What is the purpose of air break switches in electrical systems?

The purpose of air break switches in electrical systems is to isolate parts of a line and allow for manual or remote operation. These switches are designed to disconnect sections of the electrical circuit, ensuring safety during maintenance and repairs. By providing a reliable means to isolate different parts of the system, they help prevent potentially dangerous situations that could arise when working on energized equipment.

Air break switches serve as crucial safety devices in high-voltage environments, where maintenance personnel must be certain that a section of the circuit is de-energized before starting work. They can be operated manually, allowing for flexibility in operations, or remotely, enabling control from a safe distance. This dual operational capability is essential in modern grid management, where safety and remote accessibility are increasingly important.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the main function of air break switches. While they can impact the safe operation and management of electrical systems, their primary role is not to increase voltage levels, interrupt live circuits effectively in the same manner as circuit breakers, or provide continuous current flow.