Editorial Technical Reference

Medium Voltage Vacuum Interrupter Module

This page explains how Medium Voltage Vacuum Interrupter Module is classified within Manufacture of Electricity Distribution and Control Apparatus. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

Core vacuum switching component for medium voltage circuit breakers and contactors.

Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Medium Voltage Vacuum Interrupter Module

Definition
The Medium Voltage Vacuum Interrupter Module is a hermetically sealed vacuum chamber assembly that provides arc interruption capability in medium voltage electrical distribution equipment. This critical component enables safe, reliable circuit interruption by extinguishing electrical arcs within a vacuum environment, preventing contact erosion and gas generation. It serves as the primary switching element in circuit breakers, contactors, and load break switches for industrial and utility applications. Manufacturers integrate these modules into larger switchgear assemblies for power distribution networks, substations, and industrial facilities.

This module is designed for use in systems with rated voltages from 12 to 40.5 kV and rated currents from 630 to 3150 A, with breaking capacities up to 25–50 kA. The contact gap ranges from 8 to 12 mm, and the internal vacuum pressure is maintained between 1e-3 and 1e-5 Pa to ensure optimal arc extinction. The module offers a mechanical life of 10,000 to 30,000 operations, with contact resistance of ≤20 µΩ at rated current after conditioning, and requires a contact force of 2000 to 5000 N to ensure low resistance. It operates within an ambient temperature range of -40 to 85 °C, and for pollution level II, the creepage distance is ≥240 mm. The insulation level, as per lightning impulse withstand voltage, ranges from 75 to 200 kV. The weight varies from 8 to 25 kg depending on voltage and current rating.

Materials used include oxygen-free copper, chromium-copper alloy, high-alumina ceramic, and stainless steel 304. These materials are selected for their electrical conductivity, arc resistance, and mechanical strength. The module is designed to meet the requirements of IEC 62271-100 and IEC 62271-1, and the creepage distance is referenced to IEC 60815. However, specific model values and standards must be verified with the legal manufacturer or supplier for each application.
Working Principle
When the contacts separate within the high-vacuum chamber, the current path is interrupted, and a metal vapor arc plasma forms. The arc is sustained by the vaporized contact material. Due to the rapid condensation of the metal vapor on the contact surfaces and the chamber walls, the arc quickly extinguishes, interrupting the current flow. The vacuum environment prevents the formation of gas that could sustain the arc, and the contact design ensures efficient arc quenching.
Common Materials
Oxygen-Free Copper, Chromium-Copper Alloy, High-Alumina Ceramic, Stainless Steel 304
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Rated VoltageRequired12–40.5 kVMaximum system voltage for continuous operationIEC 62271-100
Rated CurrentRequired630–3150 AContinuous current carrying capacityIEC 62271-100
Breaking CapacityRequired25–50 kAMaximum short-circuit current that can be safely interruptedIEC 62271-100
Contact GapRequired8–12 mmDistance between open contacts in vacuum chamber
Vacuum PressureRequired1e-3–1e-5 PaInternal chamber pressure for optimal arc extinctionIEC 62271-1
Mechanical Life10000–30000 operationsNumber of mechanical operations before maintenanceIEC 62271-100
Contact Resistance≤20 µΩAt rated current, after conditioningIEC 62271-1
Contact Force2000–5000 NRequired to ensure low resistance
Operating Temperature Range-40–85 °CAmbient temperature limitsIEC 62271-1
Creepage Distance≥240 mmFor pollution level IIIEC 60815
Insulation Level75–200 kVLightning impulse withstand voltageIEC 62271-1
Weight8–25 kgDepends on voltage and current rating

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
  • Vacuum Chamber
    Hermetically sealed enclosure maintaining vacuum environment
    Material: High-Alumina Ceramic
  • Moving Contact Part
    Electrically conductive surface that separates to interrupt current
    Material: Chromium-Copper Alloy
  • Fixed Contact Part
    Stationary electrical contact surface
    Material: Chromium-Copper Alloy
  • Metal Bellows Part
    Flexible seal allowing contact movement while maintaining vacuum
    Material: Stainless Steel 304
  • Shield Assembly Optional Part
    Internal metallic shields to control arc plasma distribution
    Material: Oxygen-Free Copper

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Medium Voltage Vacuum Interrupter Module.

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: 0.1 to 101.3 kPa (vacuum integrity), 0.1 to 0.5 MPa (external gas pressure)
other spec: Rated voltage: 3.6 to 40.5 kV, Rated current: 630 to 4000 A, Short-circuit breaking current: 12.5 to 63 kA, Mechanical endurance: 10,000 to 30,000 operations
temperature: -40°C to +40°C (ambient), -40°C to +105°C (storage)
Media Compatibility
✓ SF6 gas insulation ✓ Dry air insulation ✓ Solid insulation systems
Unsuitable: Corrosive or conductive dust environments
Sizing Data Required
  • Rated system voltage (kV)
  • Rated normal current (A)
  • Short-circuit breaking capacity (kA)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Contact erosion
Cause: Arcing during interruption causes material transfer and surface degradation, leading to increased contact resistance and potential welding
Vacuum loss
Cause: Micro-leaks in bellows or seals allowing air ingress, compromising dielectric strength and interrupting capability
Maintenance Indicators
  • Audible arcing or popping during normal operation
  • Visible discoloration or tracking marks on ceramic housing
Engineering Tips
  • Implement regular contact resistance measurements and compare against baseline to detect early erosion
  • Maintain proper contact wipe and overtravel specifications during installation to ensure consistent pressure and alignment

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
IEC 62271-100: High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 100: Alternating-current circuit-breakers ANSI/IEEE C37.04: Standard Rating Structure for AC High-Voltage Circuit Breakers Rated on a Symmetrical Current Basis DIN EN 62271-100: High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 100: Alternating-current circuit-breakers (German adoption of IEC 62271-100)

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Contact gap: +/-0.1 mm
  • Shield concentricity: 0.05 mm TIR (Total Indicator Runout)
Quality Inspection
  • X-ray inspection for internal assembly integrity and vacuum level verification
  • High-potential (Hi-Pot) dielectric withstand test at rated voltage plus safety margin

Manufacturers of Medium Voltage Vacuum Interrupter Module

5 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Shaanxi Huadian Electric Co., Ltd.
Shaanxi, CN
1000 staff10,000 square meters
ISO9001:2000
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
XBRELE
Zhejiang, CN
ISO9001
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
ZHEJIANG VOLCANO ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD.
Zhejiang, CN
over 10000 m²
ISO 9001 3C CQC
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
HONGFA
Xiamen, Fujian, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Wrindu
Shanghai, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical application of this vacuum interrupter module?

It is used as the primary switching element in medium voltage circuit breakers, contactors, and load break switches for power distribution networks, substations, and industrial facilities.

What are the key parameters to consider when selecting this module?

Key parameters include rated voltage, rated current, breaking capacity, contact gap, vacuum pressure, mechanical life, contact resistance, contact force, operating temperature range, creepage distance, insulation level, and weight. These must be matched to the specific application requirements.

Which standards are referenced for this product?

The module references IEC 62271-100 for rated voltage, current, breaking capacity, and mechanical life; IEC 62271-1 for vacuum pressure, contact resistance, operating temperature, and insulation level; and IEC 60815 for creepage distance. Compliance must be verified with the manufacturer.

How does the vacuum interrupter extinguish the arc?

When contacts separate, a metal vapor arc forms. The arc is quickly extinguished because the metal vapor condenses on the contact surfaces and chamber walls, reducing the plasma density and interrupting current flow.

Data Basis

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

Preliminary Technical Classification
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