Electrical Disconnect Examples

What is an Electrical Disconnect?

Disconnect switches rapidly disconnect from power supplies in the event of an emergency or maintenance. They may be categorized as fusible, non-fusible, enclosed fusible, and enclosed non-fusible switches. Fusible switches support the installation of fuses and provide a greater degree of protection. Disconnect switches can function in conjunction with circuit breakers, devices which interrupt the flow of electricity along a circuit when the current exceeds the circuit’s capacity.

Electrical disconnect switches are often used on electric motors, such as industrial forklifts, agricultural vehicles, and aircraft tow tractors. Electrical disconnect switches are also used on a variety of electrical appliances, such as heaters and air conditioners, to ensure that contractors working on these appliances are protected from the incoming power. Electrical disconnect switches can adhere to international standards developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or to U.S. standard developed the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). Both regulating bodies work together to provide quality standards for electrical products manufacturers.