Compared to Other Circuit Protection Devices, Where Are the Advantages of Isolating Switches Reflected?
2025-11-29
In PV and low-voltage electrical systems, the importance of safe power-off has gradually drawn more attention from users. Most users have a certain understanding of common circuit protection devices such as circuit breakers, lightning arrester and fuses.
In contrast, PV waterproof disconnectors switch can only provide functions that are difficult for other devices to achieve, in some specific application scenarios.
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Comparison Object |
Advantages of Isolating Switches |
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Circuit Breaker |
Circuit breakers have overload and short-circuit protection, but their arc extinguishing devices are complex. Isolating switches provide secondary isolation after the circuit breaker has already cut off the circuit, and their structure is simpler, maintenance is more convenient. |
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Fuse |
Fuses require an overcurrent to occur before they cut off. If the user wants to actively and safely cut power, the fuse is incapable. Whereas isolating switches can be operated repeatedly, and the process is safely controlled. |
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Lightning Arrester |
Surge protectors are used to discharge lightning strikes and transient overvoltages; they do not actively disconnect the circuit, nor can they be manually used to cut power in emergencies. Whereas isolating switches can:
It is the "human-controlled break point" in the photovoltaic system. |
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Load Switch |
Load switches can break under load conditions, but their structure is more complex and cost is higher; isolating switches operate more reliably under no-load conditions and provide a clear isolation point. |
What Tangible Value Do Isolating Switches Bring to Users?
- Enhanced personal safety: The visualized disconnection gap and anti-electric shock design enable maintenance personnel to "instantly confirm" that the circuit has been isolated, before maintenance, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock.
- Enhanced system reliability: When used in conjunction with circuit breakers, it forms a "double-layer protection", improving the reliability and stability of the entire distribution network.
- Fault detection is more convenient: Segmented isolation is conducive to problem location.
- Compliance with safety regulations: Multiple protections such as fire prevention and electric shock prevention meet industrial safety standards, helping enterprises pass reviews and avoid penalties due to safety violations.
Why Is the Waterproof Design Also Crucial?
Most photovoltaic equipment is installed outdoors and needs to face environmental factors such as wind, rain, temperature changes, dust, and ultraviolet rays.
Isolating switches with good waterproof performance, such as those produced by YRO, typically possess the following characteristics:
- The operation knob rotates smoothly and works reliably.
- The shell has good sealing and high durability.
- Under long-term outdoor use conditions, they can maintain basic performance and safety levels.
Small Device, Big Role
Circuit breakers are mainly used to handle overcurrent situations. Fuses protect circuits by melting themselves, while surge protectors provide protection against instantaneous overvoltages such as lightning strikes.
However, none of these devices can achieve complete power-off operation that is directly controlled by humans. The function of solar disconnectors switch is precisely to make up for this functional requirement, providing a definite power-off state and ensuring operational safety.
With the expansion of the application scope of photovoltaic power, the awareness of the importance of disconnectors among installers and users is also gradually deepening. The continuous improvement of products by brands like YRO also helps to enhance the overall safety of photovoltaic systems.
