Handbook Vacuum circuit-breakers

type VD4

12 kV, …4000 A, ... 50 kA

17.5 kV, …4000 A, …40 kA
24 kV, …2500 A, …25 kA

ABB Power Distribution

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Contents Page
Foreword 3
General technical data
for medium-voltage switchgear 4
Switching with vacuum circuit-breakers 6
Vacuum circuit-breakers for switching
of all the loads which occur in practice 11
Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 13
Technical data 18
Ordering data and example 24
Ordering data 25
Technical data – Accessories 29
Ordering data – Accessories 35
Ordering data – Spare parts 36
Wiring diagrams 37
Dimension drawings 40

Foreword
This vacuum circuit-breaker
manual is intended to serve
electrical engineers engaged in
designing and planning switch-
gear installations as a work of refe-
rence combining both engineer-
ing aids and a catalogue of switch-
gear equipment for the voltage
range from  kV to 36 kV. In this
manual we have intentionally
surpassed the frame of reference
occupied by traditional catalogues.
Note:
In VDE standards 0670 and
00/IEC Publications 694 and
62, the equipment described
in this manual is referred to as
AC switchgear for voltages
above  kV
and
high-voltage switchgear.
In practical grid operations it
has however become usual to
describe equipment for voltages
between  kV and 36 kV
as
medium-voltage switchgear.
In the individual equipment
descriptions and tables we have
generally adopted this latter usage.
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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4
General technical data for medium voltage switchgear
Rated short-circuit breaking
current (symmetrical)
The figure quoted here represents
the effective value for the symme-
trical short-circuit breaking current
which the circuit-breaker is
capable of interrupting at rated
voltage.
Short-circuit breaking current
(asymmetrical)
The figure here refers to the effec-
tive value of the asymmetrical
breaking current which the circuit-
breaker is capable of interrupting
at rated voltage. When the DC
component is known, the asymme-
trical breaking current can be
determined by applying the follow-
ing formula:
+ 2 b2
Iasym. = I sym. öääää
I asym. = asymmetrical breaking
current,
I sym. = symmetrical breaking
current,
related DC component
in %
b =
00
In VDE 0670, Part 000 and VDE
00/IEC 694 and 56, the percent-
age value for the DC component
is defined as the ratio of I DC to I AC ,
multiplied by 00. I AC (I AC = I eff · öä
2)
is the amplitude of the symmetri-
cal short-circuit AC current at the
time of observation, and I DC is the
DC component.
Rated short-circuit making
current
According to VDE 0670, Part 000
and VDE 00/IEC 694 and 56,
the rated short-circuit making cur-
rent must be at least 2.5 times the
symmetrical breaking current.
This follows from the assumption
of a surge factor k = .8 in an
idealized network with a time
constant t = 45 ms corresponding
to cos f = 0.07.
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When switchgear is used in sys- Rated insulation level
tems in the vicinity of generators,
In accordance with DIN VDE 0670,
or when there are motors in the
Part 1000 and Part 6/IEC 694 and
system, a higher making current
298 and HD 448, the rated values
may become necessary. Please
for insulating capacity (rated light-
contact us in such cases.
ning impulse withstand voltage
and rated power frequency with-
Surge current
stand voltage) for our switchgear
The value of the surge current is are related to normal atmospheric
equal to that of the short-circuit conditions (temperature 20 hC,
making current. barometric pressure 1.013 bar
(0.3 kPa), and humidity  g/m3).
Rated short-time current and
Rated voltage Rated lightning Rated power
rated short-circuit duration impulse with- frequency with-
stand voltage stand voltage
(effektive value) (peak value) (effective value)
According to VDE 0670, Part 1000 List 2
and VDE 0101/IEC 694 and 56,
the rated short-time current is kV kV kV
equal to the rated short-circuit 12 75 28
breaking current for a given short- 17.5 95 38
circuit duration t. The preferred 24 125 50
values for t are 1 s and 3 s.
36 170 70
Conversion of the short-time
(formerly: List 2 = Series N)
current for other times which are
not quoted can be accomplished Installation altitude
in accordance with the formula
The values quoted in the tables
I2 = I  · öää
t  /t 2 are valid up to an altitude of
I  = known short-time current for 1000 m above sea level. When
short-circuit duration t  , and switchgear and switchboards are
I 2 = required short-time current installed at altitudes over 1000 m
above sea level, the reduction in
for short-circuit duration t 2 .
dielectric strength of the air must
It should be noted in connection be taken into account. In such
with this conversion operation that cases, a correction factor k in
it only takes account of the thermal accordance with the curve in the
equivalent of the short-time cur- next figure is to be applied to the
rent, but not of the dynamic effect calculations.
of the corresponding impulse
current.
Curve for determination of the correction
factor (to IEC and ASA)
k = Correction factor
H = Altitude
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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4
Determination of test voltages:
Determine the correction factor
corresponding to the known instal-
lation altitude. Then divide the
appropriate lightning impulse
withstand voltage or power fre-
quency withstand voltage appli-
cable for the given rated voltage of
the equipment by the correction
factor. The test voltages thus ob-
tained then apply to testing in high
voltage test laboratories located
below 1000 m above sea level,
and are the governing voltages for
insulation measurements.
Example calculation:
Installation altitude
H = 3000 m above sea level
Correction factor
k = 0.8
Rated voltage of the
existing system at 3000 m
altitude = 24 kV
Test voltages for installation at up
to 000 m above sea level:
Rated lightning
impulse withstand
voltage = 125 kV
Rated power
frequency withstand
voltage = 50 kV
Ligthning impulse
withstand
125 kV
voltage3000 = = 57 kV
0.8
Power frequency
withstand
50 kV
voltage 3000 = = 62.5 kV
0.8
The insulation of the equipment to
be installed must therefore with-
stand an impulse test voltage of
157 kV and an power frequency
withstand voltage of 62.5 kV
during testing in laboratories up to
1000 m above sea level.
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A
Determination of the rated If the minimum distances in the
voltage switchgear are smaller than those
of the switchboard planned in
When the correction factor has
accordance with DIN 57101/VDE
been determined, divide the rated
0101, the minimum distances for
voltage of the network concerned
the “tested connection zone” in the
by this figure. The result is the new
appropriate outline drawing must
rated voltage, which determines
be observed.
the selection of the equipment to
be installed. Any connecting bars required are
not included in the switchgear
Example calculation:
supply.
with values as above
Recommendation for the user:
Rated
24 kV The connecting bars have to be
voltage 3000 = = 30 kV
0.8 fitted with an insulating covering
(e.g. shrink-on sleeve) in areas
The equipment to be installed at
where clearances are smaller than
an altitude of 3000 m above sea
the specified minimum. The cor-
level is thus to be designed for a
ners of the bar ends at the switch-
rated voltage of 36 kV.
ing device have to be bevelled.
Tested connection zone
(DIN 57101/VDE 0101)
The overwhelming majority of
switchgear equipment for rated
voltages between 12 kV and 36 kV
is not constructed according to
the minimum distances stipulated
in DIN 57101/VDE 0101, but with
type tested distances according to
the values required by DIN 57111/
VDE 0111.
M M
200
200
M M
M
Tested connection zone on a circuit-breaker
M = Minimum distance to DIN 570/VDE 00
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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Switching with vacuum circuit-breakers

Older medium voltage circuit- The current-breaking process in neutralization of the negative
breakers interrupt the current to a vacuum circuit-breaker space charge brought about by
be switched by using a quenching the electrons.
On separation of current-carrying
medium to cool and deionize the
contacts, the vacuum arc is If the arc current exceeds a limit
arc which is created on contact
created by melting or explosive which depends on the contact
separation. The arc is then nor-
vaporization at the last metallic material, the cathodic melting
mally extinguished at the next cur-
point of contact, initially with only point splits into a corresponding
rent zero. The prefered quenching
a single melting point on the number of parallel cathode spots.
media are oil, air and sulphur
negative electrode, known as the Without the influence of an exter-
hexafluoride (SF6).
cathode spot. Figure 1 is a nal magnetic field, the melting
Vacuum circuit-breakers differ schematic representation of this points move around on the entire
from these breakers in that they process. cathode surface at high speed in
do not need any quenching medi- random directions, with adjacent
The cathode spot is a small,
um. In contrast to the switching spots repelling each other.
limited region of high temperature
arcs in air, SF6 or oil, a vacuum They thus constantly produce new
and high pressure, from which
contains no ionizable material metal vapour.
ions, electrons and neutral parti-
which would be required for an
cles are emitted. At the spot, there
independent thermal gas dis-
is a high prevailing current density
charge to take place. After the
(> 08A/cm 2) and a surface tempe-
separation of current-carrying con-
rature close to the boiling point of
tacts however, a metal vapour arc,
the contact material. The periph-
referred to below as the vacuum
eral areas of the cathode spot
arc for clarity’s sake, is created in
represent an intensive source of
the vacuum. The vacuum arc cre-
neutral metal vapour, which is ion-
ates the charge carriers required
ized in the discharge cone in front
for the current to pass through the
of the cathode. Over 90 % of the
vacuum by vaporization of the
total current is transported by elec-
electrode material itself. The
trons. The positive ions cause a
quenching process in a vacuum is
explained below, and this results
in the special characteristics of
vacuum circuit-breakers which are
then described.

PD = vapour pressure
of cathode material
PM = magnetic
PM PD PM pressure

0 8 A/m 3 Cathode

Fig. : Single cathode spot of a 00 A vacuum arc

[]

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4
The form of discharge described
above characterizes the “diffuse
vacuum arc”. This process is sche-
matically represented in figure 2a.
The only active electrode is the
cathode. The entire surface of the
anode forms a condensation sur-
face for vapour particles and
charge carriers, thus functioning
merely as a collector. There is no
arc column, at least at currents
within the rated current range of
the circuit breaker. Contact ero-
sion is thus negligibly low on inter-
ruption of currents up to the rated
level.
The second form of discharge is
the “contracted vacuum arc” in the
high-current range, which occurs
at currents of approx. 10 kA and
above with cylindrical electrodes
of copper. This process is schema-
tically represented in figure 2c. The
contracted vacuum arc is a high-
pressure metal vapour arc with
anode voltage drop and a thermal
column, which develops from the
initial diffusion by the formation of
anode spots (see figure 2b) and
grouping of the opposite cathode
spots into a single cathodic melt-
ing point. The anode shows dis-
tinct fusing after subjection to
A A
K K
a) b)
Fig. 2: Schematic diagrams of various modes of vacuum arc
[]
a) Diffused
b) Anode contraction
c) Contraction at A and K
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A
anode spots. In interrupters for Today, a composite material of
high short-circuit currents, local copper and chromium is
overheating is avoided and the employed to reduce the chopping
overall contact erosion kept low by current. When this material is used,
constant forced motion of the arc the chopping currents become as
melting points. low as in circuit-breakers with
liquid or gaseous quenching
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram
media, and no longer lead to the
of a spiral electrode of a type similar
feared overvoltages.
to that used by ABB Calor Emag.
The current path induced by this
special shaping of the contacts
creates a magnetic field whose
tangential force vectors act on the
melting points and thus deflect the
vacuum arc. The melting points
move around on the contacts at
high velocity. This not only keeps
burn-off low in general, but also
allows higher breaking currents to
be mastered.
With the reduction in the instanta-
neous current values, the energy
supplied may under certain cir-
cumstances no longer be suffi-
cient to maintain the last arc spot.
A depletion of charge carriers can
cause the arc current to chop
abruptly prior to the natural current
zero, which may cause high over-
voltages at existing network induc-
tances.
spiral electrode
A
K
c)
Fig. 3: Electrode configurations with creation of an inherent
[] magnetic field
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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4
The structure of a vacuum
interrupter
There are considerable differen-
ces in the manufacturing technolo-
gies for vacuum interrupters.
A fundamental distinction can be
made between two groups:
1. Vacuum interrupters which
are evacuated individually on
pumping stands, and whose
extraction outlets are cold-
welded by compression on
completion of the pumping
process (pinch-off-method).
2. Vacuum interrupters which
are evacuated in a brazing
oven, and which become
sealed after cooling (seal-
brazing method).
The seal-brazing method has
the advantage that evacua-
tion takes place at higher
temperatures, and the
vacuum itself achieves a
higher degree of purity.
At ABB Calor Emag, vacuum inter-
rupters are only manufactured by
the seal-brazing method (figure 4).
Fig. 4: Interrupter manufactured by the seal-brazing method
1 Insulator
2 Fixed contact
3 Movable contact
4 Metal bellows
5 Screen
The external structure is character-
ized by the ceramic insulator ()
manufactured in aluminium oxide.
The two stainless steel chamber
lids (7) are hard-soldered to the
insulator. The heart of a vacuum
interrupter is formed by the con-
tacts (2 and 3), which are manu-
factured from pure copper-chro-
mium composite material. The cur-
rent is fed to the contacts via termi-
nals (8 and 9) of pure oxygen-free
copper. Transmission of the switch-
ing motion into the interrupter
chamber is effected by a bellows
(4) of stainless steel, one side of
which is brazed to the moving pin
and the other to a chamber lid,
forming a gas-tight seal.
Screens (5) are fitted to protect the
bellows and insulator from spatter-
ing liquid electrode material, and
for better distribution of the electri-
cal field.
It is a characteristic feature of
vacuum interrupters that they have
butt contacts touching only at their
facing surfaces. Such simple con-
tacts are possible because oxida-
tion or formation of contamina-
0
Dielectric recovery voltage
7

4 Vacuum
3
5
2
6
7 Time
8
Fig. 5:
[]
6 Guide bushing
7 Lid
8 Threaded terminal
9 Cylindrical terminal
10 Threaded terminal
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tion on the contacts is impossible
in the vacuum. Sliding or shifting
motions to remove such contami-
nation layers, such as are neces-
sary in circuit-breakers with other
quenching principles, can there-
fore be dispensed with. The simple
contacts are, on the other hand,
necessary, because no contact
springs can be used. These would
be annealed at the high brazing
temperatures.
Properties of vacuum
interrupters
The fast reduction in charge car-
rier density in the vacuum arc and
the rapid condensation of the
metal vapour on the contact sur-
faces at the current zero lead to
an extremely fast dielectric recov-
ery. This is shown in figure 5.
The dielectric strength in vacuum
interrupters rises to very high
values almost immediately after
the current zero. In comparison,
the values for circuit-breakers with
various other quenching media
are also shown, making it clear
that much slower rises in dielec-
Dielectric recovery of the contact gap in relation to the
time after quenching of the switching arc at the current
zero (current 600 A rms )
Switching media: vacuum, sulphur hexafluoride (SF6 ),
nitrogen (N 2 ) and hydrogen (H 2 )
(Gas pressure  bar without switching medium flow)
Electrode spacing 6.35 mm (constant: disregarding
the contact opening time)
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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4
tric strength between the contacts
are exhibited when using sulphur
hexafluoride, nitrogen (the funda-
mental quenching medium in air-
blast circuit-breakers) or hydrogen
(the fundamental quenching medi-
um in oil circuit-breakers). With
this virtually immediate dielectric
recovery, vacuum circuit-breakers
are particularly good for switching
circuits with very high rates of rise
of transient recovery voltage.
Switching of capacitors, during
which the contact gap is sub-
jected to high voltage stresses, is
also safely mastered by vacuum
circuit-breakers.
As a high dielectric strength
between the contacts is achieved
even with small clearances, break-
ing is also ensured when the
opening of the contacts takes
place a few milliseconds before
the current zero in the first phase
to be quenched. This reduces the
arcing times to approximately half
of those in minimum-oil or SF6 cir-
cuit-breakers, and helps in con-
junction with the low arc voltage to
keep contact erosion to a mini-
mum.
Working life of vacuum
interrupters
The life of traditional circuit-break-
ers was mostly limited by wear of
the interrupters and contacts. As a
general rule, this can be excluded
with vacuum interrupters.
The low contact erosion in vacuum
interrupters means that within the
rated current range, the mechani-
cal and not the electrical stresses
are the decisive factor for the work-
ing life of the interrupter or circuit-
breaker. Even on interruption of
high currents, the consumption of
contact material remains low. It is
therefore possible to interrupt the
rated short-circuit breaking cur-
rent of an interrupter up to 100
times, depending on the type. The
number of permissible breaking
operations relative to the current
to be interrupted is shown in
figure 6 for a number of circuit-
breakers. The curves shown are
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A
typical for vacuum circuit-breakers or almost homogeneous field the
type VD4 from ABB Calor Emag. dielectric strength of a vacuum
gap for AC and DC voltage grows
There will surely only be rare
in approximately direct proportion
occasions when the application
to the square root of the flashover
exceeds the capability of the
sparking distance. This depen-
vacuum circuit-breaker. In other
dence has also been confirmed
words, the summed switching
experimentally for the lightning
capacity requirements will not
impulse withstand voltage.
under normal circumstances
reach the limits of an interrupter.
One important condition for the
perfect function of a vacuum inter-
rupter is the quality of the vacuum.
The flashover in a vacuum at pres-
sures less than 10–4 mbar is inde-
pendent of pressure, and is deter-
mined by processes at the elec-
trodes. It cannot be compared with
a breakdown in other media. This
follows from the fact that the free
path lengths for the charge carri-
ers become so large that surge
processes in the residual gas
become insignificant for the break-
down process. In a homogeneous
Breakers with
rated short-circuit
breaking currents
16 kA
20 kA
25 kA
Number of on/off
31.5 kA
operations n
40 kA
50 kA
Breaking current IA (kA)
Fig. 6: Permissible number of switching operations of the vacuum interrupters
as a function of the breaking current I a , (250 A)
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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Breakdown in accordance with
Paschen‘s Law only occurs at
pressures greater than 10 –3 mbar
(figure 7).
The vacuum insulation is self-
healing, i.e. it is perfectly possible
for the original or even a greater
dielectric strength to be achieved
after a single breakdown.
It is known from statistically signi-
ficant measurements on stored
interrupters carried out over many
years that their working life is in
excess of 20 years. A further con-
tributing factor to this is the getter-
ing material inside the interrupter
chambers, which can absorb a
certain quantity of penetrating gas.
As already mentioned, copper and
chromium vapours, which have a
great affinity to oxygen and hydro-
gen and can thus bind part of the
free hydrogen and oxygen atoms
and molecules, arise during inter-
ruption of currents in an interrupt-
er chamber. This reduces the
pressure in the chamber, and the
working life is further prolonged
by switching of currents in the
rated current range.
Interrupters which have been sub- production, and another after a
jected to such stresses, i.e. occa- specified “quarantine” period.
sional interruption of service cur- Interrupters are only released for
rents, as a rule have a working life further use if the absolute pres-
of approx. 30 years. sure value in the second meas-
urement and the progress of the
Testing of vacuum interrupters pressure meet the extremely
stringent quality standards. This
Both the specified quality of the
then ensures that the effective
raw materials and the manufac-
leakage rate of the interrupter
ture of the resulting individual
chamber is smaller than the toler-
parts for the interrupters in
able value if no external damage
accordance with the drawings are
occurs.
continuously monitored. The parts
are cleaned by the latest chemical
and physical methods before
being finally assembled in a spe-
cial clean room (class 100),
evacuated in the oven and brazed
together.
The actual final inspection (figure
8) after manufacture has two aims:
determination of the internal pres-
sure and of the leakage rate.
Whereas pressure measurement
here is still only just within the
capabilities of metrology, there is
no method of measuring the low
leakage rate required. Two pres-
sure measurements are therefore
carried out: one immediately after

Fig. 7: Breakdown voltage U between parallel plates and with a

[] homogeneous electrical field in relation to the product
of gas pressure p x distance between plates d (in mm)
(Paschen curve). Applicable for air.
Literature
[] Dr.-Ing. U. Reininghaus
Vacuum circuit-breakers/minimum oil circuit-breakers
VDE/GTW-seminar Fig. 8: Computer-aided automated final testing
High and medium voltage switchgear and switchboards of vacuum interrupters

0

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4
Vacuum circuit-breakers for switching of all the loads
which occur in practice
1 Breaking of short-circuit
currents
1.1 Autoreclosing sequence
Short-circuits in overhead lines
caused by external factors (storms,
thunderstorms or animals) consti-
tute an extremely high proportion
of the faults in overhead line sys-
tems. The faults mostly persist for
a short time only. When the short-
circuit current has been switched
off, electrical restablishment
rapidly occurs, and so the line can
be switched on again after a short
time (approx. 0.3 s). In such cases,
circuit-breakers with autoreclosing
systems are used. These are cap-
able of autoreclosing operations
up to their rated short-circuit
breaking currents. If the short-cir-
cuit should still persist when the
breaker recloses, the subsequent
second opening operation
ensures that the faulty feeder is
finally switched off.
Oscillogram of an autoreclosing sequence, VD4, 2 kV, 40 kA
The normal autoreclosing
sequence to VDE 0670, Part 102/
ICE 56 is:
O – 0.3 s – CO – 3 mins – CO.
Further autoreclosing sequences
on request.
.2 Multi-shot autoreclosing
Thanks to the short charging times
of the motor-operated mechanism
used to charge the operating
mechanism springs, vacuum
circuit-breakers are also able to
perform a number of short-circuit
current breaking operations in
rapid sequence.
2 Switching of small
inductive loads
The chopping current is of para-
mount importance in determining
the size of overvoltages during
switching operations. In vacuum
circuit-breakers, the size of the
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A
chopping current is determined by
the contact material, and is below
5 A (average approx. 3.5 A) with
the materials currently used, thus
causing no dangerous overvolt-
ages. If the occurrence of multiple
restriking is expected in certain
load circuits, overvoltage protec-
tion is recommended.
See also page 2.
2.1 Tranformers
Oil-insulated transformers or cor-
respondingly dimensioned cast
resin transformers for distribution
networks require no overvoltage
protection.
Arc furnace transformers and dry-
type transformers designed for
special purposes require overvolt-
age protection in the form of metal
oxide surge arresters due to their
special construction and method
of operation.

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4
2.2 Switching of motors
Overvoltage protection measures
are not necessary for motors
which are not switched during the
start-up phase, or for motors with
starting currents of 600 A and
more. If it is expected that motors
with starting currents of up to
600 A are to be switched off dur-
ing the start-up phase, metal oxide
surge arresters have to be used
as overvoltage protection devices.
The surge arresters can be instal-
led either in the vicinity of the
motors or in the switchgear panel.
2.3 Generators
The same procedure has to be
adopted for small generators as
for small motors. The short-circuit
currents in small generators are
comparable with the starting cur-
rents of motors.
With large generators, overvoltage
protection is usually provided in
the light of external overvoltages.
2.4 Shunt reactors
These are as a rule connected to
the transmission network via ter-
tiary windings. At operating voltages
of 25 kV and over, surge arresters
should always be fitted.
3 Switching of capacitive
loads
3.1 Switching of cables and
overhead lines under
no-load conditions
The relatively small capacitive cur-
rents which occur when overhead
lines and cables under no load
are switched off can be securely
handled without restriking and
thus without switching overvolt-
ages.
3.2 Switching of capacitor
banks
Successful switching of capacitors
without restriking is essentially a
matter of the speed at which the
2
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dielectric strength of the contact – Arc furnace transformers and
gap is re-established after the cur- dry-type transformers desig-
rent has been interrupted. The ned for special purposes
circuit-breakers in this manual are (these occasionally have a
notable for extremely fast re- reduced dielectric strength
establishment of the contact gap. and therefore require special
protection).
They are capable of interrupting
capacitive currents up to 0.8 times – Shunt reactors
their rated current without restrik- (These must not be confused
ing, and thus without overvoltages. with current limiting reactors,
which can be switched per-
When immediately adjacent ca-
fectly.)
pacitor banks are operated in par-
allel, the extent of the expected – Stalled motors or motors in
inrush currents is to be checked – the start-up phase with a
also with regard to the stress on starting current below 600 A.
the capacitors. Limit values for
In these cases surge arresters,
vacuum circuit-breakers will be
e.g. ABB types MVR and MVF,
advised on request.
should be installed as close to the
load as possible.
Switching surges The loads listed above is thus
securely protected.
It is occasionally said that vacuum
circuit-breakers create high
switching overvoltages. Modern
vacuum circuit-breakers like the
VD4 do not create any higher
switching overvoltages than the
proven minimum-oil circuit-
breakers.
The extent of the voltage surges
which occur during switching is
not only dependent on the circuit
breaker. It is also decisively
influenced by the circuit data, and
is furthermore subject to a high
statistical scatter. This is why it has
not yet been possible to design
test circuits which can achieve
reproducible results. Indication of
maximum overvoltage factors is
thus problematic at the least.
Whether a voltage surge is dan-
gerous or not fundamentally
depends on the dielectric strength
of the connected load. Regret-
tably, the surge withstand capabil-
ity of high voltage motors, for
example, has not yet been stand-
ardized as for other equipment.
In practice, therefore, one finds
both motors with sufficiently high
insulation levels, and other with
lower insulation levels. For safety’s
sake, it is recommended that
surge arrestors always be installed
with the following loads:
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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

The vacuum circuit-breakers of all load breaking operations which

type VD4 conform to the stipula-
tions for AC switchgear and con-
trolgear for voltages above  kV as
contained in DIN VDE 0670, Part
101 – Circuit-breakers, in IEC
Publication 56, and in the stand-
ards of various major industrial
countries.
The circuit-breakers are notable
for their compact design, small
dimensions together with high
capacity, and robust construction.
The operating mechanisms have
a low maintenance requirement
and the interrupters are mainte-
nance-free throughout their ser-
vice lives. They are well suited to
occur in practice, and in particular
for switching of:
x short-circuit currents,
x overhead lines under load and
no-load conditions,
x cables under load and no-load
conditions,
x transformers under load and
no-load conditions,
x generators under load and
no-load conditions,
x ripple control systems,
x capacitor banks (also parallel
switching) and
x motors with starting currents
above 600 A.
(see pages  to 2.)

Fig. 9: Vacuum circuit-breaker, type VD4, Fig. 0: Vacuum circuit-breaker, type VD4,
for 2 kV, mechanism side for 24 kV, pole side

3

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4
VD4: Pole parts with impact-
protected interrupters
The vacuum circuit-breakers of
type VD4 are constructed in
column form and designed for
fixed installation or mounting on
circuit-breaker trucks and with-
drawable modules.
For effective protection from dam-
age resulting from physical
impact, the pole parts are installed
in strong tubular insulators of cast
resin. Any external impact on the
poles first affects the cast resin
enclosure, damage to which can
be easily seen.
Fig. : Section of a vacuum circuit-breaker, type VD4, 2 kV, 250 A, 3.5 kA,
schematic diagram
 Breaker mechanism housing
. Front plate, removable
2 Insulated pole tube
3 Upper breaker terminal
4 Lower breaker terminal
5 Vacuum interrupter
(6. Swivel contact, 630 A)
6.2 Roller contact, 250 A
7 Contact force spring
8 Insulated coupling rod
9 Opening spring
20 Shift lever pair
4
The pole parts consist of the upper
connection (3), vacuum interrupt-
er (5), lower connection (4), with
the roller or swivel contact (6.2)
and contact force spring (7). The
movable contacts in the vacuum
interrupter chambers are operated
from below by the insulated cou-
pling rods (8).
Black Magenta Yellow
VD4: Wear-resistant operating
mechanism
The dielectric strength of the
vacuum allows extremely small
contact gaps to be used. The con-
tact gap in 12 kV interrupters is
thus only 10 mm, and that in 36 kV
interrupters only a few millimetres
more. The moving parts in the
interrupter chamber are low in
mass. The contact velocity during
opening and closing operations is
around 1 m/sec. This is a quarter
of the normal value for other break-
ers. The force required for switch-
ing is extremely low.
The stored-energy spring mecha-
nism in the mechanism housing
() is optimally set to provide the
energy required by the vacuum
interrupters (5) during switching,
so that no contact bounce and
thus also no unneccessary con-
tact welding can occur. Opening
is assisted by the contact force
springs (7) and the opening
spring (9). The circuit-breakers
are suitable for autoreclosing
without any additional modifica-
tions, and the good interrupter
characteristics also make the ver-
sions with motor drive suitable for
multi-shot autoreclosing.
Reliable function
The required switching energy is
provided by charging a spiral
spring (33) via a chain drive (34)
fitted with a ratchet (35), either with
a charging motor or by manual
pumping of a charging lever.
The breaker is closed either
mechanically by an “ON” push-
button, or electrically by means of
a shunt release.
The release mechanism (3) then
releases the drive shaft (30), which
is turned through a specified dis-
tance by the charged spiral spring
(33). A cam disk (2) mounted on
the drive shaft (30), and a pair of
shift levers (20) cause the mov-
able contacts (5.3) in the vacuum
interrupter chambers (5) of each
pole to move upwards.
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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4
– The cam disk (2) is extre- With this special design, the timing
mely important here: of the force provided by the
mechanism is ideally adapted to
Its curvature ensures that the drive
the force requirement of the
shaft (30) first turns without load
vacuum interrupter during the
(through an angle of approx. 50 h),
opening and closing action. The
and only then does the cam (2)
spring forces remain relatively
apply force to the shift lever (20).
small, which again leads to low
This force transmission is termi-
wear on the mechanical parts.
nated at an operating angle of
approx. 260 h. The drive shaft (30) The dimensioning of the spiral
then turns without load through spring (33) is such that both the
the remaining 10 h until the total contact force springs (7) and the
closing angle of 270 h is reached. opening springs (9) are tension-
This system precludes jarring and ed during the closing operation.
shudder, and prevents the con-
Opening of the circuit-breaker is
tacts from bouncing. The course
effected either mechanically with
of the closing motion is deter-
the “OFF” push-button, or electric-
mined by the gradient of the cam
ally by means of various releases
disk (2).
(shunt release OFF, undervoltage
release, 2nd shunt release and
current transformer (CT) release.
The drive shaft (30) is released by
the release mechanism (3) to
allow it to turn further.
Fig. 2: Fundamental structure of the stored-energy spring mechanism
6 Socket 20 Shift lever pair
9 Charging lever 2 Cam disk
5 Vacuum interrupter 30 Drive shaft
5.3 Movable contact 3 Release mechanism
(6. Swivel contact, 630 A) 32 Stop disk
6.2 Roller contact, 250 A 33 Drum with spiral spring
7 Contact force spring 34 Chain
8 Insulated coupling rod 35 Ratchet wheel
9 Opening spring 50 Left hand control cam
Black Magenta Yellow
A
There is still sufficient energy
stored in the spiral spring (33) for
this motion. At the same time, the
energy available from the contact
force spring (7) and opening
spring (9) in each pole is re-
leased, and the movable contact
(5.3) in the vacuum interrupter
chamber (5) is moved in the
“OFF” direction. The precise
motion sequence and the opening
speed are determined by the pair
of shift levers (20) and the cam
(2) located on the drive shaft in
such a way as securely to prevent
the contacts from bouncing.
Rated operating sequence
The rated operating sequence for
vacuum circuit-breakers is nor-
mally determined by the mechani-
cal properties of the circuit-break-
er operating mechanism. The
time for dielectric recovery of the
contact gap is negligible. In distri-
bution networks which require an
autoreclosing sequence, the oper-
ating times for the autoreclosing
sequence O – 0.3 s – CO are de-
fined by the switching times of the
autoreclosing relays.
If the circuit-breaker operating
mechanism spring is recharged
manually or by the charging motor
after the first closing operation, the
breaker mechanism has sufficient
energy for an autoreclosing cycle.
Only the maximum recharging
time of max. 5 s for the charging
motor is decisive for the duration
of the further pauses.
Examples of rated operating
sequences:
O – 3 min – C O – 3 min – C O
O – 0.3 sec – C O – 3 min – C O
O – 0.3 sec – C O – 5 sec – C O
In VD4 vacuum circuit-breakers,
the same operating mechanism is
used from the lowest to the
highest rated and short-circuit
breaking currents.
5
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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4
VD4: Equipment installed
The following mechanical devices
are installed in the mechanism
housing:
1 push-button for closing
1 push-button for opening
1 indicator for the switch position
1 indicator for the charging con-
dition of the mechanism spring
1 operating cycle counter
The available releases, auxiliary
switches and charging motor
which can be fitted to the operat-
ing mechanism are listed in the
table on page 30. The wiring dia-
gram for the release system is
shown on page 37.
Circuit-breakers with fan cooling
Certain circuit-breakers of type
VD4 can be operated at higher
rated currents when fitted with an
additional lateral-flow blower.
In such cases a lateral-flow blower
fitted with a special air channelling
system is located at a particular
distance below the circuit-breaker,
and directs an additional flow of
cold air at the breaker poles when
a certain operating current level is
exceeded. The power supply to
the blower motor is provided by a
current transformer. There is a flow
Fig. 3: Vacuum circuit-breaker, type VD4E, for 2 kV,
630 A, pole side
6
detector installed in the blower’s
impeller to monitor the airflow.
The components for the blower
cooling system, consisting of the
cooling fan and monitoring relay
unit, are supplied loose.
The required current transformer is
not supplied with the circuit-
breaker, as it is as a rule sufficient
to add an additional core to one
of the other current transformers
which are required for other pur-
poses. Required core data on
request.
VD4: Large range of variants
VD4..E – Vacuum circuit-breaker
for electrical power distribution
A special variant has been devel-
oped for service in electrical utility
networks:
The vacuum circuit-breaker type
VD4..E
This type (see fig. 3) has the
extremely high reliability of the
basic VD4 version, but has a rated
current and rated short-circuit
breaking current limited to the ser-
vice requirements in distribution
networks.
Smaller interrupters and a simpli-
fied pole design with flat terminals
Fig. 4: VD4 circuit-breaker on withdrawable module
Black Magenta Yellow
have been developed as a tailor-
made response to the technical
data, thus creating a particularly
economical variant for the large
numbers of circuit-breakers
required in distribution networks.
Vacuum circuit-breakers
for 36 kV
A wide variety of demands
are placed on circuit-breakers for
36 kV.
Vacuum circuit-breakers for 36 kV
are available for use in SF6-insu-
lated switchgears and as switch-
ing devices for special switchgear
types with air insulation.
Please contact us direct if you
require 36 kV circuit-breakers.
Vacuum circuit breaker type
VD4 on withdrawable module
The vacuum circuit-breaker of
type VD4 can also be supplied as
a withdrawable module with inter-
locks. Isolating contact arms can
be fitted to the upper and lower
terminals without additional sup-
port for installation on the with-
drawable module.
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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4
Special versions
of the vacuum circuit-breaker
The excellent properties of the
vacuum interrupters facilitate the
construction of special switchgear
for particular applications.
Overhead traction lines in railways
can be subjected to such high
loads in short-circuit conditions
that they melt out. To prevent this,
a circuit-breaker with an extremely
short opening time is required. On
the other hand, the breakers must
be capable of interrupting
16 2/3 Hz currents up to 25 kA at
15 kV. This is something special,
because this current has three
times the half-wave duration of
50 Hz current. The arcing times
thus become longer, and the stres-
ses on the contacts considerably
greater. A vacuum circuit-breaker
which has an opening time of
approx. 18 ms and can safely pro-
tect the traction lines has been
successfully constructed.
Electric locomotives are switched
off at almost every prolonged stop.
Locomotive circuit-breakers there-
fore have to be capable of fre-
Fig. 5: Final testing of a vacuum circuit-breaker of type VD4
Black Magenta Yellow
A
quently switching operating cur- VD4: Top quality
rents, and occasionally short-cir-
The foundation stone for the high
cuit currents. A vacuum circuit-
quality of the VD4 vacuum circuit-
breaker developed for this pur-
breakers was laid as early as the
pose handles up to 100,000 oper-
development phase, with type
ating cycles (Manufacturer of the
testing in the company’s own test
circuit-breaker with ABB Calor
laboratories. Drawing on the
Emag interrupters: ABB Sécheron
results obtained, modern manu-
S.A., Geneva, Switzerland).
facturing methods and the best
On offshore platforms, very effici- possible materials are used to
ent power generation facilities produce a high quality product. In
with low impedances have to be order to ensure that the quality of
installed to cover the high energy the VD4 circuit-breakers meets the
requirement of the drilling equip- specifications, all areas from
ment and pump motors. Short line development through material
distances and large copper cross- purchasing to production are
sections result in low ohmic resist- incorporated in an efficient
ances, which lead to extremely quality assurance system to
large time constants in short-cir- DIN EN ISO 900.
cuit conditions. The consequence
is that the DC component of the
short-circuit current decays very
slowly.
ABB Calor Emag have vacuum
circuit-breakers specially suited
for these loads.
We will be pleased to provide you
with project-related information on
the special versions of our
vacuum circuit-breakers.
7
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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Technical data

Rated voltage kV 12 Closing time ms approx. 60

Rated frequency Hz 50...60
Opening time ms „ 45
Rated lightning impulse kV 75
withstand voltage „ 15
.2/50 m s (peak value) Arcing time (50 Hz) ms
Rated power frequency kV 28 Total opening time ms „ 60
withstand voltage
50 Hz,  min. (effective value) Rated operating O-3min-CO-3min-CO
Rate of rise of transient kV/m s 0.34 sequence
recovery voltage
Peak of transient kV 20.6 Rated operating O-0.3s-CO-3min-CO
recovery voltage sequence with autoreclosing

Type Rated current Rated Short-circuit Rated Rated

short-circuit breaking short-circuit short-circuit
breaking current making duration
current asymm. ) current )
symm. )

A kA kA kA s
VD4 1206..16 630 16 17.4 40 3
..20 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 80 3
VD4 1212..16 1250 16 17.4 40 3
..20 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 80 3
..40 40 43.6 100 3
VD4 1212..50 1250 50 55.8 1253) 3
VD4 1216..25 1600 25 27.3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 85 3
..40 40 43.6 100 2) 3
..50 50 55.8 125 3 3
VD4 1220..25 2000 25 27.3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 85 3
..40 40 43.6 100 2) 3
..50 50 55.8 125 3) 3
VD4 1225..25 2500 25 27.3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 85 3
..40 40 43.6 100 2) 3
..50 50 55.8 125 3) 3
VD4 1231..25 3150 25 27.3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 85 3
..40 40 43.6 100 2) 3
..50 50 55.8 125 3) 3
VD4 1240..25 4000 4) 25 27,3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 85 3
..40 40 43.6 100 2) 3
..50 50 55.8 125 3) 3
1) When the operating voltage is less than the rated voltage, the same values as for rated voltage always apply. Higher values on request.
2) 25 kA possible
3) 35 kA possible
4 ) Breaker with forced ventilation

8

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Technical data

Rated voltage kV 17.5 Closing time ms approx. 60

Rated frequency Hz 50...60
Opening time ms „ 45
Rated lightning impulse kV 95
withstand voltage „ 15
.2/50 m s (peak value) Arcing time (50 Hz) ms
Rated power frequency kV 38 Total opening time ms „ 60
withstand voltage
50 Hz,  min. (effective value) Rated operating O-3min-CO-3min-CO
Rate of rise of transient kV/m s 0.42 sequence
recovery voltage
Peak of transient kV 30 Rated operating O-0.3s-CO-3min-CO
recovery voltage sequence with autoreclosing

Type Rated current Rated Short-circuit Rated Rated

short-circuit breaking short-circuit short-circuit
breaking current making duration
current asymm. ) current )
symm. )

A kA kA kA s
VD4 1706..16 630 16 17.4 40 3
..20 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
VD4 1712..16 1250 16 17.4 40 3
..20 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 80 3
..40 40 43.6 1002) 3
VD4 1716..20 1600 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 80 3
..40 40 43.6 100 2) 3
VD4 1720..20 2000 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 80 3
..40 40 43.6 100 2) 3
VD4 1725..20 2500 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 80 3
..40 40 43.6 100 2) 3
VD4 1731..20 3150 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 80 3
..40 40 43.6 100 2) 3
VD4 1740..20 4000 3) 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
..31 31.5 34.3 80 3
..40 40 43.6 100 2) 3
) When the operating voltage is less than the rated voltage, the same values as for rated voltage always apply. Higher values on request.
2) 25 kA possible
3) Breaker with forced ventilation

9

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Technical data

Rated voltage kV 24 Closing time ms approx. 60

Rated frequency Hz 50...60
Opening time ms „ 45
Rated lightning impulse kV 125
withstand voltage „ 15
.2/50 m s (peak value) Arcing time (50 Hz) ms
Rated power frequency kV 50 Total opening time ms „ 60
withstand voltage
50 Hz,  min. (effective value) Rated operating O-3min-CO-3min-CO
Rate of rise of transient kV/m s 0.47 sequence
recovery voltage
Peak of transient kV 41 Rated operating O-0.3s-CO-3min-CO
recovery voltage sequence with autoreclosing

Type Rated current Rated Short-circuit Rated Rated

short-circuit breaking short-circuit short-circuit
breaking current making duration
current asymm. ) current )
symm. )

A kA kA kA s
VD4 2406..16 630 16 17.4 40 3
..20 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
VD4 2412..16 1250 16 17.4 40 3
..20 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
VD4 2416..16 1600 16 17.4 40 3
..20 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
VD4 2420..16 2000 16 17.4 40 3
..20 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
VD4 2425..16 2500 16 17.4 40 3
..20 20 21.8 50 3
..25 25 27.3 63 3
) When the operating voltage is less than the rated voltage, the same values as for rated voltage always apply. Higher values on request.

20

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Technical data

See note on page 6

Rated voltage kV 36 Closing time ms approx. 50
Rated frequency Hz 50...60
Rated lightning impulse kV 70 Opening time ms approx. 60
withstand voltage „ 15
.2/50 m s (peak value) Arcing time (50 Hz) ms
Rated power frequency kV 70 Total opening time ms approx. 75
withstand voltage
50 Hz,  min. (effective value) Rated operating O-3min-CO-3min-CO
Rate of rise of transient kV/m s 0.57 sequence
recovery voltage
Peak of transient kV 62 Rated operating O-0.3s-CO-3min-CO
recovery voltage sequence with autoreclosing

Rated current Rated Short-circuit Rated Rated

short-circuit breaking short-circuit short-circuit
breaking current making duration
current asymm. ) current )
symm. )

A kA kA kA s
1250 25 27.3 63 3
31.5 34.3 80 3
1600 25 27.3 63 3
31.5 34.3 80 3
2000 25 27.3 63 3
31.5 34.3 80 3
) When the operating voltage is less than the rated voltage, the same values as for rated voltage always apply. Higher values on request.

2

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Technical data

Type VD4..E
Rated voltage kV 12 Closing time ms approx. 60
Rated frequency Hz 50...60
Opening time ms „ 45
Rated lightning impulse kV 75
withstand voltage „ 15
.2/50 m s (peak value) Arcing time (50 Hz) ms
Rated power frequency kV 28 Total opening time ms „ 60
withstand voltage
50 Hz,  min. (effective value) Rated operating O-3min-CO-3min-CO
Rate of rise of transient kV/m s 0.34 sequence
recovery voltage
Peak of transient kV 20.6 Rated operating O-0.3s-CO-3min-CO
recovery voltage sequence with autoreclosing

Type Rated current Rated Short-circuit Rated Rated

short-circuit breaking short-circuit short-circuit
breaking current making duration
current asymm. ) current )
symm. )

A kA kA kA s
VD4 1206..16E 630 16 17.4 40 3
..20E 20 21.8 50 3
..25E 25 27.3 63 3
) When the operating voltage is less than the rated voltage, the same values as for rated voltage always apply. Higher values on request.

Type VD4..E
Rated voltage kV 17.5 Closing time ms approx. 60
Rated frequency Hz 50...60
Opening time ms „ 45
Rated lightning impulse kV 95
withstand voltage „ 15
.2/50 m s (peak value) Arcing time (50 Hz) ms
Rated power frequency kV 38 Total opening time ms „ 60
withstand voltage
50 Hz,  min. (effective value) Rated operating O-3min-CO-3min-CO
Rate of rise of transient kV/m s 0.42 sequence
recovery voltage
Peak of transient kV 30 Rated operating O-0.3s-CO-3min-CO
recovery voltage sequence with autoreclosing

Type Rated current Rated Short-circuit Rated Rated

short-circuit breaking short-circuit short-circuit
breaking current making duration
current asymm. ) current )
symm. )

A kA kA kA s
VD4 1706..16E 630 16 17.4 40 3
) When the operating voltage is less than the rated voltage, the same values as for rated voltage always apply. Higher values on request.

22

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Technical data

Type VD4..E
Rated voltage kV 24 Closing time ms approx. 60
Rated frequency Hz 50...60
Opening time ms „ 45
Rated lightning impulse kV 125
withstand voltage „ 15
.2/50 m s (peak value) Arcing time (50 Hz) ms
Rated power frequency kV 50 Total opening time ms „ 60
withstand voltage
50 Hz,  min. (effective value) Rated operating O-3min-CO-3min-CO
Rate of rise of transient kV/m s 0.47 sequence
recovery voltage
Peak of transient kV 41 Rated operating O-0.3s-CO-3min-CO
recovery voltage sequence with autoreclosing

Type Rated current Rated Short-circuit Rated Rated

short-circuit breaking short-circuit short-circuit
breaking current making duration
current asymm. ) current )
symm. )

A kA kA kA s
VD4 2406..16E 630 16 17.4 40 3
) When the operating voltage is less than the rated voltage, the same values as for rated voltage always apply. Higher values on request.

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Ordering data and example

Key to type numbers

Symbol Meaning

st shunt

Rated breaking current (kA)

release OFF
Add-on equipment type

Rated current/00 (A)

Control voltage (V)

Design figure

rated voltage

Current type
Basic type
Sub-type

Code for

Version

V Vacuum circuit-breaker

with spring mechanism

D also suitable for autoreclosing

4 Column-type design

G with manual charging mechanism and basic releases

M with motor-operated and manual charging mechanisms and extended set of releases

12 12 kV
17 17.5 kV
24 24 kV

G DC
W AC, 50 Hz

Smallest pole centre distance

P for 12/7.5 kV, 150 mm (20 mm for high current breakers)
for 24 kV, 210 mm
A Non-standard version
E Circuit-breaker for service in electrical power distribution networks

Ordering example : (Basic vacuum circuit-breaker version)

Breaker version Type designation
Vacuum circuit-breaker V . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
with spring operating mechanism . D . . . . . . . . . . . . .
in column design . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
with manual charging mechanism . . . G . . . . . . . . . . .
Rated voltage 2 kV . . . .  2 . . . . . . . . .
Rated current 250 A . . . . . .  2 . . . . . . .
with st shunt release OFF 0 V DC . . . . . . . . G   0 . . .
Pole centres 50 mm . . . . . . . . . . . . P . .
Rated short-circuit breaking current 25 kA . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5
Complete type designation V D 4 G  2  2 G   0 P 2 5
Quoting the complete type designation (in accordance with the above ordering example) provides a sufficient description of the basic circuit-
breaker.
In addition, for circuit-breakers with motor-operated charging mechanisms and extended sets of releases, the control voltage for the motor and that
for the closing release must be stated.
Any further shunt releases and auxiliary switches to be fitted (from the tables of accessories on pages 35) should be included in the order
text.
Ordering example 2: (Vacuum circuit-breaker with charging motor and accessories)
Breaker version Ordering details
Vacuum circuit-breaker Vacuum circuit-breaker
Basic version, see expample  Breaker type V D 4 M  2  2 G   0 P 2 5
with charging motor 0 V DC with charging motor 0 V DC
with st shunt relase OFF 0 V DC with basic set of releases,
with shunt release ON 0 V DC with st shunt releases OFF and
with blocking magnet 0 V DC shunt release ON 0 V, DC
with undervoltage release 00 V AC with undervoltage release 00 V AC
with additional auxiliary switch 3 NOC + 2 NCC with additional auxiliary switch 3 NOC + 2 NCC

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Ordering data
Type VD4 for 2 kV

Rated Rated Rated Type Pole Hand-operated breakers Motor-operated breakers Dimension Instruction
volt- current break- centres with standard set of releases with standard set of release drawing manual
age ing
current Order reference Weight Order reference Weight No. No.

kV A kA mm kg kg GCEM BA
2 630 16 VD4 150 VD4G1206..P16 67 VD4M1206..P16 69 370536 352
210 VD4G1206.. 16 72 VD4M1206.. 16 74
20 150 VD4G1206..P20 67 VD4M1206..P20 69
210 VD4G1206.. 20 72 VD4M1206.. 20 74
25 150 VD4G1206..P25 67 VD4M1206..P25 69
210 VD4G1206.. 25 72 VD4M1206.. 25 74
31.5 150 VD4G1206..P31 78 VD4M1206..P31 80
210 VD4G1206.. 31 83 VD4M1206.. 31 85
1250 16 150 VD4G1212..P16 68 VD4M1212..P16 70
210 VD4G1212.. 16 73 VD4M1212.. 16 75
20 150 VD4G1212..P20 68 VD4M1212..P20 70
210 VD4G1212.. 20 73 VD4M1212.. 20 75
25 150 VD4G1212..P25 68 VD4M1212..P25 70
210 VD4G1212.. 25 73 VD4M1212.. 25 75
31.5 150 VD4G1212..P31 79 VD4M1212..P31 81
210 VD4G1212.. 31 84 VD4M1212.. 31 86
40 210 VD4G1212..P40 92 VD4M1212..P40 94 700081 352
1250 50 210 VD4G1212..P50 145 VD4M1212..P50 147 370562 359
275 VD4G1212.. 50 153 VD4M1212.. 50 155
1600 25 210 VD4G1216..P25 145 VD4M1216..P25 147
275 VD4G1216.. 25 153 VD4M1216.. 25 155
31.5 210 VD4G1216..P31 145 VD4M1216..P31 147
275 VD4G1216.. 31 153 VD4M1216.. 31 155
40 210 VD4G1216..P40 145 VD4M1216..P40 147
275 VD4G1216.. 40 153 VD4M1216.. 40 155
50 210 VD4G1216..P50 145 VD4M1216..P50 147
275 VD4G1216.. 50 153 VD4M1216.. 50 155
2000 25 210 VD4G1220..P25 145 VD4M1220..P25 147
275 VD4G1220.. 25 153 VD4M1220.. 25 155
31.5 210 VD4G1220..P31 145 VD4M1220..P31 147
275 VD4G1220.. 31 153 VD4M1220.. 31 155
40 210 VD4G1220..P40 145 VD4M1220..P40 147
275 VD4G1220.. 40 153 VD4M1220.. 40 155
50 210 VD4G1220..P50 145 VD4M1220..P50 147
275 VD4G1220.. 50 153 VD4M1220.. 50 155
2500 25 275 VD4G1225.. 25 157 VD4M1225.. 25 159
31.5 275 VD4G1225.. 31 157 VD4M1225.. 31 159
40 275 VD4G1225.. 40 157 VD4M1225.. 40 159
50 275 VD4G1225.. 50 157 VD4M1225.. 50 159
3150 25 275 VD4G1231.. 25 258 VD4M1231.. 25 260 700116 359
31.5 275 VD4G1231.. 31 258 VD4M1231.. 31 260
40 275 VD4G1231.. 40 258 VD4M1231.. 40 260
50 275 VD4G1231.. 50 258 VD4M1231.. 50 260
4000 ) 25 275 VD4G1240.. 25 258 VD4M1240.. 25 260
31.5 275 VD4G1240.. 31 258 VD4M1240.. 31 260
40 275 VD4G1240.. 40 258 VD4M1240.. 40 260
50 275 VD4G1240.. 50 258 VD4M1240.. 50 260
) Breaker with forced ventilation

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Ordering data
Type VD4 for 7.5 kV

Rated Rated Rated Type Pole Hand-operated breakers Motor-operated breakers Dimension Instruction
volt- current break- centres with standard set of releases with standard set of release drawing manual
age ing
current Order reference Weight Order reference Weight No. No.

kV A kA mm kg kg GCEM BA
7,5 630 16 VD4 150 VD4G1706..P16 67 VD4M1706..P16 69 370536 352
210 VD4G1706.. 16 72 VD4M1706.. 16 74
20 150 VD4G1706..P20 67 VD4M1706..P20 69
210 VD4G1706.. 20 72 VD4M1706.. 20 74
25 150 VD4G1706..P25 78 VD4M1706..P25 80
210 VD4G1706.. 25 83 VD4M1706.. 25 85
1250 16 150 VD4G1712..P16 68 VD4M1712..P16 70
210 VD4G1712.. 16 73 VD4M1712.. 16 75
20 150 VD4G1712..P20 68 VD4M1712..P20 70
210 VD4G1712.. 20 73 VD4M1712.. 20 75
25 150 VD4G1712..P25 79 VD4M1712..P25 81
210 VD4G1712.. 25 84 VD4M1712.. 25 86
31.5 150 VD4G1712..P31 89 VD4M1712..P31 91
210 VD4G1712.. 31 92 VD4M1712.. 31 94
40 210 VD4G1712..P40 145 VD4M1712..P40 147 370562 359
275 VD4G1712.. 40 153 VD4M1712.. 40 155
1600 20 210 VD4G1716..P20 145 VD4M1716..P20 147
275 VD4G1716.. 20 153 VD4M1716.. 20 155
25 210 VD4G1716..P25 145 VD4M1716..P25 147
275 VD4G1716.. 25 183 VD4M1716.. 25 155
31.5 275 VD4G1716.. 31 153 VD4M1716.. 31 155
40 275 VD4G1716.. 40 153 VD4M1716.. 40 155
2000 20 210 VD4G1720..P20 145 VD4M1720..P20 147
275 VD4G1720.. 20 153 VD4M1720.. 20 155
25 210 VD4G1720..P25 145 VD4M1720..P25 147
275 VD4G1720.. 25 153 VD4M1720.. 25 155
31.5 275 VD4G1720.. 31 153 VD4M1720.. 31 155
40 275 VD4G1720.. 40 153 VD4M1720.. 40 155
2500 20 275 VD4G1725.. 20 150 VD4M1725.. 20 159
25 275 VD4G1725.. 25 157 VD4M1725.. 25 159
31.5 275 VD4G1725.. 31 157 VD4M1725.. 31 159
40 275 VD4G1725.. 40 157 VD4M1725.. 40 159
3150 20 275 VD4G1731.. 20 258 VD4M1731.. 20 260 700116 359
25 275 VD4G1731.. 25 258 VD4M1731.. 25 260
31.5 275 VD4G1731.. 31 258 VD4M1731.. 31 260
40 275 VD4G1731.. 40 258 VD4M1731.. 40 260
4000 ) 20 275 VD4G1740.. 20 258 VD4M1740.. 20 260
25 275 VD4G1740.. 25 258 VD4M1740.. 25 260
31.5 275 VD4G1740.. 31 258 VD4M1740.. 31 260
40 275 VD4G1740.. 40 258 VD4M1740.. 40 260
) Breaker with forced ventilation

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Ordering data
Type VD4 for 24 kV

Rated Rated Rated Type Pole Hand-operated breakers Motor-operated breakers Dimension Instruction
volt- current break- centres with standard set of releases with standard set of release drawing manual
age ing
current Order reference Weight Order reference Weight No. No.

kV A kA mm kg kg GCEM BA
24 630 16 VD4 210 VD4G2406..P16 74 VD4M2406..P16 76 370559 352
275 VD4G2406.. 16 79 VD4M2406.. 16 81
20 210 VD4G2406..P20 74 VD4M2406..P20 76
275 VD4G2406.. 20 79 VD4M2406.. 20 81
25 210 VD4G2406..P25 74 VD4M2406..P25 76
275 VD4G2406.. 25 79 VD4M2406.. 25 81
1250 16 210 VD4G2412..P16 76 VD4M2412..P16 78
275 VD4G2412.. 16 81 VD4M2412.. 16 83
20 210 VD4G2412..P20 76 VD4M2412..P20 78
275 VD4G2412.. 20 81 VD4M2412.. 20 83
25 210 VD4G2412..P25 80 VD4M2412..P25 82
275 VD4G2412.. 25 85 VD4M2412.. 25 87
1600 16 275 VD4G2416.. 16 165 VD4M2416.. 16 167 370563 359
20 275 VD4G2416.. 20 165 VD4M2416.. 20 167
25 275 VD4G2416.. 25 165 VD4M2416.. 25 167
2000 16 275 VD4G2420.. 16 165 VD4M2420.. 16 167
20 275 VD4G2420.. 20 165 VD4M2420.. 20 167
25 275 VD4G2420.. 25 165 VD4M2420.. 25 167
2500 16 275 VD4G2425.. 16 165 VD4M2425.. 16 167
20 275 VD4G2425.. 20 165 VD4M2425.. 20 167
25 275 VD4G2425.. 25 165 VD4M2425.. 25 167

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Ordering data
Type VD4..E for 2 kV

Rated Rated Rated Type Pole Hand-operated breakers Motor-operated breakers Dimension Instruction
volt- current break- centres with standard set of releases with standard set of release drawing manual
age ing
current Order reference Weight Order reference Weight No. No.

kV A kA mm kg kg GCEM BA
2 630 16 VD4..E 150 VD4G1206..P16E 64 VD4M1206..P16E 66 700098 377
210 VD4G1206.. 16E 69 VD4M1206.. 16E 71
20 150 VD4G1206..P20E 64 VD4M1206..P20E 66
210 VD4G1206.. 20E 69 VD4M1206.. 20E 71
25 150 VD4G1206..P25E 64 VD4M1206..P25E 66
210 VD4G1206.. 25E 69 VD4M1206.. 25E 71

Type VD4..E for 7.5 kV

Rated Rated Rated Type Pole Hand-operated breakers Motor-operated breakers Dimension Instruction
volt- current break- centres with standard set of releases with standard set of release drawing manual
age ing
current Order reference Weight Order reference Weight No. No.

kV A kA mm kg kg GCEM BA
7.5 630 16 VD4..E 210 VD4G1706.. 16E 69 VD4M1706.. 16E 71 700098 377

Type VD4..E for 24 kV

Rated Rated Rated Type Pole Hand-operated breakers Motor-operated breakers Dimension Instruction
volt- current break- centres with standard set of releases with standard set of release drawing manual
age ing
current Order reference Weight Order reference Weight No. No.

kV A kA mm kg kg GCEM BA
24 630 16 VD4..E 210 VD4G2406..P16E 71 VD4M2406..P16E 73 700099 377
275 VD4G2406.. 16E 76 VD4M2406.. 16E 78

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Technical data – Accessories

Operating mechanisms
The basic version of the circuit-
breakers is fitted with a manually
charged spiral spring operating
mechanism.
On circuit-breakers with charging
motor, the spiral spring is charged
by the electric motor installed in
the operating mechanism housing.
This automatically recharges the
spring as required after a closing
operation without subsequent
opening.
When the circuit-breaker is used
for autoreclosing, recharging after
each closing operation is neces-
sary, so as to make available the
required motive energy for the
OFF-ON-OFF switching cycle.
The anti-pumping relay K0 (wiring
diagram in Fig. 6, page 37) pre-
vents repeated ON-OFF switching
operations when, for example, a
circuit-breaker is tripped by a pro-
tection relay in response to a pri-
mary side fault and at the same
time an electrical permanent clos-
ing command is active. The break-
er can only be closed again when
the closing command has been
interrupted.
The charging times, recharging
times, power consumption while
the operating mechanism is in
operation and the type of motor
protection are listed in the table
below:

Technical data of the charging motors

Rated voltage Power consumption Motor protection Charging time

(ABB Stotz mcb) (maximum)

V VA/W ) A s 2)
AC S28K
110 150 1.6 15
220 150 0.75 15
240 170 0.75 15

DC S282K
24 130 4.0 15
48 130 3.0 15
60 130 2.0 15
110 140 1.0 15
125 160 1.0 15
220 140 0.75 15
240 150 0.75 15
1) Approx. value
2) At rated voltage

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Releases Shunt release ON (Y3) circuit-breakers whose stored-

Shunt release OFF (Y2/Y9)
The shunt release OFF allows
each vacuum circuit-breaker to be
tripped by separately located pro-
tection relays or by the remote
control system.
energy spring mechanisms are
Apart from the OFF releases, a
charged by an electric motor.
closing release (shunt release
ON) can also be installed in hand-
operated circuit-breakers for
closing. This closing release is
included in the basic version of

Technical data of OFF-/ON releases

Shunt release OFF Shunt release ON

Type VD4/VD4..E VD4/VD4..E

Current DC ) AC ) DC ) AC )
50...60 Hz 50...60 Hz

Rated voltage 24 V 110 V 24 V 100 V

48 V 220 V 48 V 110 V
60 V 240 V 2) 60 V 220 V
110 V 110 V 240 V 2)
125 V 2) 125 V 2)
220 V 220 V
240 V 2) 240 V 2)

Power consumption:
Latch open cc. 250/310 W cc. 250/310 VA cc. 250/310 W cc. 250/310 VA
Latch closed cc. 250/310 W cc. 250/310 VA cc. 250/310 W cc. 250/310 VA

Voltage range:
Trip 0.7.... x U N 0.85.... x U N
Close 0.85.... x U N 0.85.... x U N

Max. permissible
energized period 0 s 0 s 0 s 0 s
1) Other voltages on request
2) Power consumption 30 VA or 30 W

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Undervoltage release (Y4)
The undervoltage releases are nor-
mally supplied for undelayed
opening. They trip as soon as the
voltage falls below 35 to 70 per-
cent of its rated level. Circuit-
breakers with undervoltage re-
leases can only be switched on
again when the voltage has
increased to above 85 % of its
rated value.
If opening of the circuit-breaker
during short-term drops in voltage
is to be prevented, the undervolt-
age release can be connected to
a time-delayed undervoltage relay
(RN3U).
The time-delayed undervoltage
relay is supplied in an encap-
sulated version. It should be instal-
led separately from the circuit-
breaker and connected directly to
the voltage to be monitored. The
supply voltage is 100/110 V, 50 Hz.
With other supply voltages,
a matching transformer must be
connected in series. The time-
delayed undervoltage relay is
excited when the voltage falls
below 70 percent of its rated level.
The relay can be set with the inte-
gral coding switch to a time lag of
0.5 – 4 s, in steps of 0.5 s.
At the end of the set time, the time-
delayed undervoltage relay acts
on the undervoltage release instal-
led in the operating mechanism
and trips the circuit-breaker.
If the current transformer used to
supply the RN3U is fitted at the
outgoing side of the circuit-break-
er, the tripping coil must be
provided with a supply voltage of
110 V DC from a battery to assist
in closing. In such cases a differ-
ent type of undervoltage release is
required. The time-delayed under-
voltage relay RN3U (version with
closing assistance) can be set
with the integral coding switch to a
time lag of 0.5 to 2 s in steps of
0.5 s.
(See page 35 and wiring diagram
on page 39.)

Technical data of undervoltage releases

Type VD4/VD4..E
Current DC ) AC
50...60 Hz

Rated voltage 24 V 100 V

48 V 110 V
60 V 220 V )
110 V 240 V )
125 V
220 V
240 V
Power consumption: instantaneous 10 W 11 VA
delayed – 10 VA
Voltage range ...1.1 x U N ...1.1 x U N
Voltage to permit closing: instantaneous > 0.85 x UN > 0.85 x UN
delayed > 0.7 x UN > 0.7 x UN
Tripping voltage: instantaneous 0.35...0.7 x UN 0.35...0.7 x UN
delayed < 0.7 x UN < 0.7 x UN
Response time: instantaneous immediate
delayed Standard version:
Range of 0.5...4 s can be set in steps of 0.5 s on
the opening delay device.
Version with closing assistance:
Range of 0.5...2 s can be set in steps of 0.5 s on
the opening delay device.
Max. permissible energized period unlimited
1) Not for RN3U

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Current transformer release (Y7)
In switchgear which have no
secure auxiliary voltage supply for
the releases, provision can be
made for the use of current trans-
former releases. These obtain their
tripping current from the second-
ary windings of main current trans-
formers via an intermediate cur-
rent transformer which is mounted
separately. In normal operation,
the windings of the current trans-
former release are shorted by aux-
iliary switches in the protection
relay. The auxiliary switches are
only opened when the relay res-
ponds, so that the current flows
through the windings of the cur-
rent transformer release. The latch
of the release is thus closed and
the breaker tripped.
The winding of the current transfor-
mer release is designed in such a
way that tripping can occur at a
current as low as 0.7 · IN.
When determining the capacity of
the main current transformer, the
consumption of any additional
overcurrent relays should be
taken into account. The coil of the
current transformer release and
the intermediate current transform-
er are designed to complement
each other, so as to guarantee
secure tripping in all cases.
(See table on page 35 and circuit
diagram on page 38.)
In exceptional cases where the
user has already fitted specially
adapted intermediate current
transformers, the current transfor-
mer release can also be supplied
without intermediate CTs. Here, a
bridge-connected rectifier must be
installed in series before the
release coil.
There are different versions avail-
able for tripping readiness at  and
0.3 A. A further type is available for
use with inverse-time overcurrent
relay with current transformer trip-
ping of type WI  – 3 (Manufacturer
SEG).
(See table on page 35.)

Technical data of indirect overcurrent releases

Type VD4/VD4..E
Power consumption in continuous operation
(aux. current transformer shorted):
2-phase connection 3.5 VA
3-phase connection 2 VA
Power consumption on tripping:
2-phase connection 15 VA
3-phase connection 15 VA
Tripping readiness at: 0.7 x I N
Power consumption of the aux. current transformer ) Winding A 1 VA
at I N = 5 A Winding B 1 VA
and continuous operation (secondary winding shorted) Winding C 1.5 VA
Power consumption of the aux. current transformer ) Winding A 15 VA
at IN = 5 A Winding B 15 VA
and continuous operation, secondary winding open (may be operated open) Winding C 25 VA
Primary current of the aux. current transformer 3x5A
Secondary current of the aux. current transformer approx. 0.4 A
1) See wiring diagram on page 38

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Blocking magnet (Y1) magnet can be installed in the for 100 ms before a closing com-
spring mechanism to prevent the mand can be executed.
For electrical interlocking of the
circuit-breaker from being closed
vacuum circuit-breaker with dis-
when off circuit. The blocking
connectors, doors etc., a blocking
magnet must always be energized
Technical data of blocking magnets

Type VD4/VD4..E
Current DC AC 50...60 Hz

Rated voltage 24 V 110 V

48 V 220 V
60 V 240 V
110 V
125 V
220 V
240 V
Power consumption: Latch open 10 W 10 VA
Latch closed 10 W 10 VA
Voltage range 0.85.... x UN 0.85.... x UN
Max. closing period unlimited unlimited

Auxiliary switches
The vacuum circuit-breakers switches for control, interlock as shown in the table on
can be fitted with auxiliary and annunciation functions page 34.
Technical data of the 5-pole auxiliary switch

Rated voltage 24 V...220 V AC/DC

Test voltage 2.5 kV
Operating current I th2 = 0 A
Volume resistance 3 mΩ
Permissible limit temperatures of the materials used – 20 hC . . . + 20 hC
Contact overtemperature at rated load approx. 20 K
Rated operating
Rated current and switching capacity to use category AC- and DC- at Rated current A current A

220 V AC, cos f = 0.7 2.5 25

24 V DC, time constant 1 ms 10 12

15 ms 10 12
50 ms 8 10
200 ms 6 7.7
60 V DC, time constant 1 ms 8 10
15 ms 6 8
50 ms 5 6
200 ms 4 5.4
110 V DC, time constant 1 ms 6 8
15 ms 4 5
50 ms 2 4.6
200 ms 1 2.2
220 V DC, time constant 1 ms 1.5 2.0
15 ms 1.0 2.0
50 ms 0.75 1.7
200 ms 0.5 1.0

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Available releases and auxiliary switches

Description Remarks

Y2 1st shunt release x

Y9 2nd shunt release 1
Y3 Shunt release ON X, 2
Y1 Blocking magnet 1
Y4 Undervoltage release 3
Y4 Undervoltage release, delayed 3
Y7 Current transformer release with intermediate current transformer 3
S1 5-pole auxiliary switch X
S2 Auxiliary switch on blocking magnet Y
S3 5-pole auxiliary switch X
S4 5-pole auxiliary switch x
S5 5-pole auxiliary switch 4
S7 Auxiliary switch for fault annunciation x
M1 Charging motor including anti-pumping relay K0 X

Remarks
x = Basic circuit-breaker version for manual charging mechanism
X = Addition for basic circuit-breaker version with motor-operated charging mechanism
1 = 5-pole auxiliary switch S3 required.
(Auxiliary switch S3 is included in the supply of releases Y and Y9)
2 = 5-pole auxiliary switches S and S3 required.
(Auxiliary switches S and S3 are included in the supply of release Y3)
3 = max.  x Y4 and  x Y7 possible
4 = Possible additional equipment

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Ordering data – Accessories

Type VD4/VD4..E
Description Order ref.

Shunt release ON (Y3) AC/DC GCE7179611R0102 )

with K0-relay, auxiliary switches (S) and (S3)
Blocking Magnet (Y) 5) GCE7179611R0103 )
with auxiliary switch (S2)
1st shunt release OFF (Y2) AC/DC GCE7179611R0101 )
with auxiliary switches (S4) and (S7)
2nd shunt release OFF (Y9) 5) AC/DC GCE7179611R0106 )
Undervoltage release (Y4) AC/DC GCE7179611R0104 3)
Undervoltage release (Y4) GCE7179611R0111 3)
for time-delayed undervoltage relay (0.5 . . . 4 s)
Undervoltage release (Y4) GCE7179611R0112
for time-delayed undervoltage relay –
version with closing assistance (0.5 . . . 2 s)
Time-delayed release undervoltage relay RN3U GCE9010379R0101
adjustable 0.5...4 s
Supply voltage 00/0 V, 50 Hz
Note: Version with closing assistance adjustable 0.5 . . . 2 s
Auxiliary transformer 220 V/0 V GCE0912021P0100
Current transformer release (Y7) GCE7179611R0108 3)
with
intermediate current transformer (prim. 5 A) to be installed separately GCE9476148R0100
Current transformer release (Y7) GCE7179611R0109 3)
without intermediate current transformer tripping at 0 V/0.3 A4)
Current transformer release (Y7) GCE7179611R0110
without intermediate current transformer tripping bei .0 A4)
Current transformer release (Y7) GCE7179611R0109
for use with inverse-time overcurrent relay with current
transformer tripping, type WI  – 3 (manufacturer SEG) 4)
Auxiliary switch (S3) GCE7002397R0122
Auxiliary switch (S5) GCE7179611R0107 2)
Chassis
p = 150 GCE9371153R0117
p = 210 GCE9371153R0118
p = 275 GCE9371153R0119
p = 210 (high current) GCE9371153R0121
p = 275 (high current) GCE9371153R0122
Insulating cover for upper pole tube GCE9371447P0101
Hand lever for charging GCE9477394R0101
1) When ordering, add the code letter for the type of current (W for AC and G for DC) and the coil voltage, to the order ref..
The standard voltages are 100, 110, 220, 240 V AC, 50 + 60 Hz, and 24, 48, 60, 110 and 220, 240 V DC. Other voltages on request.
2) State the contact types.
3 ) Fitting of one current transformer release and one undervoltage release is possible.
4 ) Rectifier order ref. GCE9476838P0100 is required. (Included with the current transformer release.)
5 ) Auxiliary switch S3 required for manual charging mechanism.

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Ordering data – Spare parts

Breaker poles – Types VD4/VD4..E

Description Type Rated voltage Rated current Rated breaking Order ref.
current

Breaker pole, VD4 12 kV 630 A 16...25 kA GCE7003312R0105

complete 31.5 kA GCE7003312R0131
1250 A 16...25 kA GCE7003312R0125
31.5 kA GCE7003312R0131
40 kA GCE7003312R0115
50 kA GCE7179616R0127
1600 A 25...31.5 kA GCE7179616R0101
40 kA GCE7179616R0106
50 kA GCE7179616R0111
2000 A 25...31.5 kA GCE7179616R0101
40 kA GCE7179616R0106
50 kA GCE7179616R0111
2500 A 25...31 5 kA GCE7179616R0101
40 kA GCE7179616R0106
50 kA GCE7179616R0111
3150 A 25...50 kA GCE7179616R0126

VD4..E 12 kV 630 A 16...25 kA GCE7001850R0105

VD4 17.5 kV 630 A 16...20 kA GCE7003312R0105

25 kA GCE7003312R0131
1250 A 16...25 kA GCE7003312R0131
31.5 kA GCE7003312R0101
40 kA GCE7179616R0127
1600 A 20 / 25 kA GCE7179616R0101
31.5 kA GCE7179616R0106
40 kA GCE7179616R0111
2000 A 20 / 25 kA GCE7179616R0101
31.5 kA GCE7179616R0106
40 kA GCE7179616R0111
2500 A 20 / 25 kA GCE7179616R0101
31.5 kA GCE7179616R0106
40 kA GCE7179616R0111
3150 A 20...40 kA GCE7179616R0126

VD4..E 17.5 kV 630 A 16 kA GCE7001850R0106

VD4 24 kV 630 A 16...25 kA GCE7003324R0104

1250 A 16...25 kA GCE7003324R0106
1600 A 16...25 kA GCE7179617R0101
2000 A 16...25 kA GCE7179617R0101
2500 A 16...25 kA GCE7179617R0101

VD4..E 24 kV 630 A 16 kA GCE7001860R0101

Charging motor – Types VD4/VD4..E

Description Type Operating voltage Order ref.

Charging motor VD4/VD4..E DC 24 V GCE0940084P0101

(with gearbox) DC 48 V GCE0940084P0103
DC 60 V GCE0940084P0104
DC/AC 110 V GCE0940084P0105
DC/AC 220/240 V GCE0940084P0106

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P 12244-37 – Calor Emag – Schaltgeräte Handbuch, englisch – os – 20.1.97 – Seite 37 Black Magenta Yellow

Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Wiring diagrams

Type VD4/VD4..E ), 2)

M – M0
—
Ù
OFF
ON

Standard arrangement

Type 2

Special arrengement for -S5

Type 9 Type 20 Type 22 Type 23 Type 24

-S1 Auxiliary switch on operating mechanism -Y1 Blocking magnet -V1 Series rectifier for -Y1
-S2 Auxiliary switch on blocking magnet -Y2 Shunt release OFF -V2 Series rectifier for -Y2
-S3 Auxiliary switch on breaker shaft -Y3 Shunt release ON -V3 Series rectifier for -Y3
-S4 Auxiliary switch on breaker shaft -Y4 Undervoltage release und -K0
-S5 Auxiliary switch on breaker shaft -Y7 Current transformer release -V4 Series rectifier for -Y4
-S7 Auxiliary switch for fault annunciation -Y9 2nd shunt release OFF -V7 Series rectifier for -Y7
(fleeting contact, time ‰30 ms) -V9 Series rectifier for -Y9
1)
-M0 Charging motor for stored-energy
Shown with the stored-energy spring mechanism in the discharged condition.
2) When this equipment is ordered, the actual scope of supply is documented in the order documents. spring mechanism
3 ) External operation
-K0 Anti-pumping relay
4 ) Only when Y1 is not fitted
5 ) V 7 is fitted only for current transformer without intermediate current transformer -R0 Series resistor

The connections to auxiliary switches S, S2, S3, S4 and S5, and to series
rectifiers V, V2, V3, V9 are designed for 4.8 x 0.8 receptacles in acc. with DIN 46 247 Part 2.
Series rectifiers V4 and V7 have screw terminals.
Auxiliary switch S7 has plug-in terminals whose mating contacts are supplied.

Fig. 6: Wiring diagram no. GCES700005

Equipment for 24, 48, 60, 0, 25, 220, 240 V DC; 0, 220, 240 V AC

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Current transformer release (standard version)

Fig. 7: Wiring diagram no. GCES371959

Three-phase tripping with three single-pole protection relays

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Supply voltage Terminals tv(s) 0.5  .5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4

100 V, AC 1–2 S 1 x x x x x x x x
110 V, AC 1–3
2 x x x x x x x x
3 x x x x x x x x
4 x x x x x x x x
ON OFF Time setting

Fig. 8: Time-delayed undervoltage relay, type RN3U (0.5 . . . 4 s)

Fig. 9: Time-delayed undervoltage relay, type RN3U, version with closing assistance (0.5 . . . 2 s)

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Dimension drawings

Type VD4

K = Cable entry
Rated Rated Rated T = Bore for handling, both sides
voltage current breaking D = Lid: add-on item
current A = View “A”
GA = Tested zone
kV A kA p a a c f M = Minimum distance, corresponding to dimension a to
12/17.5 630/ ...25 150 450 395 400 300 DIN VDE 00
1250 210 570 515 520 390 A1 = Connection terminal for 630 A
12 630/ 31.5 150 450 395 400 300 A2 = Connection terminal for 250 A
1250 210 570 515 520 390 A4 = Connection terminal bar to DIN 46433
X = PE conductor connection – use a contact washer

Fig. 20: Dimensional drawing no. GCEM370536

x 2/7.5 kV, 630 A and 250 A, ... 25 kA
x 2 kV, 630 A and 250 A, 3.5 kA

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Type VD4

K =
Cable entry
Rated Rated Rated T =
Bore for handling, both sides
voltage current breaking D =
Lid: add-on item
current A =
View “A”
GA =
Tested zone
kV A kA p a a c f M =
Minimum distance, corresponding to dimension a to
17.5 1250 31.5 150 450 395 400 300 DIN VDE 00
210 570 515 520 390 A4 = Connection terminal bar to DIN 46433
12 1250 40 210 570 515 520 390 X = PE conductor connection – use a contact washer

Fig. 2: Dimensional drawing no. GCEM70008

x 2 kV, 250 A, 40 kA
x 7.5 kV, 250 A, 3.5 kA

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P 12244-42 – Calor Emag – Schaltgeräte Handbuch, englisch – os – 14.1.97 – Seite 42 Black Magenta Yellow

A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Type VD4

K = Cable entry
Rated Rated Rated M = Minimum distance, corresponding
voltage current breaking to dimension a to DIN VDE 00
current T = Lifting hole, both sides
X = PE conductor connection – use a
kV A kA p a a c d e f g h i k contact washer
2 1250 50 210 610 555 560 600 20 415 64 45 320 616
Note:
275 750 695 700 750 25 545 39 20 345 746
Lifting lug T only fitted for transport,
1600/ ...50 210 610 555 560 600 20 415 64 45 320 616 remove prior to commissioning and
2000 275 750 695 700 750 25 545 39 20 345 746 store.
2500 ...50 275 750 695 700 750 25 545 39 20 345 746
7.5 1250 40 210 610 555 560 600 20 415 64 45 320 616
275 750 695 700 750 25 545 39 20 345 746
1600/ ...40 210 610 555 560 600 20 415 64 45 320 616
2000 275 750 695 700 750 25 545 39 20 345 746
2500/ ...40 275 750 695 700 750 25 545 39 20 345 746

Fig. 22: Dimensional drawing no. GCEM370562

x 2 kV, 250 ... 2500 A, ... 50 kA
x 7.5 kV, 250 ... 2500 A, 40 kA

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Type VD4

Note: K = Cable entry

Lifting lug T only fitted for transport, M = Minimum distance, corresponding
remove prior to commissioning and to dimension a to DIN VDE 00
store. T = Bore for handling, both sides
X = PE conductor connection – use a
contact washer

Fig. 23: Dimensional drawing no. GCEM7006

x 2 kV, 350 A, ... 50 kA
x 7.5 kV, 350 A, 40 kA

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Type VD4

K = Cable entry
Rated Rated Rated T = Bore for handling, both sides
voltage current breaking D = Lid: add-on item
current A = View “A”
GA = Tested zone
kV A kA p a a c f g M = Minimum distance, corresponding to dimension a to
24 630/ ...25 210 570 515 520 390 580 DIN VDE 00
1250 275 700 645 650 488 710 A1 = Connection terminal for 630 A
A2 = Connection terminal for 250 A and 630/250 at 25 kA
A4 = Connection terminal bar to DIN 46433
X = PE conductor connection – use a contact washer

Fig. 24: Dimensional drawing no. GCEM700559

24 kV, 630 A und 250 A, ... 25 kA

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Type VD4

K = Cable entry
M = Minimum distance, corresponding to dimension a to DIN VDE 00
T = Bore for handling, both sides
X = PE conductor connection – use a contact washer
Note:
Lifting lug T only fitted for transport, remove prior to commissioning and store.

Fig. 25: Dimensional drawing no. GCEM370563

24 kV, 1600 A and 2500 A, ... 25 kA

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Type VD4..E

K =
Cable entry
Rated Rated Rated T =
Bore for handling, both sides
voltage current break- D =
Lid: add-on item
ing A =
View “A”
current GA =
Tested zone
kV A kA p a a c f M =
Minimum distance, corresponding to dimension a to
12 630 ...25 150 450 395 400 300 DIN VDE 00
210 570 515 520 390 A4 = Connection terminal bar to DIN 46433
17.5 630 16 210 570 515 520 390 X = PE conductor connection – use a contact washer

Fig. 26: Dimensional drawing to GCEM700098

2 kV, 630 A, ... 25 kA
7.5 kV, 630 A, 6 kA

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Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4 A

Type VD4..E

K =
Cable entry
Rated Rated Rated T =
Bore for handling, both sides
voltage current break- D =
Lid: add-on item
ing A =
View “A”
current GA =
Tested zone
kV A kA p a a c f M =
Minimum distance, corresponding to dimension a to
24 630 16 210 570 515 520 390 DIN VDE 00
275 700 645 650 488 A4 = Connection terminal bar to DIN 46433
X = PE conductor connection – use a contact washer

Fig. 27: Dimensional drawing no. GCEM700099

24 kV, 630 A, 6 kA

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A Vacuum circuit-breakers type VD4

Time delayed undervoltage relay, type RN3U

Fig. 28: Dimensional drawing no. GCEM 900001P0101

Time delayed undervoltage relay, type RN3U

Intermediate instrument transformer

Fig. 29: Dimensional drawing no. GCEM371959

Intermediate instrument transformer for transformer current tripping

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 We reserve the right to make changes in the course of technical development.
Leaflet no. DECMS 2067 96 E Printed in Germany (11.99-500-PPI)

ABB Calor Emag Mittelspannung GmbH ABB Sace T.M.S. S.p.A

Oberhausener Strasse 33 Petzower Strasse 8 Via Friuli, 4
D-40472 Ratingen D-14542 Glindow I-24044 Dalmine
Phone: +49(0)21 02/12-12 30, Fax: +49(0)21 02/12-19 16 Phone: +39 035/395111, Fax: +39 035/395874
E-mail: calor.info@de.abb.com E-mail: sacetms.tipm@it.abb.com
Internet: http://www.abb.de/calor Internet: http://www.abb.com