance of the breaker closing again and being tripped by the relay multiple times. This can damage the closing mechanism of the breaker. The anti-pumping relay prevents this by ensuring that the breaker closes only once for one close command from the control panel.