Sales Data Sheet

HMB Upgrades
Mechanism retrofits for high voltage circuit breakers & related
switchgear
What is an HMB? HMB Advantages
HMB is a hydraulic spring operating mechanism for high voltage (38 − Highest power density on the market
kV to 800 kv) dead tank and live tank circuit breakers, gas insulated − Highly reliable
switchgear, generator circuit breakers, and hybrid switchgear. Since − Long term stability
1991 it has been used on new high voltage equipment and retrofitted − Robust performance under all environmental conditions
to installed equipment utilizing AHMA and HKA mechanisms. − High switching capabilities
− Easy to handle
− Internal hydraulic damping
AHMA to HMB Improvements − Adjustable speed
− Sealing system improved − Plug and play technology
− Modular design for greater serviceability
− Virtually maintenance free
− Improved motor gear design
− Easy exchange slip-on coils (available option)*
− Upgraded pilot valve (available option)*
− Improved pump element inlet sieve
− Close interlock changed to mechanical design

Greater serviceability yields lower lifetime maintenance

costs and shorter outages
− Modular design (HMB) versus internal components (AHMA)
− New pilot valve with replaceable coils available
− Auxiliary contacts moved from breaker control cabinet to
mechanism interconnecting housing
− No special tools required for routine maintenance

HMB’s modular design is compact, standardized, with easily

accessible components

HMB maintenance
An HMB’s external design is nearly
is quick & easy to
identical to an AHMA
learn
Upgrade Advantages
− AHMA and HKA no longer in production
− 100% compatible retrofit kit available for most dead tank
circuit breakers (same mounting location)**
− Conversion to easy exchange coils available on retrofit*
− Improved oil sealing system
− Modular, maintenance friendly design
− No special tools required for routine maintenance
Ready-To-Go Components
Save time and money with Ready-To-Components. Many types of HMB
mechanisms are stocked at ABB, all are delivered tested and ready to install.
Virtually maintenance free - Best practices for extending HMB
mechanism operating life

Document Number - 2GNM110135 / August 2013

− No lubricating maintenance required Item to Check Frequency
− Operations counter to count close operations Yearly 5 Years 10 Years
− Core rebate on reusable AHMA core Oil Level Check Check Check
Oil Condition --- --- Check
The HMB‘s component improvements, along with design Carbon Brushes --- Check Check
upgrades make it more reliable, easier and faster to service, Motor Commutator --- Check Check
as well as more durable. It will ensure full power switching Anti-Condensation Heater Check Check Check
operations continue long after energization. Wiring --- Check Check
Terminals --- Check Check
Start Counter Check Check Check
Upgrade Part Numbers Hardware Tightness --- Check Check

Mechanism Type New Trade-In

HMB-4.2 641C20201 Who do I contact for questions regarding a mechanism
AHMA-4 Standard 641C12501-U upgrade?
Contact your regional marketing representative or by calling 724-696-1300.
HMB-8.2 641C21801
AHMA-8 Standard 641C13004-U

HMB-8.2 641C21801
HKA GPHL011767R16-U

* Contact ABB for a technical review of your circuit breaker

to determine the best available options.
** Additional mechanism upgrade kits available soon for limited
production circuit breakers. Contact ABB with the circuit
breaker serial number to confirm retrofit availability.

For more information please contact:

ABB Inc.
High Voltage Service
100 Distribution Circle
Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, USA
Phone: +1 (724) 696-1300
Fax: +1 (724) 696-1379

www.abb.us/hvservice