The VCB (Vacuum Circuit Breaker) is an essential electrical device that can be used to switch on/off medium voltage electrical systems and provide physical separation between electrical circuits. VCBs provide protection, isolation, and interrupt faults in a range of industry sectors and applications including renewable energy, smart grids, and industrial electrification.
Vacuum Circuit Breakers have long-term advantages, such as they require less maintenance and have a much lower environmental impact when compared with conventional oil or SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) based switching methods. Because of these factors, many utilities, EPC contractors, and industries choose to utilize Vacuum Circuit Breakers as their primary source of power.
Zhejiang Fuerte Electrical Apparatus Co., Ltd. (ZF) has been operating as an expert manufacturer for medium voltage power distribution and electrical protection devices since its establishment in 1985. It is a global exporter with production facilities exporting to over 60 different nations throughout the world.
What is a Vacuum Circuit Breaker?
The Vacuum Circuit Breaker is a switching device for medium voltage that interrupts the electrical current in an enclosed environment, called the vacuum, by way of the enclosed vacuum interrupter. The arc is extinguished in the enclosed, vacuum environment when the contacts separate. Each vacuum circuit breaker uses a different type of dielectric material that provide a high level of insulation strength.
Its construction allows quick extinguishing of ARC, stable dielectric recovery, and good electrical endurance—making it very usable for frequent switching operations.
Medium Voltage Switchgear Applications
Medium voltage switchgear systems use Vacuum Circuit Breakers as a primary means of providing power distribution and protection in both industrial and utility networks.
Commonly installed in sub-stations, industrial warehouses, renewable energy farms, mining sites, and other types of construction.
Arc Interruption Principle
The principle of operation of Vacuum Circuit Breakers is accomplished by interrupting the fault current at its current zero by means of extinguishing the arc.
Ensuring a rapid dielectric recovery, a reduced amount of contact wear, and a stable switching operation is achieved through this process.
Manufacturing Capability and Industrial Experience
The manufacture of medium voltage equipment at Zhejiang Fuerte Electrical Apparatus Co., Ltd. has been successfully performed for 40 years. The company has a 36,216 m² production site with approximately 220 employees and exports products to over 60 countries.
Their construction system was developed with a plan to produce repeatable products on an ongoing basis through their relationships with utility companies, EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contractors and switchgear manufacturers.
Quality Assurance and Certification
Pour garantir des processus de fabrication homogènes et un perfectionnement permanent, Fuerte s’implique au sein d’un système de management de la qualité certifié ISO 9001.
Third-party testing for select products has occurred through a variety of globally recognized testing bodies such as KEMA, CESI, and Powertech.
Routine testing can be performed on various items. Examples of types of tests to be done are: dielectric withstand, contact resistance, mechanical operation verification, and vacuum integrity testing.
Industry Standards and Market Trends
Vacuum circuit breakers comply with established, internationally accepted standards for use with medium voltage electrical systems.
Reference: IEC High Voltage Switchgear Standards
Vacuum switchgear is becoming more popular on a global scale because of the transition away from SF6-based technologies due to regulations related to the environment and energy transition-related policies.
Vacuum Circuit Breaker vs SF6 Circuit Breaker
| Feature | Vacuum Circuit Breaker | SF6 Circuit Breaker |
|---|---|---|
| Arc Medium | Vacuum | SF6 Gas |
| Environmental Impact | No greenhouse gas emission | High global warming potential |
| Maintenance | Low | High (gas monitoring required) |
| Lifecycle Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Application Range | Medium voltage systems | Medium to high voltage systems |
Technical Specification (12kV / 24kV / 36kV)
| Parameter | 12kV | 24kV | 36kV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated Voltage | 12kV | 24kV | 36kV |
| Rated Current | 630–3150A | 630–2500A | 630–2000A |
| Breaking Capacity | 20–40kA | 20–31.5kA | 20–31.5kA |
| Insulation Level | 42kV | 60kV | 70–80kV |
| Mechanical Life | ≥10,000 operations | ≥10,000 operations | ≥10,000 operations |
OEM Manufacturing and Engineering Support
Fuerte offers a variety of OEM options, including private labels, custom nameplates/packaging options, and engineering documentation support. Global partners may take advantage of our services.
Applications
In distribution systems with voltages between 1,000 and 36,000 volts. There is a requirement for dependable switching operations, protection against faults, and safety of workers and equipment. Vacuum Circuit Breakers provide these needs because of their small size and ability to interrupt current in a reliable manner. The vacuum circuit breaker is an appropriate choice for many different kinds of industries and utilities.
1. Power Utility Substations
Feeder, transformer, and busbar switching protection are all done by using vacuum circuit breakers found inside electrical substations. By doing so, the vacuum circuit breakers provide the necessary stability to distribution networks and ensure that an area of fault can be isolated quickly to prevent a total loss of service to a system.
2. Industrial Manufacturing Facilities
In steel plants, chemical plants and automotive manufacturing are just a few of the countless heavy industries that use Vacuum Circuit Breakers to protect their most critical production equipment from both an electrical short-circuit and overload, while providing the safety necessary for uninterrupted production.
3. Renewable Energy Systems
Wind farms and solar power plants commonly use Vacuum Circuit Breakers (VCBs) to connect to the grid, protect the inverter, and protect the step-up transformer (if applicable). Because of the low maintenance need of VCBs, they are also an ideal choice for independently operated or remotely located installations.
4. Mining and Metallurgical Operations
Electrical safety is critical in mining and smelting operations that experience extreme working conditions. Vacuum switches will provide reliable switching even when the load varies frequently or is subjected to very high levels of mechanical stress.
5. Railway and Transportation Power Systems
Vacuum Circuit Breakers are used in electrification systems for railways and publicly funded transit (urban) systems to provide reliable power distribution of traction power and to provide protection of critical electrical systems from fault currents.
6. Commercial and Infrastructure Buildings
Vacuum Circuit Breakers are critical components of many large commercial structures, data centres, airports and hospitals; they will be the basis for providing uninterrupted power distribution throughout these facilities. Another significant point is that quick arc extinction provides increased reliability for critical infrastructure systems.
7. Oil, Gas, and Energy Infrastructure
Vacuum Circuit Breakers provide safe separation and protection for high-value electrical systems when used at oil refineries, offshore platforms, and other energy processing plants where high voltages are present in a challenging environment.
8. Water Treatment and Public Utilities
For continuous operation of public service, many water treatment plants and municipal utilities use a Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) to protect pumps, control distribution and isolate faulty equipment in an emergency.
Vacuum Circuit Breakers provide a critical solution for safe and reliable operations of both utility scale and industrial power systems. In applications that require a high degree of reliability, while also being low maintenance in time and cost through their very long service life overall, the use of Vacuum Circuit Breakers will become increasingly common.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Vacuum Circuit Breaker used for?
It is used to protect medium voltage systems by interrupting fault currents and isolating circuits.
What is the difference between VCB and SF6?
VCB uses vacuum interruption while SF6 uses gas insulation; VCB is more environmentally friendly.
Why is vacuum used in circuit breakers?
Vacuum provides high dielectric strength and enables fast arc extinction.
What voltage range do VCBs cover?
Typically 1kV to 40.5kV in medium voltage systems.
What are the advantages of VCB?
Low maintenance, long life, high reliability, and eco-friendly operation.
Due to their dependability, eco-friendliness and longevity, Vacuum Circuit Breakers have emerged as an essential technology of today’s medium voltage electrical systems.
Choosing an appropriate Vacuum Circuit Breaker for B2B customers includes the assessment of technical specifications, production capacity, quality control systems, and globally accepted standards.
Zhejiang Fuerte Electrical Apparatus Co., Ltd. has been in operation for over 40 years manufacturing and providing stable, export based manufacturing for power distribution projects around the world. They also provide OEM support for all medium voltage applications and provide a steady ongoing supply.
Reference: IEC 62271 High Voltage Switchgear Standards