What is an Electrical Isolator : Working & Its Applications:-
The isolator is one type of switching device, and the main function of this is to make sure that a circuit is totally not triggered in order to perform the preservation. These are also recognizable like isolation switches to isolate the circuits. These switches are applicable in industrial, distribution of electrical power, etc. High voltage type isolation switches are utilized in substations for permitting isolation of equipment like transformers, circuit breakers. Usually, the disconnector switch is not proposed for circuit control but it is for isolation. Isolators are activated either automatically or manually. This article discusses an overview of what is an electrical isolator, its types, and its applications.
What is Electrical Isolator?
The isolator can be defined as; it is one type of mechanical switch used to isolate a fraction of the electrical circuit when it is required. Isolator switches are used for opening an electrical circuit in the no-load condition. It is not proposed to be opened while current flows through the line. Generally, these are employed on circuit breaker both the ends thus the circuit breaker repair can be done easily without any risk.
Electrical Isolator is used to separate any type of electrical component from the system while the system is offline/ online. Isolator doesn’t include any kind of system for avoiding arching throughout disconnection. As in an electrical substation, an electrical isolator switch is mainly used for disconnecting a power transformer once it is in a no-load situation otherwise a little load is there. In full load condition, isolators don’t operate.
Working Principle
An electric isolator working principle is extremely easy as it operates in different ways like manually operated, semi-automatic, and fully-automatic. Sometimes, these are used like switches so-known as electrical isolator switches. This switch can be opened or closed depending on the necessity. However, several times, these are arranged in a fixed position permanently to maintain isolation like transformers, in electrical transmission lines, grid stations.
An electrical isolator switch is one kind of device used to isolate a specific circuit by maintaining as well as preventing flowing currents. These switches are used in electrical appliances like kitchen tools, power grids, etc. Isolator switches are available in different types like a single-pole, double-pole, 3-pole, 4-pole, fused, and battery isolator switches.
Operation of Electrical Isolator
When there is no arc quench method is offered in the electrical isolator, it should be worked once there is no possibility of current flow throughout the circuit. So, no live circuit must be open otherwise closed through the isolator process.
A complete live closed-circuit should not be opened through the isolator process & also a live circuit should not be closed as well as completed through the isolator process to keep away from huge arcing among isolator contacts. So, this is the reason isolators should be open once the circuit breaker is open. Similarly, the isolator must be closed once the circuit breaker is before closed.
The operation of an isolator can be done through hand locally & using mechanical mechanism from a remote location. The arrangement of motorized operation is expensive as compared with hand operation; therefore choice must be taken before selecting an electrical isolator for the system which operates manually or mechanically is best for the system.
