What is the purpose of an oil circuit breaker?

An oil circuit breaker serves the critical function of interrupting electrical flow while being insulated by oil. The oil acts not just as an insulator but also as a cooling medium. When a fault occurs in an electrical circuit, the circuit breaker must quickly separate the faulty section to prevent damage to equipment and ensure safety. The presence of oil allows for efficient quenching of the electric arc created when contacts of the breaker are separated. This arc-quenching capability is essential for maintaining system stability and operations.

Additionally, the use of oil helps to enhance the durability of the breaker, as it can dissipate heat and provide better insulation as compared to air. This design ensures that the breaking operation can be performed safely and effectively, which is crucial for high-voltage electrical systems. Thus, the primary role of an oil circuit breaker is to interrupt current flow under fault conditions while benefiting from the insulating properties of oil.