points to be considered while selecting the appropriate bypass device for soft starter [ for medium

voltage application ]
Sr.
No.
1

Parameter

Vacuum contactor

Vacuum circuit breaker

Fault level

Upto 63 KA, typically 25 KA, suitable

for line side soft starter application.

Max. current
carrying
capacity
Closing and
tripping
mechanism

Up to 9 KA only, not suitable for line

side application due to fault level
limitation.
Max 400 A available

Solenoid operated, unreliable due to

dependency upon external
parameters wiz. control supply
quality, voltage dip due to heavy
switching solenoid current.
Limited due to small size and weak
mechanism of solenoid operated
armature
70mS
50mS
4-5 mm
5, limited by thermal capacity of
solenoid coils

Motor + spring charged operated,

guaranteed performance independent
of external parameters

Aux. contacts

5
6
8
9

Closing time
Tripping time
Contact travel
No of
consecutive
operation
Documented
total number of
operation

10

11

Availability and
makes

10,00,000 for vacuum bottles,

replace bottles after 10,00,000
operations

Up to 1600 A, typically 630-1250 A

Flexible and reliable due to strong

mechanism, typically more number of
contacts available
40mS
10mS
7-8 mm
25, limited by charging motor duty

20,00,000 for vacuum bottles,

Service breaker every after 1,00,000
operations for spring charging
mechanism
Local makes available with no service Jayashree make [ manufacturing
guarantee
outsourced tested and monitored by
Jayashree ] provided long service
support [ design life cycle planned up
to year 2025 ]