LBS, namely Load Break Switch, are electrical switches that are used to safely disconnect and reconnect electrical circuits.
This is done by adding equipment that increases the disconnect switch blade’s operation speed, as well as equipment that changes arcing phenomena and allows for the safe stoppage of arcs.
This usually occurs when switching load currents. LBS are typically used in high-voltage applications, such as power plants and substations.
LBSs are available in a variety of sizes and types, depending on the application.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of LBSs, the advantages of LBS, and where to get the company that supplies and installed LBS.
Types of LBS
1. Vacuum LBS
This type, when interrupted, would cause an interruption in the electrical current. It can be closed manually with a switch handle or automatically with an electrical signal.
Vacuum LBS comes with remote closure device features and equipped automatic devices that can shut off and protect electrical equipment when they are tripped.
It has a long electric life, high relative price, and it’s suited for devices with a voltage of 220 kV or less.
This type only fits a wide range of circuits and provides a short circuit or voltage interruption that is not above the rated maximum.
2. SF6 LBS
This switch uses SF6 gas as an arc extinguishing and insulating medium and is part of medium voltage switchgear.
There are three operational positions in the switch: open, closed, and earth.
The switch is suitable for a variety of applications due to its compact size, simplicity of installation, and great environmental adaptability.
The arc is put out using SF6 gas, which has a complex structure and strong breaking current and breaking capacitor current performance, making it excellent for devices with a voltage of 35 kV and more.
The SF6 load break switch is renowned for its excellent safety performance, high security and dependability, small size, maintenance-free design, lightweight construction, and operational safety.
3. Medium voltage LBS
Medium voltage LBS can handle up to 36kV voltages.
Available in a variety of styles, such as metal-enclosed outdoor, metal-enclosed indoor, and outdoor without metal enclosure.
This type’s interruption is either S.F., oil, or vacuum.
The major function of this load break switch is to interrupt current whenever there’s a fault, regardless of the type of MV circuit breaker used by it.
4. High voltage LBS
This type differs from other LBSs. High voltage LBS is divided into 4 types:
- Solid gas producing high-pressure LBS: It makes use of the energy released when the arc is broken. It blows out the arc by causing the gas-producing material in the arc chamber to release gas. It is appropriate for devices with a voltage of 35 kV or less and has a straightforward structure.
- High-pressure air pressure LBS: The air pressure of the piston blows out the arc during the breaking phase. It is perfect for devices with a voltage of 35 kV or less because it also has a simple structure.
- Compressed air type high-pressure LBS: By utilizing compressed air to blow out the arc, the bigger current is stopped. The construction is suitable for devices with a voltage of 60 kV or greater, despite being quite complex.
- Oil immersed LBS: The oil surrounding the arc is broken down and gasified while being cooled using the energy from the arc. It is suitable for outdoor equipment with a voltage of 35 kV or less despite its modest shape and weight.
5. Low voltage LBS
This particular load break switch has a 1 kV rating.
It is made up of HRC fuses, switches, low voltage circuit breakers, earth leakage circuit breakers, miniature circuit breakers (MCB), and molded case circuit breakers (MCCB).
It can be used to manually or sporadically make and break the on-load circuit in an AC power frequency circuit, as well as for line overload and short circuit protection.
The fuse completes the overload and short-circuits protection, while the contact knife completes the on-off circuit.
It has a straightforward design and a solid mechanical interlock element.
When the cover is opened, the switch cannot be closed, and vice versa when the switch is closed, ensuring that the operation is safe.
Read more: Electrical contractor: Reasons Why You Need to Hire One
Advantages of LBS
1. Cheap
LBS is very cheap and it’s relatively the go-to option for anyone who’s on budget when deciding on the type of switch to go for.
Plus, it’s much cheaper than a double pole switch.
2. Safer
The upper hand that you get when utilizing LBS is that you can easily make (open) and break (close) the circuit without the fear of being in danger.
You can operate LBS from a safe distance while still outside the arc-flash boundary.
3. Protected by transformer
LBS has HRC fuses that act as protective agents for faults in a transformer.
The fuses prevent any damage that occurs due to the stresses generated by power supply, stresses due to load, or internal faults.
4. Easy handling
Its switch is very easy to handle, you can easily switch ON and OFF the supply.
You don’t need any tool to operate the switch’s ON and OFF function because it comes with a spring mechanism for tuning the ON and OFF.
Fret not, the switch is shockproof and consumes less power.
Hire Setia UrusHarta For LBS Supply and Installation
Over the last few years, Setia UrusHarta has proven capabilities of managing contracts in the delivery of engineering installations, and housekeeping throughout the country.
That includes LBS supply and installation.
Other than providing installation and supply for LBS, we also provide other interconnection facilities such as:
- Spun pole installation/Auger Rental
- Construction PE and PPu
- Testing and commissioning (IR, VLF, AC Pressure Test, Earth Resistance Test)
- Supply and install underground cable, overhead cable and HDD
If you’re interested, find out more by clicking the button below.