What Is The Difference Between A Circuit Breaker And An Air Switch?

There are significant differences between circuit breakers and air switches in many aspects, as follows:

Voltage level: The voltage level of the circuit breaker is usually higher and is generally suitable for voltage levels above 220V, while the voltage level of the air switch is usually lower and is generally suitable for voltage levels below 500V.
Arc extinguishing method: The air switch mainly uses air as the medium to achieve the arc extinguishing effect. This arc extinguishing method is easy to operate and improves user safety. The circuit breaker has more diverse arc extinguishing methods and stronger capabilities, and can produce suitable arc extinguishing effects according to the environment. For example, in high-voltage electrical circuit breakers, vacuum or sulfur hexafluoride can be used as the medium to achieve the arc extinguishing effect.
Function: The air switch mainly plays a protective role in the circuit and can automatically disconnect when the current in the circuit exceeds the rated current. The circuit breaker has a wider function. It can disconnect the load when the voltage is high or the current is large, thus preventing the accident from expanding. At the same time, circuit breakers can also be used to distribute electric energy, start asynchronous motors infrequently, and protect power lines and motors.
Supporting equipment: Compared with air switches, the equipment supporting the measurement logic and execution mechanism of the circuit breaker are usually more complex.
Ability to break current: Generally, the load and breaking current that a circuit breaker can withstand is larger than that of an air switch.