Which Appliances Need an Isolator Switch?

Isolator switches, also known as main electrical isolator switch are electrical devices or systems that are used to isolate a specific circuit for maintenance. These switches are capable of prohibiting currents from flowing through them. These switches are utilized in a variety of electrical equipment and applications, such as power grids, kitchen tools, etc.

Moreover, since these switches are able to isolate a circuit within a system or grid for repairs or maintenance, they are commonly seen on power lines, grids, and other similar structures.

You may have noticed that isolators and circuit breakers have a close link; in addition, there are many people that believe they do the exact same thing. However, they have crucial differences that distinguish them, such as their functions and skills.

Most appliances require an isolator switch; tampering with them while they are turned on can result in mishaps, regardless of the appliance. Smaller appliances do not require a specific isolation switch before maintenance because wall plugs can also serve as isolation switches. Due to their indispensable features, isolator switch price may be higher than that of normal switches, especially for larger appliances.

Some of the instruments and equipment that require an isolation switch are as follows.

Extractor Fans  

Extractor fans are commonly seen in bathrooms and kitchens, and they work by removing stale, humid air while replacing it with fresh air. The increasing number of households and building rules has led to an increase in the requirement of extractor fans. However, because of the complexity and power of these devices. They need isolation switches for repairs and maintenance of the devices.

These types of devices commonly use 3-pole isolation switches, as there are three lines that must be disconnected in order to totally isolate the fan without affecting other appliances. If a Switchgear isolator switch isn’t used in these devices, the maintenance will require the shutdown of a significant number of circuits which can potentially affect other appliances.

Showers

Electrical showers are commonly used in most homes and using them with a Schneider isolator switch is extremely necessary and important. Showers tend to be fitted in an area where installation of electrical showers carries a greater risk of electric shocks and bathrooms tend to be more humid and wet. As a result, an isolation switch must be installed in electrical showers for safety reasons or else it can be dangerous.

Refrigerators

All kinds of refrigerators especially the bigger ones require an isolation switch to make maintenance and repairs easier. Like showers, refrigerators are in close contact with water and can be hazardous if not managed appropriately.

Moreover, most freezers and refrigerators have difficult-to-reach outlets, requiring you to touch or move the appliance. This could be extremely dangerous especially if it develops a defect. This is why it is really important to use an isolator switch and not having one can be hazardous.

Air Conditioners

Although hardwiring your air conditioner to the switchboard is acceptable, it has quite a few disadvantages and can even be dangerous in some situations.

Therefore, it is a good idea to have a Legrand isolator switch installed on your outdoor unit. This is because the switch can protect the device from lightning strikes during a storm and can prevent your home safety switch from triggering in the event of a malfunction.

Other Household Appliances

By now, we know how isolator switches are used with respect to larger electrical appliances and power systems. But they are important for smaller devices and appliances as well. In this case, the plugin conjunction with the wall socket acts as an isolator switch and there is no need of using an isolator switch.

It mainly serves the same purpose as a Siemens isolator switch because once you switch it off at the socket, the power gets interrupted for the device only. This does not involve any other appliance.