Vacuum interrupter technology

Vacuum interrupters are switching devices that use a pair of separable contacts in an enclosed vacuum-tight chamber. When the switching device is operated, the contacts open and close within the vacuum sealed chamber. As the contacts separate, particles between them are ionized and an arc is created. However, the arc is quickly extinguished because the sealed vacuum chamber acts as the quenching medium.

Lucas Speaker, Power System Experience Center (PSEC) Engineer, walks us through with illustrations of how the internal components interact during operation. In terms of power systems, vacuum interrupter technology is critical in medium voltage transmission and distribution systems and devices. Some examples include:
• Medium voltage breakers
• Vacuum fault interrupter (VFI) transformers
• Medium voltage load break switches
• Reclosers
• Low voltage and medium voltage contactors
• Tap changers

However, Lucas also explains that vacuum interrupter capabilities also allow them to be used for:
• Repetitive switching
• Motor inrush current interruption
• Overcurrent interruption
• Short-circuit protection

Vacuum interrupter design is important to how it performs and the rating at which it can be used. Lucas takes time to show us the three most common designs and their associated ratings:
• Solid butt
• Spiral transverse magnetic field (TMF)
• Axial magnetic field

To learn more about vacuum interrupter specifications and other resources, visit our website: https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/catalo...

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Chapters
00:00 Opening
00:12 Introduction
01:30 What is a vacuum interrupter?
02:37 What products use vacuum interrupters?
03:50 Industries that use vacuum interrupters
04:13 Vacuum interrupter design
05:43 Eaton industry standard
07:58 Conclusion

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