Vacuum interrupter technology

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Vacuum interrupters are switching devices that use a pair of separable contacts in an enclosed vacuum-tight chamber. When the switching device is operated, the contacts open and close within the vacuum sealed chamber. As the contacts separate, particles between them are ionized and an arc is created. However, the arc is quickly extinguished because the sealed vacuum chamber acts as the quenching medium. Lucas Speaker, Power System Experience Center (PSEC) Engineer, walks us through with illustrations of how the internal components interact during operation. In terms of power systems, vacuum interrupter technology is critical in medium voltage transmission and distribution systems and devices. Some examples include: • Medium voltage breakers • Vacuum fault interrupter (VFI) transformers • Medium voltage load break switches • Reclosers • Low voltage and medium voltage contactors • Tap changers However, Lucas also explains that vacuum interrupter capabilities also allow them to be used for: • Repetitive switching • Motor inrush current interruption • Overcurrent interruption • Short-circuit protection Vacuum interrupter design is important to how it performs and the rating at which it can be used. Lucas takes time to show us the three most common designs and their associated ratings: • Solid butt • Spiral transverse magnetic field (TMF) • Axial magnetic field To learn more about vacuum interrupter specifications and other resources, visit our website: https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/catalog/electrical-circuit-protection/custom-vacuum-interrupters.html Thank you for watching one of our many educational videos on the topic of power systems. Schedule a visit to one of Eaton's Power Systems Experience Centers in either Pittsburgh or Houston to learn more! To learn more about Eaton products and our Power Systems Experience Centers: http://eaton.com/experience To view more educational videos from Eaton's Power Systems Experience Centers: http://videos.eaton.com/experience Chapters 00:00 Opening 00:12 Introduction 01:30 What is a vacuum interrupter? 02:37 What products use vacuum interrupters? 03:50 Industries that use vacuum interrupters 04:13 Vacuum interrupter design 05:43 Eaton industry standard 07:58 Conclusion #vacuuminterrupter #powersystem #engineering