The VCB is designed to switch on or off electrical circuits during both normal operation and fault conditions, such as short circuits.
- Arc Quenching: It uses a high-vacuum environment (contained in the dark-colored vertical "bottles" or interrupters seen in the image) to rapidly extinguish the electrical arc that forms when contacts separate.
- Spring-Operated Mechanism: The unit utilizes a modular spring-stored energy system. Energy is typically stored by an internal motor or manually using a charging handle.
- Speed: It can interrupt current flow within milliseconds, providing fast protection to downstream equipment.
Technical Specifications
While exact ratings depend on the specific model variation, standard VS1 units feature:
- Rated Voltage: 12 kV.
- Rated Current: Typically ranges from 630A to 1250A, but can go higher (up to 4000A).
- Breaking Capacity: Typically rated for short-circuit currents between 20kA and 40kA.
- Service Life: Highly durable, often rated for 20,000 mechanical operations with minimal maintenance.
Visual Components
Dark Insulated Cylinders (Poles): Housing for the vacuum interrupters where the actual current interruption occurs.
Front Control Panel: Includes red and green push buttons for manual opening/closing, a mechanical indicator for "charged/discharged" spring status, and an operations counter.
Handcart Frame: The wheeled base (if equipped) allows the unit to be "racked" in or out of a switchgear panel like the KYN28-12 for safe maintenance.