Vacuum Circuit Breaker

Content of training
 Main components of VCB
 Working of VCB mechanism
 Electrical and Mechanical Interlocking
 Identification of problem in VCB
 Procedure to resolve typical issues
 Reasons of malfunctioning of VCB and their
rectification
 Why proper communication is required for
personal Safety
 Case Studies
VCB Key Feature
 Very high mechanical endurance.
 Requires very less maintenance if everything is well with the
interrupter
 Non explosive/ no fire risk
 Low Noise Level
 VCB are cleaner than Oil circuit breaker
 10 years/10,000 operations
 High speed dielectric recovery
LV Chamber
Relay, Meter,
MFM, TNC, LR
switch etc.

HV Chamber
Circuit Breaker,
CT, PT, etc.
Main Parts
Post Insulators Upper support

Pole Assemblies
Operating Mechanism Box

Vacuum
Interrupters

Operating Rods Lower support

Front view with and without cover Auxiliary switch

Push Button ON
PB OFF

C/O Indication
Counter

Jack Shaft
Spring charge indication
Closing Coil Tripping Coil
 Control wiring socket

H
Breaker Arm a
n
Tulip d
contact l
e
Interrupter
Spindle

Key
Support insulator

Coupling of moving CB truck

contact
VCB Operating Mechanism
The whole operating mechanism with releases, auxiliary switches,
indicators and actuating devices is accommodated in the operating
mechanism box
 Main Parts of Mechanism Box
1) Spring Charging and closing mechanism with closing coil
2) Trip Mechanism with trip coil
3) Auxiliary switch for CB status
4) Mechanical flags
5) Limit switches
Critical checks before closing
• Before closing ensure that VCB is in Service/Test position properly
with the help of LED’s available on panel.
• VCB chamber door is closed properly
• Breaker should be off /open position.
• Both trip circuit should Healthy check the assigned LED.
• Anti pumping is not operated
• Master (86) relay not operated check master flag
• In case of IC CB also check voltage LED
Working Closing Mechanism
• In stored-energy mechanism, before closing of VCB we need to
charge spring of that particular VCB.
• Spring can be charged manually by using charging handle or
electrically by motor coupling with gear mechanism.
• It latches tight at the end of the charging process and serves as an
energy store.
• Now to close the breaker, the closing spring can be unlatched either
mechanically by means of the local “ON” pushbutton electrically by
remote control.
• The closing spring charges the opening or contact pressure springs as
the breaker closes.
Vertical force exerted on jack shaft
rod moves coupling rods and moving
contact makes contact with fixed
contact in interrupter.
In the closed state, the necessary
contact pressure is maintained by the
contact pressure springs and the
atmospheric pressure.
The contact pressure spring
automatically compensates for arc
erosion, which is very small

Contact pressure spring

Working Trip Mechanism
• Generally, CB trips on protection command issued from relay
• But in case we need to trip the CB for shutdown purpose
• Check trip circuit and tripping coil healthy.
• Breaker should be on/close position.
• There are not any interlock features in regard trip
• Now you can trip or open VCB by using TNC Switch to open position
electrically or manually by using push button or rod.
What is Trip-free Mechanism
Trip-free mechanism according to IEC 62271-100.
 In the event of an opening command being given after a closing
operation has been initiated, the moving contacts return to the open
position and remain there even if the closing command is sustained.
 In simple words, It is a condition in which the mechanism is designed
such that the tripping or opening function takes precedence over
closing function
 It is important safety features as it assures that decision to open a CB
dominates over the command to close
What is Antipumping Mechanism
• What is pumping-Continuous closing and opening command is known
as pumping
• Continuous command may be unintentional as a case TNC switch
remains in close due to failure of its spring.
• So a antipumping device is installed to prevent coil from burning
• Antipumping: It is device in C.B. whose function is to prevent
multiple breaker closures. It prevents closing mechanism by assuring
that CB closes only once for one close command
Mechanical & Electrical Interlocks
A modern day breaker is provided with the following Interlocks:
(1) The truck cannot be moved from either ‘test’ to ‘service’ position or
vice versa, when the circuit breaker is ‘ON’.
(2) The circuit breaker cannot be switched ‘ON’ when the truck is in any
position between ‘test’ and ‘service’ position.
(3) CB key cannot be inserted until VCB chamber door is locked
(4) CB cannot be switched on if key is not removed
(5) Door will not open if VCB in service position
(6) In ABB make switchgear door will not open if DC supply is not
present
Vacuum Interrupter detailed view
Identification of problems in VCB
Circuit Breaker Not Closing, following reasons may be there
1.Spring is not charged- charge the spring mechanically or electrically
2.Closing coil may be faulty- replace the coil
3.Electrical closing circuit is not healthy- fix the circuit
4.Auxiliary switch is not healthy- check and replace
5.Trip circuit is not healthy-fix the circuit probem
6.Breaker is not properly racked-in- Make sure correct position
7.Master Relay is operated- Reset master relay
8. Breaker is already ON Position
9. Some mechanical problem
10. Emergency button is pushed
11. Key not turned properly
Typical Issues
• Spring charging motor is moving continuously
• Breaker is in half closing state
• VCB handle not able to insert
• VCB test or service position is not glowing
• VCB slipping issue
• VCB rack-in becomes very tight
• Door not closing
• VCB not tripping
• CB ON/OFF indication not glowing
• VCB arms moisturized
(a) Spring charging motor is moving continuously

Reasons
 Spring charging motor shaft pin damaged
 Spring charging mechanism groove damaged
 Misalignment of charging mechanism
 VCB jammed in half closing position
Solution
Trip main ac MCB/remove ac fuse immediately
Inform to control room asap
(b) Breaker jammed in half closing-this condition may cause damage
to interrupter due to sparking & there will be no LED indication of
ON/OFF
Reasons
Key not removed properly & closing command given
Key left in side the slot & closing command given
Closing spring mechanically misaligned due to lose bolts

Solution
• Immediately inform to control room
(c) VCB slipping issue

Reasons
Pole discrepancy beyond permissible limit-2ms
 Trip plunger stuck
 86 picked-up

Solution
Immediately inform to control room asap
(d) Obstruction during VCB rack-in

Reason
 May be shutter operation is tight
 VCB may be misaligned
 Tulip contact may be bent/burnt
Spindle groove damaged

Solution
Immediately inform to control room asap
Must check Things
1. Always work only on a de-energized circuit breaker.
2. The circuit breaker should be isolated, grounded and have all control
power removed before performing any tests, maintenance or repair.
3. Always perform maintenance on the circuit breaker after the spring-
charged
mechanisms are discharged.
4. Check to be certain that the indicator flags read OPEN and
DISCHARGED.
5. Always let an interlock device or safety mechanism perform its
function without forcing or defeating the device.
A few maintenance practices
i) To ensure the level of vacuum (by de-engaging the moving rod from
the mechanism).
ii) To assess the main contact wear and tear (from the ‘ ’ mark in the
moving stem).
iii) To carry out thorough physical inspection of the bottle and pull rod
to find out trace of flash or tracking mark, if any.
iv) Use solid lubricant (graphite grease) for the mechanism and other
moving parts.
Mechanism
Replacement
VCB interrupter failure