Vacuum Circuit Breakers: Mechanism, Purpose, and Technical Specifications

A vacuum circuit breaker panel is one of the most important devices used in an electricity framework for safe and balanced electricity distribution. In a vacuum-based circuit breaker panel, the arc quenching takes place in a vacuum. These panels are extremely useful in applications where the medium voltage of electricity is required. As far as their application in the high voltage range is concerned, the technology is available but still not commercially viable. 

Current-carrying contacts are crucial in a vacuum circuit breaker

The vacuum interrupter comprises a steel curve chamber in the middle of evenly created ceramic protectors. The vacuum pressure inside a vacuum interrupter is ordinarily kept up at 10–6 bar. The material utilized for current-carrying contacts assumes a significant part in the performance of a vacuum circuit breaker panel. Cu/Cr is the ideal material to make VCB contacts. Vacuum interrupter first came into existence in 1960. But, this technology is still in the developing phase. 

The primary purpose of circuit breakers 

The fundamental purpose of any electrical circuit breaker made and supplied by the leading vacuum circuit breaker manufacturers in India is to quench the arc during the flow of zero intersection, by building up high dielectric strength in the middle of the contacts so that the restoration of bend after flow-zero gets possible. The dielectric strength of the vacuum is multiple times more capable than that of air and multiple times more efficient than that of SF-6 gas. This high dielectric strength enables it for better quenching inside little contact gap. 

Technical specifications of an 11 KV VCB Panel

●        Application- Control & Protection of Trf. Power, Capacitor, Motor

●        Reference Standard-IEC 62271-200:2003/ IS:3427:1997

●        Operational Voltage- 12KV

●        Operational Current- 630,800,1250,1600,2000, 2500, 3150 A

●        Phase/Frequency- 3 Phase/ 50 Hz

●        Insulation Level-28 KV rms/ 75 KV Peak

●        Short Time Rating- 20/26.3/31.5/44 KA

●        Peak Withstand Current- 50/66/80/110 KA Peak

●        Degree of Protection IP-54 ( Indoor) / IP-55 (Outdoor)

Concluding Remarks 

Tricolite is one of the leading vacuum circuit breaker manufacturers in India offering breakers that comply with the requirements of standard IEC 62271-200:2003/ IS: 3427:1997. The company’s best-in-class VCB panels are tested with internal arc fault protection at 10KA for 0.1sec. Visit the company’s website for more details.