Are disconnect switches used to drop load or for isolation?

Disconnect switches are primarily designed for isolation purposes. Their main function is to safely disconnect a circuit or equipment from its power source, ensuring that when maintenance or inspections are performed, the equipment is not energized. This helps protect workers from electrical hazards.

While disconnect switches can indeed drop load in certain situations, this is not their primary intended use. The focus is on providing visible and reliable isolation, allowing personnel to be confident that no electricity is flowing to the equipment they are working on. Therefore, the answer pertaining to their function as devices solely for isolation reflects their true purpose in electrical systems.