Connect and protect in primary distribution

Grid Components

Connect and protect in primary distribution

Primary Vacuum Circuit Breakers

ABB’s medium voltage vacuum circuit breakers for primary distribution protect the evolving grid by safely interrupting the power flow when a grid anomality happens and then re-establishing it once is fixed. Grid anomalies can be caused by over currents - the overload through lightning or malfunctioning electric equipment or a short circuit in the system. ABB’s medium voltage vacuum circuit breakers are key components, in a medium-voltage switchgear, to ensure continuous and safe power flow to industrial, commercial, and residential users.  

ABB’s circuit breakers have been a market benchmark for over 35 years. ABB’s vacuum interrupters, within the circuit breakers, are embedded in poles for protection against humidity, shocks and dust.

ABB’s circuit breakers are available for original equipment manufacturers (OEM), panel builders and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPCs) partners to incorporate in their own installations or for use in repair, retrofit and upgrade projects. 

ABB supports customers and partners in staying ahead of increasing electrification needs, technology, and regulatory changes, providing the power to adapt to a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

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Vacuum circuit breakers for generic applications

Vacuum circuit breakers for dedicated applications


Product scope

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 vd4_400x200VM1-400x200VD4_AF1VD4 AF1VD4 CS400x200VD4 CS400x200VD4G400x200
  VD4/VD4 evo
VM1 
VD4-AF 
VD4-AF1 
VD4-CS 
VD4-CS1
VD4-G 
Rated voltage up to 46 kV up to 24 kV up to 38 kV up to 38 kV up to 38 kV up to 38 kV up to 15 kV 
Rated currentup to 4,000 A up to 3,150 A up to 2,500 A 
3,150 A in fixed
version 		up to 2,500 A 
3,150A in fixed
version		up to 1,250 A up to 1,250 A up to 4,000 A 
Rated
short circuit current 		up to 63 kA up to 50 kA up to 31.5 kA 
40 kA in fixed version 		up to 31.5 kA 
40 kA in fixed version 		up to 31.5 kA up to 31.5 kA up to 63 kA in System Fed Fault condition 
Technology Vacuum Vacuum Vacuum Vacuum Vacuum Vacuum Vacuum 
Operating mechanism Mechanical Linear magnetic actuator Servomotors Servomotors with synchronization Servomotors with synchronization Servomotors with synchronizationMechanical 
Mechanical operations 30,000 overhaul-free operations on most ratings 30,000 overhaul-free operations 150,000 overhaul-free operations 150,000 overhaul-free and inrush-free operations;20,000 overhaul-free and noise-free operations 
10,000 in back-to-back capacitive operations 		20,000
overhaul-free operations with transients minimization anytime  (independently
by the charge of the capacitor bank)		30,000 overhaul-free
operations on 
Monitoring & Diagnostic Yes,
for 17.5 kV, 1,250 A and 40 kA1 		No Yes Yes Yes No No 
Standards IEC, GOST IEC IEC IEC IEC IECIEC, IEEE 62271-37-013 
Industries Generic: all applications, incl. marine Generic for highly demand application: chemical, steelworks; and standard applications in automobile industry, airports, large buildings and shopping malls For steel furnaces applications For steel furnaces applications Reactive power compensation in renewables, utilities and industrial applications Power quality applications, Utilities, Renewables, Energy demanding industries (green steel)For generator applications 

1 Monitoring and diagnostics to be constantly added to more ratings.

 

 


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FAQ

1. What is a vacuum circuit breaker? 

A vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) is a protection device for electrical circuits capable of interrupting the energy flow in a circuit during normal operations, maintenance or in case of a potential anomality in the grid. The core component in ABB’s vacuum circuit breakers are the vacuum interrupters, where the current is extinguished and are embedded inside the poles. Vacuum technology in medium voltage is a mature and well tested technology, there where products in the market since 1950s. 

2. How does a vacuum circuit breaker work? 

Vacuum circuit breakers protect the evolving grid by safely interrupting the power flow when a grid anomality happens and then re-establishing it once is fixed. Grid anomalies can be caused by over currents - the overload through lightning or malfunctioning electric equipment or a short circuit in the system. The vacuum circuit breakers interrupt the current through the vacuum interrupters, where the current is extinguished and are embedded inside the poles. 

3. How do ABB’s circuit breakers protect against environmental factors?  

ABB’s circuit breakers feature vacuum interrupters embedded in poles, which protect against humidity, shocks, and dust. This design ensures durability and reduces the risk of failure due to contamination, tracking, or partial discharge. 

4. What’s the difference between a vacuum circuit breaker and a switch disconnector? 

The main difference between a vacuum circuit breaker and a switch disconnector is that the circuit breaker is capable to protect the electrical circuit by clearing the fault currents. The switch disconnector instead will not interrupt the fault current, but once opened it permits to operate on the disconnected part of the plant guaranteeing the insulation from the still active part of the electrical circuit. 

5. Does ABB offer other type of circuit breakers than vacuum ones? 

Yes, ABB offers also SF6 circuit breaker: the HD4. ABB’s complete transition to SF6-free portfolio will be phased in line with our ambitious sustainability targets, evolving regulatory deadlines, market demand, and production capacity. 
6. What are the key benefits of ABB’s vacuum circuit breakers? 

Vacuum technology offers many advantages: 

  • It does not require any additional refill of gas (SF6) or oil, after the operation the vacuum automatically recovers its insulating properties – as a consequence, vacuum circuit breakers require minimal maintenance. 
  • The vacuum grants a high dielectric strength allowing a compact design. 
  • The electrical arc is contained inside the vacuum interrupters contributing to a reduced footprint. 
  • Environmentally friendly, vacuum circuit breakers do not use greenhouse gases to break the current.
7. Are ABB’s vacuum circuit breakers easy to maintain?  
Yes, they are. ABB’s vacuum circuit breakers demand very low maintenance.  
8. Are ABB’s vacuum circuit breakers customizable for specific needs? 
Yes, they are. Our customers can select the best customization and accessories for the circuit breaker among those available. ABB also has specific circuit breakers for specific applications such as VD4G for generator applications, VD4-CS for inrush free capacitor bank operations, VD4-AF and AF1 for electrical arc furnaces transformers

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