Guide to Choosing and Implementing Load Break Switches In 2023

Load break switches allow safe disconnection of live power circuits up to 38kV. This guide provides an overview of load break switch applications, types, selection factors, and pricing.

Founded in 1992, GRL is one of the leading brands in China’s low-voltage electrical market. Over the years, GRL has accumulated extensive R&D and manufacturing experience in solar systems, convergence boxes, fuses, fuse switches, DC fuse switches, isolators and busbar systems.

GRL has the ability to independently develop new products and provide OEM and ODM services to help clients gain a competitive advantage. Welcome to contact us.

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What are Load Break Switches?

Load break switches can manually open or close circuits while carrying nominal load current. Key capabilities:

  • Make and break load current up to 3000A
  • Provide visible disconnect point
  • Enable safe isolation of live circuits
  • Support switching of energized loads
  • Limit arcing during switching

Load breaks are a versatile switchgear component for electrical systems.

Applications of Load Break Switches

Typical load break switch applications:

  • Solar farms, wind turbines, generators
  • Motor control centers
  • Medium and high voltage switchgear
  • Transformer and capacitor banks
  • HVAC and pump systems
  • Power distribution and circuit protection

Any application requiring flexible disconnection of live power utilizes load break switches.

How Load Break Switches Work

Internally, load break switches use specialized designs to allow making and breaking of energized circuits:

  • Contacts with geometry to limit and quench arcing
  • Quick-make/quick-break mechanisms
  • Arc chutes to dissipate and extinguish arcs during opening
  • Optional motorized operators for remote actuation
  • Clear viewing windows show visible open/closed status

When operated smoothly through the arcing zone, quality load break switches safely transition between the on/off states without significant wear or heating.

Types of Load Break Switches

There are several common load break switch types and configurations:

  • Fused – Include integrated fuses for overload protection
  • Unfused – No fuses, provide isolation only
  • Voltage range – From 5kV up to 38kV systems
  • Current range – 200A to 3000A continuous current
  • Poles – Single pole, 3-pole, and 4-pole options
  • Enclosures – Indoor, outdoor, walk-in for medium voltage
  • Options – Alarms, interlocks, auxiliary contacts, etc.

This versatility supports a wide span of system voltages, loads, and environments.

Load Break Switch Selection

When selecting a load break switch, key considerations include:

  • Voltage and continuous current ratings matched to system
  • Short circuit withstand and interruption ratings
  • Desired accessories like alarms or auxiliary contacts
  • Compliance with applicable standards like ANSI or IEC
  • Enclosure type required for indoor vs. outdoor use

Larger load break switches naturally cost more but support bigger currents and fault levels. Select ratings carefully based on actual system needs and future growth.

Load Break Switch Pricing

Pricing for load break switches varies widely:

  • $100 – $1,000 for typical 5kV to 15kV models
  • $2,000 – $10,000 for higher voltage or very high amperage
  • Less expensive per unit for high volume orders
  • Get quotes from quality suppliers like GRL to find the best value

When requesting pricing, consider ratings, options required, volume, lead time, and manufacturer.

Installation of Load Break Switches

Properly installing load break switches involves:

  • Securing enclosures and verifying alignments
  • Making electrical terminations per manufacturer torque specs
  • Ensuring required spacings between live parts and enclosures
  • Testing operation and interlocks where present
  • Verifying switch status is clearly visible
  • Documentation of installation date, ratings, and details

Follow all manufacturer guidelines to ensure safety and intended load break functionality.

Testing and Maintenance

Established maintenance practices for load break switches include:

  • Annual testing of operation and actuation
  • 5 year contact resistance testing
  • Regular bolt torque checks
  • Contact lubrication and inspection
  • Replacement of worn or damaged components
  • Documentation of maintenance activities

Proactive maintenance prevents failures and extends switch lifespan.

Get Load Break Solutions from GRL

GRL provides:

  • Medium and high voltage load break switches up to 38kV
  • Guided specification of optimal load break switches
  • High quality switches certified to IEC and ANSI standards
  • Global sales and long-term support of products
  • Turnkey solutions including design, manufacturing, testing

Trust GRL for expert support on implementing safe, reliable load break switches for your electrical system needs. Contact us today to get started.

Frequently Asked Load Break Switch Questions

Q: What is a load break switch?

A: A switch capable of manually making/breaking nominal load current.

Q: Why are load break switches used?

A: To safely disconnect live power circuits for isolation or switching.

Q: What voltage ratings are available for load break switches?

A: Load breaks range from 5kV systems up to 38kV.

Q: What types of load break switches are there?

A: Fused, unfused, indoor, outdoor, wide range of ratings and options.

Q: How do you size a load break switch?

A: Based on system voltage and continuous current rating needed.

Q: How does a load break switch work?

A: Special contacts and mechanisms allow making/breaking current up to 3000A.

Q: What are the advantages of load break switches?

A: Safely switch loads on/off without de-energizing whole circuit.

Q: What are typical applications for load break switches?

A: Solar, wind turbines, generators, HVAC, pump systems, switchgear.

Q: How do I install and wire a load break switch?

A: Follow manufacturer guidelines on mounting, terminations, and spacing.

Q: How often should load break switches be tested?

A: Test operation annually. Check torque and resistance each 5 years.

Q: What maintenance is required on load break switches?

A: Inspection, contact lubrication, and replacement of worn parts.

Q: Where can I obtain load break switches?

A: From certified manufacturers like GRL specializing in switchgear.

Q: What safety certifications should load break switches have?

A: UL, IEC, CE marking indicating 3rd party testing.

Q: How much do load break switches cost?

A: $100 to $1000 typically. More for higher ratings.

Q: Can I get free samples of load break switches?

A: Yes, reputable manufacturers offer free samples to evaluate products.

Q: How do I safely operate a load break switch?

A: De-energize first if possible. Then operate handle smoothly through arc zone.

Q: What switch accessories are available for load break switches?

A: Aux contacts, racks, interlocks, operating handles, enclosures.

Q: How do I select the right enclosure for a load break switch?

A: Check NEMA/IEC/IP ratings against the switch environment.

Q: How long is the typical delivery for load break switches?

A: Usually 1-4 weeks for stock. 8-10 weeks for specialized units.

Q: How do load break switches compare to isolator switches?

A: Load breaks can make/break load current. Isolators switch only de-energized loads.

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