When it comes to the two concepts of miniature circuit breakers and overload protection switches, I think many people are confused. In fact, in our daily life, miniature circuit breakers and overload protection switches are still very common. It's just that we only focus on how to use and operate it, and we don't really understand the difference between miniature circuit breakers and overload protection switches. Then I will introduce to you their concepts and differences.

Let me talk about the basic similarities first, because both belong to circuit breakers, and both need to comply with some basic product standards and have the same working principles. Then talk about the difference between the two, generally speaking, there are the following points:

1. Different electrical parameters
2. Different mechanical parameters
3. Different working environment

In addition, from the point of view of purchase, specifically say a few differences between the two.

Current rating
The overload protection switch current level is up to 2000A. The maximum current rating of the miniature circuit breaker is within 125A. Due to the difference in capacity between the two: in specific work, the effective area of the overload protection switch is also larger than that of the miniature circuit breaker, and the connected wire is also relatively thick, which can reach more than 35 square meters. The miniature circuit breaker is only suitable for connecting wires below 10 square meters. So generally for high current usage, the larger one is more suitable to choose the overload protection switch.


Different installation methods
The overload protection switch is mainly installed with screws, which is easy to be pressed, has good contact and stable operation. Miniature circuit breakers are mainly installed through guide rails, sometimes due to insufficient torque and lead to poor contact. Due to the different installation methods of the two, the installation of the overload protection switch is more stable and less difficult than the miniature circuit breaker.

Operation and life
The overload protection switch adopts two sets of devices to protect over-current and short-circuit separately. The over-current protection action value can be adjusted manually, which is convenient and quick. The overload protection switch shares a set of devices for over-current and short-circuit, and the current is not adjustable, resulting in problems that cannot be solved in many cases. The overload protection switch has a large phase-to-phase distance, an arc extinguishing cover, and a strong arc extinguishing capacity, which can withstand a larger short-circuit current and is not easy to cause a phase-to-phase short circuit. The service life is also better than the principal of miniature circuit breakers.

Flexibility of use
In this respect, the overload protection switch is more prominent, and it is better than the miniature circuit breaker in the flexibility of setting. The over-current and short-circuit protection devices of the overload protection switch are independent, and the action value of the over-current protection can also be adjusted flexibly during use. The over-current protection and short-circuit protection of the miniature circuit breaker are unified devices, and there are certain deficiencies in the flexibility of adjustment.
According to the above situation, it seems that the miniature circuit breaker is at a disadvantage, but in some cases, it is still necessary to choose a miniature circuit breaker. For example, when the safety of the circuit needs to be improved, because the miniature circuit breaker has high sensitivity and fast breaking action, it is more conducive to the protection of the circuit and electrical appliances.