It does this by removing the current from a circuit when an unsafe condition arises. IEC 60417-5008, (circle), the power-oﬀ symbol indicates that the power has been disconnected from the device.Ī circuit breaker is a safety device to prevent damage to motors and wiring when the current flowing through the electrical circuit supersedes its design limits. IEC 60417-5007, (line), the power-on symbol indicates the equipment is in a fully powered state. You will sometimes see the numbers “1” and “0” used on switches.These symbols are international standards established by IEC. They’re known as binary devices, which essentially means it has two states, open (1) and closed (0). It can be used to both inhibit the flow of the current or to initiate it.Ī switch performs the task of manually cutting or reconnecting power from an electrical supply by creating or closing an air insulation gap between two conduction points. A SwitchĪn electrical switch serves the purpose of controlling the flow of electrical current within a circuit. Breaking Capacity – The maximum fault current that can be interrupted.Ī circuit breaker is designed and is rated for both making and breaking fault and load currents whereas a switch is designedĪnd rated for only making and breaking load currents.Making Capacity – The maximum load current at start up.There are two important parameters concerning the connection and disconnection of power for electrical utilities: These items are often taken for granted as they work behind the scenes, and yet they are crucial for safety in homes and inįor industrial purposes, both the switch and the circuit breaker need to be able to handle a higher capacity of electricity than aīut what are the differences between a switch and a circuit breaker? Making and Breaking See our mouse button page for further information about these buttons.Is it possible to use a circuit breaker as a switch interchangeably, or are they separate entities?Ĭircuit breakers and switches are not new commodities in fact, Thomas Edison first developed the idea for a circuit breaker in 1879. Today, all computer mice have multiple, clickable buttons to perform certain actions. For example, Ctrl is called the 'Ctrl key' and not the 'Ctrl button.' What are the mouse buttons? The 'buttons' on a keyboard are referred to as keys, not buttons.

Some older printers have the power switch on the back corner of the printer. If the printer has an LED screen, the power button is often next to that. On a printer, the power button is often on the top or front panel, and may have the power button symbol. To locate the power button, look for a single button that is set apart from others, as shown below. However, some brands may place the power button on the left or bottom edge instead. On mobile computing devices, like a tablet or smartphone, the power button is most often on the top or right edge. If you cannot find the power button, check the left or right edge of the laptop instead. It may also be on the far-left or far-right on the top row of keys on the keyboard. On a laptop, the power button is often found above the keyboard, on the left or right side. In most cases, there is a power button symbol on or next to the power button, which helps identify it. On a desktop computer, the power button is often on the front or top of the case.

On off button symbols