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If the isolator switch is not load break rated then there could be a phenomena called a flash over, or arc flash. This is a dangerous event. A current will continue flowing through the air gap that is created when opening a switch until the air gap becomes wide enough and the potential on the wire is not high enough to keep the current flowing.

Breakers are load break rated in their design. They have magnetic arc chutes located close to the opening contacts that help extinguish the arc when the breaker contacts are opened. So the sequence to use is, open the breaker first and then open the isolation switch. Always remember to lock the isolation switch in the off position when working on the equipment down stream from it.

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Is it possible that a circuit breaker can explode?

The definition of the word explosion is, a rapid expansion of gases. It may occur from physical or mechanical change. As there in no gases involved in a common circuit breaker the answer has to be a definite no. If a circuit breaker short circuits internally across the line the only thing that will happen is the safety protection up stream from the breaker will trip and take the faulted breaker off line.


Difference between load break switch and isolator?

An isolator(disconnecting switch)operates under no load conditionand used for disconnecting the CB from the live part of the maintenance.Isolators are used in addition to the CB to make and break the circuit under normal and short circuit condition.A circuit breaker(CB) is an equipment which can open or close a circuit under normal as well as fault conditions and it can be operated manually under normal conditions and automatically under fault conditions.For the latter operation a relay is used with a CB.


Why is it important that homes have circuit breakers?

Fuses and circuit breakers are meant to protect your home's wiring from the heat generated from fault-currents and over-currents. Over-currents happen when you exceed the amperage the fuse or breaker is rated for over a period of time (IE: drawing 20 amps on a 15 amp circuit breaker). When this occurs a fuse or circuit breaker will open the circuit so the wiring in your home will not be damaged. Over-currents happen when electricity finds a path, other than the one intended, to ground. When this happens there is very little resistance to slow the flow of electricity and the amperage through the circuit can exceed the fuse or circuit breakers rated capacity by several hundred times . These type of faults cause the fuse or circuit breaker to open the circuit very quickly.


What will happen if a phase and neutral test by a mutimeter shows continuity?

If the test shows that there is a continuity between the phase leg and the neutral with no load connected, then that circuit should not be energized. If the circuit was energized then the fuse or breaker protecting that leg will trip the circuit open.


What will happen to the total current if you keep adding bulbs in parallel to the circuit?

Adding more lamps in parallel (across) a line will cause total current to climb. It will keep climbing (increasing) until a load protection device (circuit breaker or fuse) breaks the circuit or until something fails because of excessive current.

Related Questions

What is the anti-pumping scheme of Circuit breaker?

in order to stop the repetitive closure of the circuit breakers, anti pumping relay scheme is used. i.e suppose that an operator gives a close command to the breaker(via some switch), now the fault occurs, the breaker would tend to clear the fault and open the contacts.But since the operator has given the close command, it would cause closing of breaker again and again.. so anti pumping relay is used to ensure that this does not happen!


What happens when a circuit breaker trips and how does it affect the electrical system?

When a circuit breaker trips, it interrupts the flow of electricity in the circuit to prevent overheating and potential fires. This can happen due to an overload or a short circuit. When a circuit breaker trips, it cuts off power to the affected area, causing the electrical system to temporarily lose power until the breaker is reset.


How does a circuit breaker trip and what causes it to do so?

A circuit breaker trips when there is an overload of electrical current flowing through it. This can happen when too many devices are plugged into the circuit or if there is a short circuit. When the current exceeds the breaker's capacity, it automatically shuts off to prevent overheating and potential fires.


What happens when the circuit is complete and the switches are closed?

*Look at the simple circuit illustrated in Figure A-2. What will happen when only switch S1 is closed? Correct Answer= "Nothing will happen-the light bulb won't light up." <<>> If there is a load in the circuit the load will operate. If there is no load in the circuit and it is complete then a short circuit will occur and something in the circuit will burn open. If the circuit is complete and there is a fuse or breaker in the circuit, then the fuse or breaker will open the circuit.


Why is my circuit breaker getting hot and tripping?

Your circuit breaker may be getting hot and tripping due to an overload of electrical current flowing through it. This can happen if you have too many devices plugged into the circuit or if there is a short circuit. It is important to address this issue promptly to prevent damage or fire hazards.


Is it possible that a circuit breaker can explode?

The definition of the word explosion is, a rapid expansion of gases. It may occur from physical or mechanical change. As there in no gases involved in a common circuit breaker the answer has to be a definite no. If a circuit breaker short circuits internally across the line the only thing that will happen is the safety protection up stream from the breaker will trip and take the faulted breaker off line.


Why does the microwave trip the breaker when it is started?

The microwave may trip the breaker when it is started because it draws a high amount of electrical power suddenly, causing an overload on the circuit. This can happen if the microwave is plugged into a circuit that is already close to its maximum capacity.


Why are the outlets not working after a power outage?

After a power outage, outlets may not work due to a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. This can happen when the sudden loss of power causes a surge when it comes back on. Resetting the circuit breaker or replacing the fuse can often fix the issue.


What do you think would happen if you put a 3A fuse in a plug used for kettle?

I know what would happen. The three amp fuse would blow. Any device that is plugged into a receptacle with out having sufficient resistance to limit the current flow will dead short the circuit and cause the breaker that feeds the circuit to trip. In this case the fuse being of a lower rating that the feed breaker the fuse will blow without tripping the receptacle's feed breaker.


Difference between load break switch and isolator?

An isolator(disconnecting switch)operates under no load conditionand used for disconnecting the CB from the live part of the maintenance.Isolators are used in addition to the CB to make and break the circuit under normal and short circuit condition.A circuit breaker(CB) is an equipment which can open or close a circuit under normal as well as fault conditions and it can be operated manually under normal conditions and automatically under fault conditions.For the latter operation a relay is used with a CB.


Why is it important that homes have circuit breakers?

Fuses and circuit breakers are meant to protect your home's wiring from the heat generated from fault-currents and over-currents. Over-currents happen when you exceed the amperage the fuse or breaker is rated for over a period of time (IE: drawing 20 amps on a 15 amp circuit breaker). When this occurs a fuse or circuit breaker will open the circuit so the wiring in your home will not be damaged. Over-currents happen when electricity finds a path, other than the one intended, to ground. When this happens there is very little resistance to slow the flow of electricity and the amperage through the circuit can exceed the fuse or circuit breakers rated capacity by several hundred times . These type of faults cause the fuse or circuit breaker to open the circuit very quickly.


What will happen if a phase and neutral test by a mutimeter shows continuity?

If the test shows that there is a continuity between the phase leg and the neutral with no load connected, then that circuit should not be energized. If the circuit was energized then the fuse or breaker protecting that leg will trip the circuit open.