A vacuum interrupter is a core component used primarily in medium-voltage and high-voltage electrical circuit breakers. It’s a switch which uses a vacuum to extinguish the arc when the circuit breaker interrupts a current.

Function and Uses:

When there’s a short circuit or a fault in the electrical system, a high current flows through the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker’s primary function is to detect and interrupt these fault currents. This interruption causes an electrical arc, and in traditional air or oil circuit breakers, this arc is extinguished in a chamber filled with air, oil, or another medium.

However, in a vacuum interrupter, the arc is extinguished in a vacuum chamber. This vacuum provides some advantages:

– Fast Arc Extinguishing: The vacuum has superior dielectric strength, which means the arc is extinguished faster than in air or oil.

– Longer Lifespan: Vacuum interrupters have a longer mechanical and electrical lifespan because the vacuum environment minimizes the wear and tear on the contacts.

– Environmentally Friendly: Unlike SF6 gas circuit breakers, vacuum interrupters are environmentally friendly as they do not release harmful gases into the atmosphere.

– Less Maintenance: The sealed vacuum chamber requires minimal maintenance.

Uses:

• Medium and high voltage circuit breakers.
• Load break switches.
• Reclosers.
• Contactors.
• Tap changers in transformers.

Key Features:

• Conductivity
• High Purity (Ultra low Oxygen Content)
• Hydrogen Embrittlement
• Mechanical Strength
• Roundness
• Fine Structure