Isolator circulators are specific components in many electronic devices and some household appliances. As the name suggests, an isolator circulator isolates a circuit and controls the flow of electricity from one port to the next. There are plenty of good reasons why an electronics company would want to build appliances and devices with these components inside.
Control Electrical Overload
Too much electricity is just too much. Circuits can be fried, and electronic boards melted if too much electricity is allowed to pass from one electrical port to another. An isolator circulator prevents electrical overload and damage to circuit boards from occurring.
This is especially true of the very large electrical circuit boards in industrial plants where the use of generators may come into play if there is a power outage. Generators kick in, but if the regular power line is restored, the generators could add to the existing power from the regular lines and give the entire plant too much of a jolt. The isolator circulators in use recognize when there is too much power and help restrain that power until the generators can turn off.
Divert Power
An isolator circulator can also halt and/or divert power. If you have a device that needs power for two different applications, the isolator splits the incoming power. For example, if you wanted to run a digital clock that also doubles as a bedside lamp, you have wires running to the lamp socket and you have wires in the digital clock. The isolator takes the incoming power from the electrical outlet and sends some power to the lightbulb and the rest to the digital clock. It does all of this without overloading the wiring and circuits of this two-in-one electronic device.
Reserve Power
To stop power from flowing and keep it "on reserve," the isolator puts electricity in a holding pattern. The potential energy remains at a standstill until it is needed. At the time that it becomes necessary to utilize the "reserve" power, the isolator is triggered to release the power. This is less common in household goods than it is in factories, but you may find it in certain appliances, such as ovens or microwaves.
Do You Need Iso-Circulators?
You might be wondering if you need these components in anything electronic that you build. That depends on UL codes and regulations. Check the UL codes and regulations and then proceed accordingly.
