What is a Neutral Wire? Basically you know that, in any electrical circuit, two potentials form the circuit and allow the current to flow - phase and neutral. Phase is the conducting wire which carries the current and neutral is the conducting wire which does not carry the current but completes the current path by redirecting it to the source point. So, the neutral wire is used to complete the current flow in the circuit. Without the neutral wire, current will not flow through the load. It is also known as the zero potential point. Basic load is connected to two points – phase (red line) and neutral (black line). The third point is connected to the earth. Practically, the neutral wire is connected to the ground. When the live wire carries the current to the load and the neutral wire receives the current returning from it, the neutral wire must be non-conducting, in which case it will be conductive. So, to make it non-conductive, the neutral wire is connected to the ground without a neu...

What is a paddle type level switch? Basically the paddle type level switch is a very simple concept and works on the movement of the paddle. A paddle is installed underneath the sensor setup, which is driven by a small electric motor. In the absence of any media, the paddle will move freely. If exposed to any medium, more force will be needed to move the paddle. It may also happen that the paddles stop rotating. This rotational change alters the electrical output.

What is an optical level switch? Optical level switches are basically similar to radar sensors; The difference is that instead of waves, optical light is emitted. Light is transmitted and returned in a cone-shaped prism structure. This means that the light will not travel all the way to the medium, but will be confined within a structure. When there is no medium in this structure, the light will reflect back. If there is a medium present then the light will not be reflected back. This causes the electrical output to change.

What is a Radar and Laser Level Switch? Radar and laser level switches are basically non-contact switches that emit ultraviolet radar rays and microwaves to transmit and reflect waves. The waves strike the surface of the media and reflect back to the transmitter. It then measures the distance or height of the medium by measuring the time taken to transmit and receive and the speed of the wave. Velocity will be constant, but time will vary. This causes the electrical output to change.

What is a vibrating fork level switch? Basically the vibrating fork-level switch works on the principle of vibration. It uses a fork that is vibrated each time by an internal mechanism. When this fork comes in contact with media, the vibration level changes. This causes the electrical output to change.

What is an inductive level switch? Basically an inductive level switch works on the principle of electromagnetic radiation and eddy currents. This oscillator uses a resonant circuit that uses a core magnetic coil to generate a strong electromagnetic field. When this field penetrates the media, it creates eddy currents that reduce the amplitude of the oscillations. This changes the electrical output.

What is Displacer Level Switch? Basically the displacer level switch works on the principle of shifting weight. A displacer is used, which is a kind of very heavy float, which is suspended by a spring. When the media level touches the displacer and submerges it in the water, due to the buoyant force, the weight of the displacer decreases compared to the acting medium. This releases spring pressure and changes electrical output. This means that the weight of the displacer must be greater than the weight of the media in normal conditions (when the media is not touching). Only then, it will detect the weight change.

What is a conductivity level switch? Essentially, a conductance level switch works the same as a capacitance level switch; The only difference is that it works on resistance. Similar to the probe theory mentioned earlier, the difference in resistance between them (based on the media layer) changes the electrical output. It will only work if the media has some conductivity, which causes electrical resistance.

What is capacitive level switch? Basically capacitive level switch works on capacitance. Like a capacitor, a switch has an insulated electrode that acts as the first plate, and the tank wall (reference electrode) acts as the second plate. The capacity between the two varies depending on the height of the media level. As the level changes, the capacitance changes and so does the electrical output.

What is a diaphragm level switch? Basically a diaphragm level switch has a diaphragm inside the module that moves up and down depending on the applied media pressure. If the level rises, the diaphragm will move upward through the medium and lower the pressure below the face, changing the electrical output. If the level is falling, the diaphragm will move downward through the medium and change the electrical output, increasing the pressure below the face. This shows that pressure is the actuating force for this switch.

What is a float level switch? Basically float level switch is the most widely used level switch. A float level switch is either mounted or floating on the media. Suppose it floats on a liquid. When the float is in upright position or above upright position, it means the level is correct. Now, let's say the float went below the upright position. This means the level has dropped and due to this, the switch will change its electrical output. The switch has a magnet with a reed switch. It is the switch which gives the electrical signal. The switch is moved by a magnet which changes its position as per the floating level sensed.

What is a SF6 circuit breaker? SF6 is basically known as sulfur hexafluoride circuit breaker. And sulfur hexafluoride circuit breaker is a type of medium voltage circuit breaker. When sulfur hexafluoride gas is used to extinguish the arc, it is called an SF6 circuit breaker. This gas is known to extinguish the arc rapidly, as it has a very high dielectric strength and acts as an insulating medium. A large amount of arcing occurs when the stationary and moving contacts move away from each other during a trip or off condition. In this circuit breaker, as gas arcs in the enclosure, the dielectric strength of the gas increases during arc formation. This automatically reduces or cancels the high current generated. SF6 circuit breakers have excellent insulating properties and high electro-negativity. It is used at voltages from 33KV to 800KV.

What is the VCB? Basically the VCB is a vacuum circuit breaker. And the vacuum circuit breaker is a type of medium voltage circuit breaker. Circuit breakers are all about extinguishing high-tripping currents or arcs that occur in power-off conditions. So, when the vacuum is used to extinguish the arc, it is called a vacuum circuit breaker. VCB is used at voltages from 11KV to 33KV. A large amount of arcing occurs when the stationary and moving contacts move away from each other in a tripped or off condition. In this circuit breaker, since the arcing takes place in a vacuum enclosure, the dielectric strength of the vacuum increases during arc formation. It automatically reduces or cancels the high currents that are generated. It has dielectric recovery character, excellent interruption and can interrupt high-frequency current caused by arc instability, superimposed on line frequency current.

What is MPCB? MPCB is basically known as motor protection circuit breaker. And motor protection circuit breaker is a kind of low-voltage circuit breaker. An MPCB works similar to an MCCB, but has electrical features designed in such a way that it efficiently protects the motors against various types of faults. Also, it has an on-off switch to turn on or off the power supply to the motor. It is worth noting that an MCCB can also be used to protect motors, but it has limited motor protection functions compared to MPCB. Some of the other faults that MPCB can protect the motor from are phase loss, current imbalance and under-voltage fault. The MPCB has a special feature of auto-resetting. This allows the motor to resume its function after a certain period of time after the motor has been tripped. The MPCB has adjustable bimetallic strip for overload protection. The strip for overload protection can be adjusted to any two set values. The MPCB can also provide protection against line-to-line...

What is the RCBO? RCBO is basically known as residual current circuit breaker with overcurrent. And residual current circuit breaker with overcurrent is a kind of low-voltage circuit breaker. RCBOs are used to protect against earth leakage fault currents with over currents. RCBO has extra protection against overload and over current. And it mainly uses a microcontroller and it can also be called as a combination of MCCB and RCCB. That is why; It is more useful than the RRCB; Because RCCB does not provide protection against overcurrent. Some RCBO have indicators to indicate any earth fault. This feature is very useful as it helps the engineer quickly in troubleshooting.