What is a Safety Switch & How does it differ from a Circuit Breaker?

 Safety Switch

To protect against electrical shock, many homes and businesses install safety switches, also called residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs) or residual current devices (RCDs). By cutting off power in as little as 0.3 seconds if a leak to earth is detected, it prevents injuries from electrocution.

There are numerous varieties of security switches. One example is the safety switch located on the switchboard. Having electrical outlets and lighting fixtures installed in your home is a legal requirement. On a switchboard, it sits next to the circuit breaker. The combination safety switch and circuit breakers in switchboards are an alternative to the standard type that is less expensive but still provides protection for people and their belongings.

Safety switches are one of the industrial automation components. They can detect and stop potentially dangerous situations to protect workers and machinery. For added safety in industrial settings, automation systems typically incorporate safety switches for monitoring and controlling the functioning of a wide range of machinery and processes.

Types of Safety Switches

Switchboard mounted

These are wired into specific circuits and shield the power outlets in your home, as well as any appliances and extension cords plugged into them.

Portable safety switches

When there is no nearby switchboard or power point safety switch, a portable safety switch is an absolute necessity for the safety of anyone using a power tool or other electrical appliance.

PowerPoint Safety Switches

When installing a power point switch, the previous power point is removed. These switches shield the wiring and outlets on the same circuit from damage caused by appliances and power cords plugged into them.

What is the function of a Safety Switch?

The operation of a circuit is monitored by a safety switch. After sensing a current leakage to earth, it will automatically disconnect in 30 to 300 milliseconds, cutting off power to anyone who comes into contact with the circuit. As a result, electrical shocks, burns, and even death can be avoided. 

The person may feel the current for a brief period of time, but they are safe from serious harm. Therefore, the safety switch was developed to safeguard individuals and provide a more prompt response to electrical faults. However, if it is functioning properly, a safety switch can save lives. As a result, it needs to be checked every three months to make sure it's still working and to prevent any unnecessary trips.

The electromagnetic mechanism used to switch electricity is called an electromechanical relay. They feature a coil that, when activated, creates a magnetic field, which in turn triggers a movable armature to toggle the contacts. Power systems, industrial automation, and telecommunications are just a few of the many fields that make use of electromechanical relays.

Why is a Safety Switch important?

1. In order to keep your house and family safe.

If you have young children who don't know anything about electrical safety, this is the most important reason for you to install a safety switch in your home. Protecting our homes and families from further electrical mishaps is a top priority. This is the primary focus of government-sponsored safety initiatives.

2. Every house needs an extra layer of security.

Having a circuit breaker installed is beneficial for preventing electrical fires and protecting electrical home appliances from damage. However, safety switches are recommended as an additional layer of protection, both for the appliances and for the people living in the home. As a result, it should be installed on every single circuit in your house.

Pushbutton switches are widely used in electrical applications because they allow for quick and easy circuit manipulation. They allow users to quickly switch between states or activate/deactivate devices by establishing or interrupting the flow of electric current with the press of a button. Their versatility and portability make them perfect for everything from home appliances to heavy machinery.

How do circuit breakers differ from safety switches?

It is commonly assumed that these two items are equivalent and can be used interchangeably. But this is completely wrong! While both may be located on a switchboard, they serve very different purposes and are not interchangeable.

A safety disconnect, also known as a safety switch, is used to cut off power in an emergency. Whole-system electrical protection and safety switches are both available for use in large-scale equipment applications (such as conveyor belts, line equipment, and heavy appliances). 

The function of a safety switch is to detect electrical problems by monitoring the current. The safety switch will cut power to the malfunctioning system within milliseconds in the event of an electrical leak, short-circuit, overload, or equipment failure.

In contrast, an overload is something that a circuit breaker keeps an eye out for. The breaker will trip and cut power to the circuit if it detects an overcurrent condition. The most common example of this is overloading a household circuit by plugging in a high-draw appliance like a space heater or hair dryer.

Electronic switching devices known as solid-state relays (SSRs) can switch high-power loads without the need for any moving parts. The switching action is carried out by semiconductors like thyristors or transistors. Fast switching times, quiet operation, high reliability, and resistance to wear and tear are just a few of the benefits of SSRs. They are used in many different fields, such as manufacturing, climate control, and electricity transmission and distribution.

Conclusion

Safety switches are critical industrial electrical panel components, which are used to enhance safety, protect equipment, and prevent accidents caused by electrical faults. The staff at Southern Control, Inc. has recently invested considerable time in defining safety terms, reviewing safety procedures, and offering suggestions for improving workplace security at your commercial enterprise. 

Why? Because, frankly, there are still a lot of myths that people believe and that can lead to a lot of unnecessary confusion and risk.  Our experts here at Southern Control, Inc. are committed to providing our customers with nothing short of the best. If you need solutions for electrical safety or access, please call or email us. We are proud to offer the industry's best safety switches and emergency disconnects to our clients.