Medium Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breaker Arc Chute Assembly

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Medium Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breaker Arc Chute Assembly

Definition

The arc chute assembly is a specialized sub-assembly designed to rapidly extinguish electrical arcs generated during circuit interruption in medium voltage vacuum circuit breakers. It functions as the primary arc quenching mechanism within the vacuum interrupter chamber, ensuring safe and reliable interruption of fault currents in electrical distribution networks. This component is essential for protecting electrical equipment and maintaining system stability by preventing arc re-ignition and minimizing contact erosion. Its precise engineering allows for consistent performance across thousands of switching operations in demanding industrial environments.

The assembly integrates a copper-chromium alloy contact system, high-strength ceramic insulators, and a stainless steel 304 structure. It is rated for system voltages from 12 to 40.5 kV, with interrupting currents from 25 to 40 kA, and continuous currents from 630 to 3150 A. The contact gap ranges from 8 to 12 mm, and the internal vacuum pressure is maintained between 1.0 and 1.6 Pa. Mechanical endurance is specified from 10,000 to 30,000 operations, with opening and closing times not exceeding 45 ms and 60 ms, respectively. Dielectric strength ranges from 28 to 75 kV/mm, and contact resistance is limited to 50 µΩ or less. The assembly operates in ambient temperatures from -40°C to 85°C and offers ingress protection from IP54 to IP65. The contact material grade is CuCr50, and the typical weight is between 5 and 15 kg.

All parameters are reference ranges that must be verified against the specific model and application with the legal manufacturer or supplier. Standards such as IEC 62271-100, IEC 62271-1, GB/T 5585, and IEC 60529 are listed as procurement references, not as evidence of certification or compliance. The assembly is a component intended for integration into medium voltage switchgear systems, and its performance depends on proper installation and maintenance.

Working Principle

When contacts separate during circuit interruption, the arc chute's magnetic field drives the arc into segmented plates where it's cooled, lengthened, and extinguished through deionization and voltage withstand recovery.

Common Materials

Copper-Chromium Alloy, High-Strength Ceramic Insulator, Stainless Steel 304

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Rated VoltageRequired	12–40.5 kV	Maximum system voltage for safe operationIEC 62271-100
Rated Interrupting CurrentRequired	25–40 kA	Maximum symmetrical RMS current that can be safely interruptedIEC 62271-100
Contact GapRequired	8–12 mm	Distance between contacts in open position
Operating PressureRequired	1.0–1.6 Pa	Internal vacuum pressure maintained in chamberISO 5208
Mechanical EnduranceRequired	10000–30000 operations	Number of mechanical operations before maintenanceIEC 62271-100
Dielectric Strength	28–75 kV/mm	Electrical insulation capability between contactsIEC 62271-1
Rated Current	630–3150 A	Continuous current carrying capacityIEC 62271-100
Contact Resistance	≤50 µΩ	Maximum resistance at rated currentIEC 62271-1
Opening Time	≤45 ms	Time from trip command to contact separationIEC 62271-100
Closing Time	≤60 ms	Time from close command to contact touchIEC 62271-100
Ambient Temperature	-40–85 °C	Operating temperature range for the assemblyIEC 62271-1
Degree of Protection	IP54–IP65	Protection against dust and water ingressIEC 60529
Material Grade	CuCr50	Contact material for arc resistanceGB/T 5585
Weight	5–15 kg	Typical weight of the arc chute assembly

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 Chute Plates Part
Segment and cool the electrical arc through magnetic field interaction

Material: Copper-Chromium Alloy
Ceramic Insulator Housing Part
Provides electrical insulation and maintains vacuum integrity

Material: High-Alumina Ceramic
Contact Assembly
Creates and breaks electrical connection with arc initiation

Material: Copper-Chromium Alloy
Magnetic Field Coil Optional
Generates magnetic field to drive arc into chute plates

Material: Copper Wire with Epoxy Encapsulation
Stainless Steel End Caps Part
Seals the assembly and provides mounting interface

Material: Stainless Steel 304

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Medium Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breaker Arc Chute Assembly.

Manufacturers of Medium Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breaker Arc Chute Assembly

Manufacturer profiles associated with Medium Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breaker Arc Chute Assembly.

Sourcing Medium Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breaker Arc Chute Assembly from China?

Tell us your specification and target quantity — we will match it against manufacturer records and come back with the factories that fit.

Request manufacturers We manufacture this

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of the arc chute assembly?

It rapidly extinguishes electrical arcs during circuit interruption, preventing arc re-ignition and minimizing contact erosion.

What are the typical voltage and current ratings?

Rated voltage is 12-40.5 kV, interrupting current is 25-40 kA, and rated current is 630-3150 A, per IEC 62271-100.

What materials are used in the assembly?

Copper-chromium alloy for contacts, high-strength ceramic insulators, and stainless steel 304 for structural parts.

How should the assembly be verified for a specific application?

All parameters are reference ranges; confirm model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Data Basis

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

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Buyer enquiry

Request manufacturing insight for Medium Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breaker Arc Chute Assembly

Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.

Where it goes: Straight to the CNFX editorial desk, and to the manufacturer if this product is linked to a claimed profile. Nothing is broadcast to a supplier list.
Your details stay here: We do not sell or rent enquiry data, and we do not add you to a mailing list. Used only to answer this request.
No commission, no middleman: CNFX is a directory. We take no cut of any order and never negotiate on a supplier's behalf.
What we don't claim: A listing is not an endorsement. Qualify every supplier and verify every figure yourself before ordering.

pressure:	0.1 Pa to 10⁻⁵ Pa (vacuum level), 10-15 kV (rated voltage)
other spec:	Rated current: 630-4000A, Breaking capacity: 12.5-40 kA, Mechanical endurance: 10,000 operations
temperature:	-40°C to +40°C (ambient), 1000°C+ (arc plasma transient)