Arc Quenching Chamber for OLTC Diverter Switches

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Arc Quenching Chamber

Definition

The Arc Quenching Chamber is a critical component of the Diverter Switch in an On-Load Tap Changer (OLTC) system. Its primary function is to safely contain and extinguish the electrical arcs that form when the diverter switch interrupts current during tap-changing operations. This prevents damage to contacts, maintains system reliability, and ensures safe operation of the transformer. The chamber is designed to handle high voltages and currents, with rated voltages typically ranging from 12 to 40.5 kV and rated currents from 630 to 3150 A, according to IEC 60265-1. It must also withstand short-circuit breaking currents up to 20–50 kA per IEC 62271-100. The arc extinguishing time is typically 10–30 ms. The chamber operates under pressures of 1.0–1.6 MPa, with a maximum leakage rate of 0.5% per year as per IEC 62271-1. Insulation levels range from 28 to 95 kV lightning impulse withstand voltage. Mechanical endurance is rated for 10,000 to 30,000 operations without maintenance, and the operating temperature range is -40 to 85°C. The chamber is protected against dust and water jets to IP54–IP65. Materials used include high-temperature resistant insulating materials such as ceramic or fiberglass-reinforced plastic, arc-resistant contact materials like copper-tungsten alloys, and metallic arc runners or splitter plates. The material grade for glass fiber reinforced thermoset is SMC/DMC per GB/T 1303.2. The weight varies from 5 to 15 kg depending on voltage class and design. These values are reference ranges; verify model-specific parameters with the manufacturer.

Working Principle

When the diverter switch opens to change taps, an electrical arc forms between the separating contacts. The Arc Quenching Chamber uses a combination of techniques to rapidly extinguish this arc: 1) Forcing the arc into a narrow, elongated path to increase its voltage drop and resistance, 2) Cooling the arc through contact with insulating materials or gases, 3) Utilizing magnetic fields to drive the arc into arc runners or splitter plates that divide and cool it, and 4) Creating a high-pressure gas blast (in some designs) to physically blow out the arc.

Common Materials

High-temperature resistant insulating material (e.g., ceramic, fiberglass-reinforced plastic), Arc-resistant contact materials (e.g., copper-tungsten alloys), Metallic arc runners/splitter plates

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Rated Voltage	12–40.5 kV	Maximum system voltage for arc extinctionIEC 60265-1
Rated Current	630–3150 A	Continuous current capacityIEC 60265-1
Breaking Capacity	20–50 kA	Short-circuit breaking currentIEC 62271-100
Arc Extinguishing Time	10–30 ms	Time to extinguish arc after contact separation
Leakage Rate	≤0.5 %/year	Maximum allowable gas leakage per yearIEC 62271-1
Insulation Level	28–95 kV	Lightning impulse withstand voltageIEC 62271-1
Mechanical Endurance	10000–30000 operations	Number of operations without maintenanceIEC 62271-100
Operating Temperature	-40–85 °C	Ambient temperature range for operationIEC 62271-1
Ingress Protection	IP54–IP65	Protection against dust and water jetsIEC 60529
Material Grade	SMC/DMC	Glass fiber reinforced thermoset for arc resistanceGB/T 1303.2
Weight	5–15 kg	Depends on voltage class and design

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Arc Runners/Splitter Plates Part
Divide and elongate the arc to cool and extinguish it

Material: Copper or copper alloy
Insulating Walls Part
Contain the arc and prevent flashover to other components

Material: Ceramic or high-temperature plastic
Contact Assembly
Carry current and initiate arc formation during opening

Material: Copper-tungsten alloy

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Diverter Switch (for OLTC)

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Arc Quenching Chamber

Manufacturer profiles associated with Arc Quenching Chamber.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of an arc quenching chamber?

The primary function is to safely contain and extinguish electrical arcs that form when the diverter switch interrupts current during tap-changing operations, preventing contact damage and ensuring transformer reliability.

What are typical rated voltage and current ranges for arc quenching chambers?

Typical rated voltages range from 12 to 40.5 kV, and rated currents from 630 to 3150 A, per IEC 60265-1. These are reference ranges; confirm exact values for your specific model.

Which standards apply to arc quenching chambers?

Relevant standards include IEC 60265-1 for rated voltage and current, IEC 62271-100 for breaking capacity and mechanical endurance, and IEC 62271-1 for leakage rate, insulation level, and operating temperature. Always verify compliance with the manufacturer.

How does the arc quenching chamber extinguish the arc?

It uses techniques such as elongating the arc, cooling it with insulating materials or gases, using magnetic fields to drive it into splitter plates, and in some designs, creating a high-pressure gas blast to blow out the arc.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	0.5 to 2.5 bar absolute (typical quenching pressure range)
other spec:	Arc energy handling: 10-100 kJ per operation, Interrupting current: 100-2000 A, Voltage class: 10-500 kV
temperature:	-40°C to +150°C (operating), -60°C to +200°C (storage)

Arc Quenching Chamber

Product Specifications

Applied To / Applications

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