July 2025

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What is Breaking Capacity in Low-Voltage Switchgear?

How Gorlan India’s AC Compact Switch Disconnectors Ensure Electrical Safety:

In today’s power distribution systems, electrical safety isn’t just best practice — it’s essential. One key factor in low-voltage switchgear safety is breaking capacity.

But what exactly is breaking capacity, and why is it so important? More importantly, how do Gorlan India’s AC Switch Disconnectors, like the S3 and S5 series, meet this need with precision engineering? Let’s explore.

 

What is Breaking Capacity?

Breaking capacity (or short-circuit breaking capacity) is the maximum current that a switching device — such as a circuit breaker or switch disconnector — can interrupt safely during a fault condition without suffering damage.

It’s typically expressed in kA RMS (kiloamperes Root Mean Square) and plays a vital role in preventing:

 

                 Equipment damage

                 Fire hazards

                 Arc faults

                Electrical downtime

 

For engineers and facility managers, selecting switchgear with the correct breaking capacity ensures personnel safety, system reliability, and compliance with global electrical standards.

Why Breaking Capacity Matters in Low-Voltage Applications

Low-voltage panels, especially in industrial and commercial buildings, are exposed to high fault currents due to:

 

Equipment loads fluctuations

Motor starting surges

Short-circuits and overloads

 

If the switchgear can’t handle these fault levels, the result could be:

 

Dangerous arc blasts

Complete panel failure

Damage to upstream/downstream components

 

That’s why IEC/EN 60947-3 mandates minimum breaking capacity ratings for switch-disconnectors used in low-voltage systems.

 

Gorlan India’s Solution: High-Performance AC Switch Disconnectors

Gorlan India’s AC Switch Disconnectors are built with safety, flexibility, and reliability in mind — tailored for industrial panels, infrastructure, solar, utilities, and OEM applications.

Our products are compliant with IEC/EN 60947-3 standards and undergo rigorous internal testing to ensure they perform under stress, arc, and overload conditions.

 

      S3 AC Switch-Disconnectors (16A – 125A)

      S3 Changeover Switches (16A – 80A)

      S3 Enclosed Versions (16A – 125A)

      S5 3P–4P Switch-Disconnectors (125A – 2000A)

 

Whether your project involves industrial automation, control panels, HVAC units, or utility feeders — the S3 and S5 AC Switch Disconnectors from Gorlan India are built to perform.

 

Key Features That Ensure Electrical Safety

High Short-Circuit Breaking Capacity (IEC/EN Certified)
Double Break Contacts for reliable arc extinction
Durable Dielectric Strength across all poles
Thermal and Mechanical Endurance tested
Modular, Space-Saving Designs for panel builders
Global Certification Ready for international OEM needs

 

Typical Application Areas

LV Distribution Boards in Industries & Buildings

Generator Changeover Systems

HVAC and Motor Control Panels

Automation Control Panels

Solar & Renewable Energy AC Isolation

Power Conversion and UPS Bypass Panels

 

Conclusion

In power distribution, precision and protection go hand in hand. Gorlan India’s AC Switch Disconnectors are engineered to deliver both — ensuring safety, reliability, and confidence in every connection.

Explore our full range:  AC SWITCH DISCONNECTOR

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