Isolators Definition

Isolators are devices used to make sure that a circuit is completely powered down before it’s serviced or maintained. Digital Isolator Switches isolate a part of the circuit by cutting off its electrical supply, making it safe for service or maintenance. Electrical isolators, as one type of switch circuit, are typically used with high-voltage devices like transformers.

Types of Electrical Isolators

Electrical isolators are crucial in power systems, and they come in three main types based on what the system needs:

Double Break Type Isolators

These isolators have three post-insulators. Inside the central insulator, there's a tubular contact or a flat male terminal that’s set horizontally by rotating the middle post insulator. This rotation is controlled by a lever mechanism at the base. This setup ensures a clear separation between circuits.

Single Break Type Isolators

These isolators feature an arm contact split into two parts: one with a male contact and the other with a female contact. As the post-insulator moves, the contacts shift, but when the post insulators rotate in the opposite direction, the arm contacts meet and close the isolator.

Pantograph Type Isolators

Pantograph Type Isolators are preferred for their small size, occupying little space as compared to others. They form existing switchgear equipment; these are the post insulator and the operating insulator. The mobility of their structure enables them to work well especially in complex systems; this makes them suitable for current power systems.

In addition to the functional classification, electrical isolators are further categorized based on their location within the power system into the following types:

Bus Side Isolator

Bus Bus-side isolators are directly linked to the main bus. They have the essential duty of actuating individual portions of the bus to prevent the entire system from degrading and to support the power system’s dependability and stability.

Line Side Isolator

Line Side Isolators are hooked up to the circuit via a feeder line. They’re used to isolate individual lines, which allows for safe maintenance and operational flexibility without disturbing the whole system.

Transfer Bus Side Isolator

Transfer Bus Side Isolators connect to the circuit through a transfer bus, usually related to transformers. They allow for isolating the transfer bus for maintenance or system adjustments without affecting the other core units.

These categories highlight the need for specialized isolators to handle the diverse and complex needs of today’s power systems.

Frequently Asked Question

What is the isolator in an electrical panel?

An isolator switch is a device used to cut off the current. It's often used for safety to prevent electric shocks. Isolator switches are sometimes called circuit breakers or safety switches. Putting in an isolator switch is pretty straightforward.

Is an isolator the same as a circuit breaker?

An isolator is a manual switch that disconnects part of an electrical circuit from the rest of the system. A circuit breaker, on the other hand, is an automatic switch that protects the system from overloads, short circuits, and ground faults.

Can any electrician fit an isolator switch?

No, an isolator switch has to be installed by your energy supplier. Safety rules require that the electricity supply be turned off via the cut-out. Since private electricians aren’t allowed to work on the cut-out, your energy supplier has to send an engineer to your place to install it.