Low/Medium Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breakers

Low/Medium breakers are essential for any facility, serving as a critical safeguard that ensures safety, protect equipment from damage, and maintain uninterrupted operations by managing electrical faults and overloads.

The first experimentation with vacuum circuit interrupters occurred in the mid 1920’s, but a suitable commercial vacuum interrupter was not available until the late 1950’s. The vacuum circuit breaker market continues to grow due to its simple design, low maintenance requirements, and being environmentally safe compared to other circuit breakers.

Design and Operation

The vacuum circuit bottle design is fairly basic compared to most other breakers.   Getting beyond the science of the contacts in a vacuum, its basically a flat movable disk pressing against a flat stationary disk. The movement of the contacts is no more than 10-20mm.  Vacuum circuit breakers have approximately a 20 to 30 year life expectancy. With these vacuum circuit bottles having the potential to operate beyond their designed life expectancy. It is extremely important that a regular maintenance program be established. 

Testing

A vacuum integrity test will check the pressure of the vacuum bottle. Proper maintenance on vacuum circuit breakers should be performed to ensure they meet manufacturer specifications.

Determining Life Expectancy

To determine the life expectancy of low/medium voltage breakers with vacuum bottles, simply reference the manufacturing label located on the exterior of the breaker. Should the date of manufacturing be older than 20 to 30 years, we urge you to contact us to discuss life extension options for optimal safety and reliability.

New Approach for Optimal Safety

Let Team Power Solutions offer you a new approach.  We will test your vacuum circuit bottles and should they be deemed not suitable, we may replace them, extending the life expectancy of your breaker.

Contact us below to get your vacuum circuit bottles tested!

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References: Bureau of Reclamation: Facilities Instructions, Standards and Techniques Volume 3-16, Maintenance of Power Circuit Breaker, 05-06-2020.

https://usbr.gov/power/data/fist/fist3_16/FIST_3-16_(06-2020).pdf