Chapter (3) Types of Circuit Breakers

3.1 Air break circuit breaker

The air at atmospheric pressure is used as an arc
extinguishing medium in Air-Break Circuit-Breakers.
These circuit breakers employ the high resistance
interruption principle. The arc is rapidly lengthened
by means of the arc runners and arc chutes and the
resistance of the arc is increased by cooling,
lengthening and splitting the arc. The arc resistance
increases to such an extent that the voltage drop
across the arc becomes more than the supply voltage
and the arc gets extinguished. Magnetic field is
utilized for lengthening the arc in high voltage air-
break circuit-breakers.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 72
 Air-break circuit breakers are used in d..c. circuit
and a.c. circuits up to 12KV.
The air-break circuit breakers are generally
indoor type and installed on vertical panels or
indoor draw-out type switchgear.
A.C. air circuit breaker are widely used in indoor
medium voltage and low voltage switchgear.
Typical reference values of ratings of air-break
circuit breaker are :
460 V , 400-3500 A, 40-75 KA
3.3 KV , 400-3500 A, 13.1-31.5 KA
6.6 KV , 400-2400 A, 13.1-20 KA
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 73
3.1.1 Construction of Air-break Circuit-breaker
In the air-break circuit-breaker the contact
separation and arc extinction takes place in air at
atmospheric pressure. As the contacts are
opened, arc is drawn between them. The arc
core is a conducting 'path' of plasma. The
surrounding medium contains ionized air. By
cooling the arc, the diameter of arc core is
reduced. The arc is extinguished by lengthening
the arc, cooling the arc and splitting the arc. The
arc resistance is increased to such an extent that
the system voltage cannot maintain the arc and
the arc get extinguished.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 74
 Figure 4 illustrates the normal arrangement of
an air break circuit breaker.

This type of breaker is used for medium and

low voltages.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 75
An air circuit breaker for low voltage (less than 1000 volts) power
distribution switchgear
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 76
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 77
The 10 ampere DIN rail-mounted thermal-magnetic miniature
circuit breaker is the most common style in modern domestic
consumer units and commercial electrical distribution boards
throughout Europe. The design includes the following components:

1.Actuator lever - used to manually trip and reset the circuit breaker.
Also indicates the status of the circuit breaker (On or Off/tripped).
2.Actuator mechanism - forces the contacts together or apart.
3.Contacts - Allow current when touching and break the current
when moved apart.
4.Terminals
5.Bimetallic strip.
6.Calibration screw - allows the manufacturer to precisely adjust the
trip current of the device after assembly.
7.Solenoid
8.Arc divider/extinguisher
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 78
 There are two sets of contacts : Main contacts (1) and
Arcing contacts (2). Main contacts conduct the current in
closed position of the breaker. They have low contact
resistance and are silver plated. The arcing contacts (2)
are hard, heat resistance and are usually of copper alloy.
While opening the contacts, the main contacts dislodge
first. The current is shifted to the arcing contacts. The
arcing contacts dislodge later and arc is drawn between
them (3). This arc is forced upwards by the
electromagnetic forces and thermal action. The arc ends
travel along the arc Runners (Arcing horns). The arc moves
upwards and is split by arc splitter plates (arc chutes) (5)
as shown by the arrow (4). The arc extinguished by
lengthening, cooling, splitting etc. In some breakers the
arc is drawn in the direction of the splitter by magnetic
79
field.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
 Furthermore, air-break circuit-breaker have
been developed with current limiting feature,
magnetic blow-up of arc, etc.
Air break a.c. circuit breakers are widely used
for industrial switchgear, auxiliary switchgear in
generation station. Air break principle
employing lengthening of arc, arc runners,
magnetic blow-ups are used for d.c. circuit
breaker up to 15 KV.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 80
 5.1.2 Miniature and Molded-Case Circuit Breaker

These are used extensively in low voltage

domestic, commercial and industrial applications.
They replace conventional fuses and combine the
features of a good HRC fuse and a good switch.
Figure 5 gives the internal details of a thermal
magnetic miniature circuit breaker. For normal
operation, it is used as a switch. During over loads
or faults, it automatically trips off. The tripping
mechanism is actuated by magnetic (part 7) and
thermal sensing devices (part5) provide within the
MVB.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 81
Figure 5 The internal details of a 10 ampere European DIN rail mounted
thermal-magnetic circuit breaker 82
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
Figure contents :
1. Actuator lever - used to manually trip and reset the circuit
breaker. Also indicates the status of the circuit breaker (On or
Off /tripped). Most breakers are designed so they can still trip
even if the lever is held or locked in the On position. This is
sometimes referred to as "free trip" or "position trip"
operation.
2. Actuator mechanism - forces the contacts together or apart.
3. contacts - Allow current to flow when touching and break the
flow of current when moved apart.
4. Terminals
5. Bimetallic strip
6. calibration screw - Allows the manufacture to precisely adjust
the trip current of the device after assembly.
7. Solenoid
8. Arc Prof.
divider
Dr. Sayed A. /Ward
extinguished
C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 83
Typical Rating of MCB :
Current Rating : 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 Amp.
also, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 6, 7.5, 8, 10, 12,
25, 35, 45, 55 Amp.

Voltage Rating : 240 V/415 V AC; 50 V/11 V DC

Rupturing Capacity : AC: 3 KA at 415 V

DC: 3 KA at 50 V ( non-inductive),
1 KA at 110 V (non-inductive).

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 84
 5. 2. Air-Blast Circuit-Breaker
5.2.1 Introduction
Air blast circuit breakers are used today from 11 to
1100 KV, for various application. They offer several
advantages such as faster operations, suitability for
related operation, auto-reclosure, unit type multi-
break construction, simple, assembly, modest
maintenance, etc. A compressor plant is necessary
to maintain high air pressure in the receiver. Air-
blast circuit breakers operates repeatedly. Air-blast
circuit breakers are used for interconnected lines
and important lines when rapid operation is
desired.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 85
5.2.2 Construction of Air-Blast Circuit-Breaker
In air blast circuit breaker (also called compressed air
circuit breaker) high pressure air is forced on the arc
through a nozzle at the instant of contact separation.
The ionized medium between the contacts is blown
away by the blast of the air. After the arc extinction the
chamber is filled with high pressure air, which prevents
restrike. In some low capacity circuit breakers, the
isolator is an integral part of the circuit breaker. The
circuit breaker opens and immediately after that the
isolator opens, to provide addition gap.

In EHV circuit of today, isolators are generally

independently mounted (Fig. 6).
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 86
 ( a ) Principle
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 87
 ( b ) Schematic construction
88
Figure 6 Air blast
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward
circuit breaker
C.Bs and Substations
isolator connection
4th year elec. Power Eng.
Figure 7 shows one pole of the EHV
air blast circuit breaker. In the
complete assembly there are three
identical poles.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 89
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 90
Figure 7 One pole of an extra high voltage air blast circuit breaker
 Description : High pressure air between 20 to
kgf/cm2 , is is stored in the air reservoir (item 1 in
Fig. 7). Air is taken from compressed air system.
Three hollow insulator columns (item 2) are
mounted on the resrvoir with valves (6) at their
base. The double arc extinguishing chambers (3)
are mounted on the top of the hollow insulator
chambers. The current carrying parts (7) connect
the three arc extinction chambers to each other
in series and the pole to the neighbouring
equipment. since there exist a very high voltage
between the conductor and the air reservoir, the
entire arc extinction chamber assembly is
mounted on insulators.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 91
 The details of the double arc extinction
chambers (3) are shown in Fig. 8. Since there
three double arc extinction poles in series,
there are six breakers per pole. Each arc
extinction chamber (Fig. 8) consists of one
twin fixed contact. There are two moving
contacts which are shown in the closing
process. The moving contacts can move axially
so as to open or close. Its position open or
close depends on air pressure and spring
pressure.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 92
Figure 8 Extra high voltage air blast circuit breaker

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 93
 The operation mechanism (item 4 in Fig. 7) operates the
rods (item 5) when it gets a pneumatic or electrical signal.
The valves (6) open so as to send the high pressure air in
the hollow of the insulator. The high pressure air rapidly
enters the double arc extinction chamber. As the air enters
into the arc extinction chamber the pressure on the moving
contacts becomes more than spring pressure and contacts
open.
The contacts travel through a short distance against the
spring pressure. At the end of contacts travel the part for
outgoing air is closed by the moving contacts and the entire
arc extinction chamber is filled with high pressure air, as
the air is not allowed to go out. However, during the arcing
period the air goes out through the openings and takes
away the ionized air of arc. 94
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
 While closing, the valve (6) is turned so as to
close connection between the hollow of the
insulator and the reservoir. The valve lets the air
from the hollow insulator to the atmosphere. As a
result the pressure of air in the arc extinction
chamber (3) is dropped down to the atmospheric
pressure and the moving contacts close over the
fixed contacts by virtue of the spring pressure. the
opening is fast because the air takes a negligible
time to travel from the reservoir to the moving
contact. The arc is extinguished within a cycle.
Therefore, air blast circuit breaker is very fast in
breaking the current.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 95
 Closing is also fast because the pressure in the arc
extinction chamber drops immediately as the value
(6) operates and the contacts close by virtue of the spring
pressure.
The construction described below applies to air-blast
circuit-breakers for EHV applications, for voltages above
145 KV. For voltages of 420 KV and more, the construction
is modified by adding required number of arc interrupting
chambers in series.
Air blast circuit breaker requires an auxiliary compressed air
system.
Air blast circuit breakers for 12 KV are generally having a
different type of construction. Air blast circuit breakers are
preferred for furnace duty and traction system are not
satisfactory for such duties.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 96
 Typical rating of Air Blast Circuit Breaker are :
12 KV, 40 KA
22 KV, 40KA
145 KV, 40 KA, 3 cycles
245 KV, 40 KA, 50 KA, 2.5 cycles
420 KV, 40 KA, 50 KA, 63.5 KA, 2 cycles
The grading capacitors are connected across the
interrupter unit for the equal distribution of voltage
between the units. closing resistors (Fig. 9) are
connected across the interrupter units for limiting
the over voltages during closing operation. Opening
resistors are connected across the interrupter units
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 97
Figure 9 Configuration of switching resistor
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 98
 5.2.3 Principle of Arc Quenching
in Air Blast Circuit Breaker
The air blast circuit breaker needs an auxiliary compressed
air system which supplies air to the air receiver of the
breaker. For opening operation, the air is admitted in the
arc extinction chamber. It pushes away the moving contacts
against spring pressure. In doing so, the contacts are
separated and the air blast takes away the ionized gases
along with it and assists arc extinction. After few cycles the
arc is extinguished by the air blast and the arc extinction
chamber is filled with high pressure air (30kgf/cm2 ). The
high pressure air has higher dielectric strength than that of
atmospheric pressure. Hence a small contact gap of a few
centimetre is enough.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 99
 The flow of air around contacts is guided
by the nozzle shaped contacts. It may be
axial, across or a suitable combination {
Fig. 10(a), (b)}.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 100
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 101
Figure 10 Flow of air around contacts in air blast circuit breaker
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 102
 In the axial blast type air flow Fig. 10 (a) the flow
air is longitudinal, along the arc. In axial blast type
air flow, the air flows from high pressure reservoir
to the atmospheric pressure through a convergent
divergent nozzle. The difference in pressure and
the design of nozzle is such that as the air expands
into the low pressure zone, it attains almost
supersonic velocity. The mass flow of air through
the nozzle is governed by the parameters like
pressure ratio, area of throat, nozzle throat
diameter and is influenced by the diameter of the
arc itself.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 103
 The air flowing at high speed axially along
the arc causes removal of heat from the
periphery of the arc and the diameter of
the arc reduces to a low value at current
zero. At this instant the arc is interrupted
and the contact space is flushed with
fresh air flowing through the nozzle.
The flow of fresh air through the contact
space ensures removal of hot gases and
rapid building up of the dielectric
strength.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 104
 The principle of cross blast illustrated in Fig. 10 (b) is
used only in the circuit breaker of relatively low
rating such as 12 KV, 500 MVA.
The experience has shown that in the cross
blast flow, the air flows around the arc and the
diameter of arc is likely to remain stable for higher
values of current.
During the period of arc extinction, the air
continues to flow through the nozzle to the
atmosphere. The mass flow rate can be increased
by increasing the pressure system. the increase in
the mass flow results in increased breaking capacity.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 105
 After the brief duration of air flow, the interrupter is
filled with high pressure air. The dielectric strength
of air increases with pressure. Hence the fresh high
pressure air in the contact space is capable of
withstanding the transient recovery voltage.
After the arc extinction the interrupter chamber is
filled with high pressure air. For closing operation,
the air from this chamber is let out to the
atmosphere. Thereby the pressure on the moving
contacts from one side is reduced and the moving
contacts close rapidly by the spring pressure (Fig.
11).
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 106
 Figure 11 Principle of Operation in ABCB

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 107
 5.2.4 Merits and Demerits of Air Blast
Circuit Breaker
Merits :
Can be used at high pressure.
Reliable operation due to external source of extinguishing
energy.
Free from decomposition.
Clean, non-inflammable.
Air is freely available everywhere.
Fresh medium is used every time. Hence the breaker can
be repeatedly operated, if designed for such duty.
At high pressure the small contact travel is enough.
The same are serves purpose
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward
of moving
C.Bs and Substations
the contact and108arc
4th year elec. Power Eng.
 High speed of operation. The compressed air moves very
fast and brings about the opening operation. The arcing
time is also short. Hence total breaking time is short
operation mechanism of air blast circuit breaker are
pneumatic. The arcing time is almost exactly 0.01 second,
i.e 1/2 cycle plus another 1/2 cycle for operation the
contacts. Hence breaker speed of the order of 2 cycles can
be achieved. This makes the circuit breaker suitable for
important lines because high speed opening and auto-
reclosure can improve system stability.
Rapid auto-reclosure The circuit breaker can be given rapid
auto-reclosure feature. The manufacturer gives such a
provision at additional cost. The ABCB is easy to reclose
because the reclosure is by spring pressure against reduced
air pressure. 109
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
 Clean service. No need of maintenance as of oil
Unit type construction gives advantage in design,
manufacturer and testing
Very high breaking capacities and service voltage
can be obtained by connection more number of
units in series. Hence for all extra high voltage and
high breaking capacities of today air-blast circuit
breakers are used, e.g. 420 KV, 63.5 KA, 2 cycles
Suitability for repeated operation, The fresh air is
used every time. Hence the breaker can be used for
repeated operation if designed for duty. This is not
the case with oil circuit breaker.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 110
 Demerits :

Complex design of arc extinction chambers and

operating mechanisms, problems for switching over
voltages are reduced by reclosing resistors.

Auxiliary high pressure air system is necessary. The

cost can be justified if there several breakers in the
switching yard. For a single breakers the cost of
auxiliary compressed air system would be too high.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 111
 5.2.5 Maintenance aspects
Maintenance of ABCB is comparatively easier than
that of tank type oil circuit breaker and minimum oil
circuit breaker. This is because there is no oil, which
needs regular testing and purefication. Secondly, the
units can be easily deassembled, checked and
reassembled. The assembly of various units is similar
and easy. The operating mechanism can be easily
dismantled and reassembled.
The major problem in air blast installation is the
leakage from compressed air system and from the
pipe connection. The leakage takes place from the
threaded joints or from mating parts joined by means
of nut-bolts
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 112
 5.3 Bulk Oil and Minimum Oil
Circuit Breaker

Such circuit breakers utilize dielectric oil

(transformer oil) for arc extinction. In bulk oil
circuit breakers, the contacts are separated
inside a steel filled with dielectric oil. In
minimum oil circuit breakers, the contacts are
separated in an insulation housing
(interrupter)filled with dielectric oil.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 113
 The oil in oil circuit breakers( OCBs) serves two
purpose. It insulates between the phases and
between the phases and the ground, and it
provides the medium for the extinguishing of the
arc. When electric arc is drawn under oil, the arc
vaporizes the oil and creates a large bubble that
surround the arc. The gas inside the bubble is
around 80% hydrogen, which impairs ionization.
The decomposition of oil into gas requires energy
that comes from the heat generated by the arc. The
oil surrounding the bubble conducts the heat away
from the arc and thus also contributes to
deionization of the arc.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 114
 Main disadvantage of the oil circuit breakers is the
flammability of the oil, and the maintenance necessary to
keep the oil in good condition ) i.e. changing and purifying
the oil).
Bulk oil circuit breaker (tank type circuit breakers) are
becoming obsolete and have been described here in brief.
Minimum oil circuit breaker has the following
demerits:
1. Short contact life. 2. frequent maintenance.
3. Possibility of explosion.
4. Larger arcing time for small current.
5. Prone to re-strike
6. They are being superseded by SF6 circuit breakers in all
ranges.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 115
 5.3.1 Tank type or Bulk Oil Circuit Breaker (now
obsolete)
Bulk oil circuit breakers are enclosed in metal-grounded
weatherproof tanks that are referred to as dead tanks. The
tank type circuit breakers had 3 separate tanks for 72.5 KV
and above (Fig. 12a). For 36 KV and below, single tank
construction, phase barriers were provided between phase.
The contact separation takes place in steel tanks filled with
oil. The gases formed, due to the heat of the arc, expand
and set the turbulent flow in the oil. The arc was drawn
directly inside of the container tank without any additional
arc extinguishing but the one provided by the gas bubble
surrounding the arc. Plain break breakers were superseded
by arc controlled oil breakers.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 116
 To assist arc extinction process, arc control devices
were fitted to the contact assembly. These were
semi-enclosed chamber of dielectric materials. The
purpose of the arc control devices is to improve
operating capacity, speed up the extinction of arc,
and decrease pressure on the tank. The
performance of oil circuit breaker depended on the
effectiveness of the arc control devices.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 117
 ( a ) 115 KV circuit breaker
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 118
 ( b) 66 KV circuit breaker
119
Figure 12 Types of bulk oil circuit breaker
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
 The breakers incorporate arc control are called arc
control circuit breakers.
These are two types of such breakers:

Self blast oil circuit breakers - in which arc control is

provided by internal means i.e. are itself facilitates
its own extinction efficiency.

Forced blast oil circuit breakers - in which arc

control is provided by mechanical means external to
the circuit breaker.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 120
 Self blast oil circuit breaker
in this type of breakers, the gases produced during
arching are confined to a small volume by the use of
an insulating rigid pressure chamber or explosion
pot surrounding the contacts. The space available
for the arc gases is restricted by the chamber so a
very high pressure is developed to force the oil and
gas through or around the arc to extinguish it. The
magnitude of the pressure depends upon the value
of fault current to be interrupted. The arc itself
generates the pressure so such breakers are also
called self generated pressure oil circuit breakers.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 121
 The pressure chamber is relatively cheap and gives
reduced final arc extinction gap length and arcing
time as against the plain oil breaker. Different types
of explosion pots are described below:
Plain explosion pot - It is a rigid cylinder of
insulating material and encloses the fixed and
moving contacts as shown in Fig. 13. The moving
contact is a cylindrical rod passing through a
restricted opening called throat at the bottom.
When fault occurs the contacts get separated and
arc is struck between them. The heat of the arc
decomposes oil into a gas at very high pressure in
the pot. This high pressure forces the oil and gas
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 122
 123
Figure `13 Plain
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward
explosion pot4th year
C.Bs and Substations
principle
elec. Power Eng.
 If the arc extinction will not take place when the
moving contact is still within the pot, it occurs
immediately after the moving contact leaves the
pot. It is because, emergence of moving contact will
be followed by violent rush of gas and oil through
the throat production rapid extinction.
Limitation of this type of pot is that it cannot be
used for very low or very high fault currents. With
low fault currents the pressure developed is small,
thereby increasing the arcing time. And with high
fault currents, the gas is produced so rapidly that
the plot may burst due to high pressure. So this pot
is used on moderate short circuit currents only
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 124
 Cross jet explosion pot - Figure 14 shows the cross jet
pot which is made of insulating material and has channels
on one side that acts as arc splitters. The arc splitter help
in increasing the arc length, thus facilitating arc extinction.
when fault occurs, the moving contact of the circuit breaker
begins to separate and arc is struck in the top of the pot.
The gas generated by the arc exerts pressure on the oil in
the back passage. When the moving contact uncovers the
arc splitter ducts, fresh oil is forced across the arc path. The
arc is therefore driven sideways into the arc splitters, which
increase the arc length, causing arc extinction.
The cross jet explosion pot is used for interrupting heavy
fault currents. For low fault currents the gas pressure is
small and consequently the pot does not give a satisfactory
operation.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 125
Figure 14
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Principle of cross jet explosion pot
C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 126
 Self compensated explosion pot - This pot is a
combination of plain explosion pot and cross
jet explosion pot. So it can interrupt low as
well as heavy short circuit currents. Figure 15
shows the itself compensated explosion pot.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 127
 Figure 15 self compensated explosion pot 128
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
Forced Blast Oil Circuit Breaker
In this type of circuit breaker there is a piston
attached to a moving contact. When fault occurs
the moving contact moves and hence the piston
associated with it also moves producing pressure
inside the oil chamber. So the oil gets movement or
turbulates and quenching the arc.

The arc control devices can be classified into two

groups: cross-blast and axial blast interrupters (Fig.
16).

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 129
Figure contents:
1. Fixed contact assembly 2. Arc 3. Moving contact with tungsten-
copper tip
4. Fiber reinforced tube 5. Gas evolved by decomposition of oil
6. Dielectric oil
7. Outer enclosure (Porcelain or Fiber Reinforced Epoxy )

Figure 16 Classification
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward of arc control
C.Bs and Substations devices
4th year elec. Power Eng. 130
 In cross blast interrupters, the arc is drawn in front
several lateral vents. The gas formed by the arc
causes high pressure inside the arc control device.
The arc is forced into the lateral vents in the pot,
which increases the length of the arc and shortens
the interruption time. The axial blast interrupters
use similar principle as the cross blast interrupters.
However, the axial design has a better dispersion of
the gas from the interrupter.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 131
 Figure 17 illustrates a typical 69 KV breaker of 2500
MVA breaking capacity. All three phases are
installed in the same tank. The tank is made of steel
and is grounded. This type of breaker arrangement
is called the dead tank construction. The moving
contact of each phase of the circuit breaker is
mounted on a lift rod of insulating material. There
are two breaks per phase during the breaker
opening. The arc control pots are fitted over the
fixed contacts. Resistors parallel to the breaker
contacts may be installed alongside the arc control
pots. It is customary and convenient for this type of
breakers to mount current transformers in the
breaker bushings.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 132
Figure contents :
1 bushing 2 oil level indicator 3 vent
4 current transformer 5 dashpot 6 plunger guide
7 arc control device 8 resistor 9 plunger bar

Fig. 17 deadC.Bstank
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward oil circuit4thbreaker
and Substations year elec. Power Eng. 133
 The practical limit for the bulk oil breakers is 275 KV.
Figure 18 shows 220 KV one phase dead tank circuit
breaker.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 134
 Figure content ;
1 bushing 7 arc control unit
2 oil level indicator 8 parallel contact
3 vent 9 resistor
4 linear linkage 10 plunger bar
5 dashpot 11 impulse cushion
6 guide block
Figure 18
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Single phase tank oil circuit breaker
C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 135
 The oil circuit breakers are usually installed on
concrete foundations at the ground level. During
interruption of heavy fault currents the breakers
tend to move. To minimize the damage to the
breakers, breakers with very high interrupting
capacity have an impulse cushion is provided at the
bottom of the breakers. The cushion filled with an
inert gas, for example nitrogen.
Figure 19 illustrates the tank type oil circuit
breaker, in open position, with the arc is not yet
extinguished

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 136
 137
Figure 19 Schematic
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward
diagram of bulk
C.Bs and Substations
oil circuit breaker
4th year elec. Power Eng.
 The major disadvantages of tank type C.B. are ;
1. Large quantity of oil is necessary in oil circuit breakers
though only a small quantity is necessary for arc
extinction.
2. The entire oil in the tank is likely to get deteriorated due to
sludge formation in proximity of the arc. Then the entire oil
needs replacement.
3. The tanks are too big, at 36 KV and above, and the tank
type oil circuit breaker loses its simplicity,
The above causes led to the development of minimum oil
circuit breakers. As the name itself signifies, the minimum
oil circuit breaker requires less oil. The arc extinction
medium is dielectric oil, the same as that used in tank type
circuit breakers. There is no steel tank but the arc
138
extinction takes place C.Bs
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward
inandaSubstations
porcelain containers.
4th year elec. Power Eng.
 5.4 Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) Circuit Breaker
and SF6 Insulated Metalclad switchgear
5.4.1 Introduction
Sulpher hexafluoride (SF6) is an inert, heavy gas having
good dielectric and arc extinguishing properties. The dielectric
strength of the gas increases with pressure and is more than
that of dielectric oil at pressure of 3 kgf/cm2 . This gas is now
being very widely used in electrical equipment like high
voltage metal enclosed cables; high voltage metal clad
switchgear, capacitors, circuit breakers, current transformers,
bushings, etc. This gas liquefies at certain low temperatures,
the liquefaction temperature increases with pressure. This gas
is commercially manufactured in many countries and is now
being extensively used by electrical industry in Europe, U.S.A.
139
and Japan.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
 Several types of SF6 circuit breakers have been
developed by various manufacturers in the world,
for rated voltage from 3.6 to 760 KV. However, at
present they are generally preferred for voltages
above 72.5 KV.
SF6 gas insulated metal clad switchgear comprises
factory assembled metal clad, substation
equipment like circuit breakers, isolators, earthing
switches, bus bars, etc. These are filled with
SF6 gas . Such sub-stations are compact and are
being favoured in densely populated urban areas.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 140
 Sulphur hexafluoride gas is prepared by burning
coarsely crushed roll sulphur in the fluorine gas, in a
steel box, provided with staggered horizontal shelves,
each bearing about 4 kg of sulphur. The steel box is
made gas-tight. The gas thus obtained contains other
fluoride such as S2F10 , SF4 and must be purified further.
SF6 gas is generally supplied by chemical firms. The cost
of gas is low if manufactured on a large scale.
The gas is transported in liquid from in cylinders.
Before filling the gas, the circuit breaker is evacuated to
the pressure of about 4 mm of mercury so as to
remove the moisture and air. The gas is then filled in
the circuit breaker. The gas can be reclaimed by the gas-
handling unit 141
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
 There are two types of SF6 circuit breakers:
1. Single pressure puffer type SF6 circuit
In which the entire circuit breaker is filled with SF6
gas at single pressure ( 4 to 6 kgf/cm2) . The
pressure and gas flow, required for arc extinction, is
obtained by piston action.
2. Double pressure type SF6 circuit breaker
In which the gas from high pressure system is
released into low pressure system over the arc
during the arc quenching process. This type has
been superseded by puffer type.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 142
5.4.2 Properties of SF6 Gas
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas has good dielectric and
arc extinguishing properties. The dielectric strength of
the gas increase with pressure and is more than that of
the dielectric oil at high pressures. SF6 is now very
widely used in electrical equipments like high voltage
metal enclosed cables, high voltage metal clad
switchgear, capacitors, circuit breakers, current
transformers, high voltage bushing, etc.
Sulphur hexafluoride gas is of low cost if manufactured
on a large scale. It is transported in liquid from
cylinders. Before filling the gas, the circuit breaker is
evacuated to the pressure of about 4mm of mercury so
as to remove the moisture and air. The gas is then filled
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 143
5.4.2.1 Physical properties of SF6 gas
Colorless.
Odorless.
Nontoxic. Pure SF6 gas is not harmful to health.
However, impure SF6 gas contains toxic impurities.
Inflammable.
Stat: gas at normal temperature and pressure.
Density : heavy gas with density 5 times that of air
at 20 C and atmospheric pressure.
- Liquefaction of SF6 Gas

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 144
5.4.2.1 Physical properties of SF6 gas
Colorless.
Odorless.
Nontoxic. Pure SF6 gas is not harmful to health.
However, impure SF6 gas contains toxic impurities.
Inflammable.
Stat: gas at normal temperature and pressure.
Density : heavy gas with density 5 times that of air
at 20 C and atmospheric pressure.
- Liquefaction of SF6 Gas

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 145
 Liquefaction of SF6 Gas
The gas starts liquefying at certain low temperatures. The
temperature of liquefaction depends on pressure. At 15
kgf/cm2 the gas starts liquefying at 10 C . Hence this
gas is not suitable for pressure above 15 kgf/cm2
The temperature at which the SF6 gas changes to liquid
state depends on the pressure. With higher pressure, the
temperature increases. To avoid the liquefaction of SF6
gas. the temperature of SF6 should be maintained above
certain value. For atmospheric pressure, SF6 gas starts
liquefying at a temperature of about 10 C. Hence
thermostatically controlled heaters are provided, which
maintain the gas temperature above about 16 C in case
of high pressure system.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 146
 Heat Transferability
The heat transferability of SF6 gas is 2 to 2.5
times that of air at same pressure. Hence for the
equal conductor size, the current carrying capacity
is relatively more.

- Enthalpy
Heat content property at temperature below
6000 K is much higher than nitrogen. This assists
cooling of arc space after current zero, due to
continuous removal of heat from the contact space
by the surrounding gas.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 147
 Low arc time constant

The time constant of the medium is defined as

"the time between current zero and the instant the
conductance of contact space reaches zero value".
Due to the electro negativity of SF6 gas the arc time
constant of SF6 gas is very low and the rate of
dielectric strength is high. Hence SF6 circuit
breakers are suitable for switching condition.
involving high rate of rise of TRV.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 148
 5.4.2.2 Chemical properties of SF6 Gas

1. Stable up to 500 C.
2. Inert. The chemical inertness of this gas is
advantageous in switchgear. The life of metallic
part, contacts is longer in SF6 gas. The components
do not get oxidized or deteriorated. Hence the
maintenance requirements are reduced. Moisture
is very harmful to the properties of the gas. In the
presence of moisture, hydrogen fluoride is formed
during arcing which can attack the metallic and
insulating parts in the circuit breaker.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 149
3. Electronegative gas.
4. Does not react with structural material up to 500C.
5. Products of decomposition. During arc extinction process
SF6 is broken down to some extent intoSF4, SF2. The
products of decomposition recombine upon cooling to
form the original gas. The remainder is removed by filters
containing activated alumina ( AL2O3) Loss factor is small.
The products of decomposition are toxic and attack certain
structural materials.
6. The metallic fluorides are good dielectric materials hence
are safe for electrical equipment.
7. Moisture content in the gas, due to influx from outside,
present a various problems in SF6 circuit breakers. Several
failures have been reported recently due to this cause.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 150
 5.4.2.3 Dielectric properties of SF6 Gas
Dielectric strength of SF6 gas atmospheric pressure is 2.35 times that
of air, it is 30% less than of dielectric oil used in oil circuit breakers.
At higher pressure the dielectric strength of the gas increases. At
pressure about 3 kgf/cm2 the dielectric strength of SF6 gas is more
than that of dielectric oil. This property permits smaller clearance
and small size of equipments for the same KV.
The breakdown voltage in SF6 gas depends on several aspects such as
electrode configuration, roughness of electrodes, distribution of
electric field, vicinity of insulating supports, moisture, wave shape
etc. Other parameters remaining constant, the breakdown voltage in
SF6 increases with pressure. The gas follows paschen's law which
states that "in uniformly distributed electric field, the breakdown
voltage (Vb ) in a gas is directly proportional to the product of gas
pressure (p) and electrod gap (d)"
Vbpd
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 151
 With the non uniform field, the breakdown voltage
versus pressure curve does not follow the
paschent's law strictly. The breakdown voltage
increases with pressure. However after about
2.5 kgf/cm2 it starts reducing and then rises again.
The pressure at which the breakdown voltage starts
reducing is called 'Critical pressure'. The dielectric
strength at pressure between 2-3 kgf/cm2 is high.
Hence this pressure range preferred in SF6 insulated
metal enclosed switchgear. However, in circuit
breaker compartment, the pressure of the order of
is kgf/cm2 preferred for arc quenching process.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 152
 Rough electrode surface reduces the breakdown voltage
with rough surface the ionization starts earlier near the
sharp points on conductors. Hence conductor surfaces
should be smooth
The conductor in SF6 insulating equipment are supported
on epoxy or porcelain insulators. The flashover invariably
takes place along the surface of the support insulators. The
breakdown can occur at extremely low values if the
insulators supports are covered by moisture and
conducting dust. Hence the insulators should be extremely
clean and should have anti-tracking properties.
The breakdown is initiated at sharp edges of conducting parts
and parts having maximum stress concentration. The limiting
value of breakdown stress is of the order of 20 P KV/cm for
pure SF6 and P is pressure of gas in kgf/cm2 . Good stress
153
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
 The breakdown value depends on the wave-shape
characterized by peak value, wave front, wave-tail,
polarity in case of impulse wave. Voltage withstand
value reduces with increase in steepness and
increase in duration of the wave. Negative polarity
is generally more severe than positive.

SF6 gas maintain high dielectric strength even when

diluted by air (Nitrogen). 30% SF6 + 70 % of air, by
volume, has a dielectric strength twice that of air (
at the same pressure). Below 30% by volume, the
dielectric strength reduces quickly.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 154
5.4.3 Arc Extinction in SF6 Circuit Breaker
High voltage circuit breaker with SF6 gas as the
insulation and quenching medium have been in use
throughout the world for more than 30 years. This
gas is particularly suitable because of its high
dielectric strength and thermal conductivity.
The current interruption process in a high voltage
circuit breaker is a complex matter due to
simultaneous interaction of several phenomena.
When the circuit breaker contacts separate, an
electric arc will be established, and current will
continue to flow through the arc. Interruption will
take place at an instant when the alternating current
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 155
 When a circuit breaker is tripped in order to interrupt
a short circuit current, the contact parting can start
anywhere in the current loop. After the contacts have
parted mechanically, the current will flow between the
contacts through an electric arc, which consists of a
core of extremely hot gas with a temperature of 5,000
to 20.000 K. This column of gas is fully ionized (plasma)
and has an electrical conductivity comparable to that of
carbon. When the current approaches zero, the arc
diameter will decrease. with the cross section
approximately proportional to the current. In the
vicinity of zero passage of current, the gas has been
cooled down to around 2.000 K and will no longer be
ionized plasma, nor will it be electrically conducting.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 156
 Two physical requirements (regimes) are involved :
Thermal regime : The hot arc channel has to be cooled
down to a temperature low enough that it ceases to be
electrically conducting.
Dielectric regime : After the arc extinction, the insulating
medium between the contacts must withstand the rapidly
increasing recovery voltage. This recovery voltage has a
transient component (transient recovery voltage, TRV)
caused by the system when current is interrupted.
If either of these two requirements is not met, the current
will continue to flow for another half cycle, until the next
current zero is reached. It is quite normal for a circuit
breaker to interrupt the short circuit current at the second
or even third current zero after contact separation.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 157
 Thermal regime
The thermal regime is especially critical at short line
fault interruption. The circuit parameters directly
affecting this regime are the rate of decrease of the
current to be interrupted (di/dt) and the initial rate
of rise of the transient recovery voltage
(dv/dt) immediately after current zero. The higher
the values of either of these two parameters, the
more severe the interruption is. A high value of
(di/dt) results a hot arc with a large amount of
stored energy at current zero, which makes
interruption more difficult. High values of (dv/dt)
will result in an increase of the energy to the post
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 158
 These exists a certain inertia in the electrical
conductivity of the arc. When the current approaches
zero, these is still a certain amount of electrical
conductivity left in the arc path. This gives rise to what
is called a "post-arc current". With amplitude up to a
few A. Whether or not interruption is going to be
successful is determined by a race between the cooling
effect and the energy input in the arc path by the
transient recovery voltage. When the scales of the
energy balance tip in favour of the energy input the
circuit breaker will fail thermally. The thermal
interruption regime for SF6 circuit breakers
corresponds to the period of time starting some s
before current zero, until extinguishing of the post arc
159
current, a few s after current zero.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
Dielectric regime
When the circuit breaker has successfully passed
the thermal regime, the transient recovery voltage
(TRV) between the contacts rises rapidly and will
reach a high value. For example, in a single unit 245
KV circuit breaker, the contact gap may be stressed
by 400 KV or more 70 to 200 s after the current
zero.
In the dielectric regime the extinguishing/ isolating
medium is longer electrically conducting, but it still has
a much higher temperature than the ambient. This
reduces the voltage withstand capacity of the contact
gap. The stress on the circuit breaker depends on the
160
rate of rise and the amplitude of the TRV.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
 The withstand capability of the contact gap must
always higher than the transient recovery voltage
otherwise a dielectric re-ignition will occur
(dielectric failure). This requires an extremely high
dielectric withstand capability of the gas, which is
still rather hot and therefore has low density.
The arc extinction process, in SF6 CB, is different
from that in air blast CB. During the arcing period,
SF6 gas is blown axially along the arc. The gas
removes from the arc by axial convection and radial
dissipation. As a result, the arc diameter reduces
during the decreasing mode of the current wave.
The diameter becomes small during current zero
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 161
 Due to its electro negativity and low arc time
constant, the SF6 gas regains its dielectric strength
rapidly after the final current zero, the rate of rise of
dielectric strength is very high and the time
constant is very small.
The arc extinguishing properties of SF6 gas was
pointed out in 1953. The research pointed out that
SF6 is a remarkable medium for arc extinction. The
arc extinguishing properties are improved by
moderate rates of forced gas flow through the arc
space.
Plain break contacts drawn apart, (AC arcs), in SF6 can
interrupt about 100 times more current than in air at 162
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
 The basic requirement in arc extinction is not
primarily the dielectric strength, but high rate of
recovery of dielectric strength. In SF6 gas, the
electrons get attached with molecules to become
ions. Thereby, the dielectric strength is quickly
regained. Problems connected with current
chopping are therefore minimized.
In SF6 CB, The gas is made to flow from a high
pressure zone to a low pressure zone through a
convergent-divergent nozzle. The mass flow is a
function of the nozzle-throat diameter, the pressure
ratio, and the time of flow. the nozzle is located
such that the flow of gas covers the arc . The gas
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 163
 The gas flow attains almost supersonic speed in the
divergent portion of the nozzle., thereby the gas
takes away the heat from the periphery of the arc,
causing reduction in the diameter of the arc. Finally,
the arc diameter becomes almost zero at current
zero and the arc is extinguished. The arc space is
filled with fresh SF6gas and the dielectric strength
of the contact space is rapidly recovered due to the
electro-negativity of the gas. The single flow pattern
(Fig. 23a) and double flow pattern (Fig. 23b) are
used for arc extinguishing in single-pressure puffer
type and double-pressure type SF6 circuit breakers.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 164
 (a) Single axial flow pattern 165
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
 (b) Double axial flow pattern
Figure 23 Arc extinction in gas flow circuit breakers
(Gas flows
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward
from high pressure
C.Bs and Substations
to low pressure)
4th year elec. Power Eng. 166
single pressure puffer type circuit breaker, with
single flow quenching medium
When breaker is fully closed, the pressure in the
puffer cylinder is equal to that outside the cylinder.
During opening stroke, puffer cylinder and moving
contact tube start moving.
Gas gets compressed within puffer cylinder.
After a certain travel, contact separates and arc is
drawn.
However, compressed gas flows from higher
pressure to lower pressure through the nozzle.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 167
5.4.4 Single Pressure Puffer Type SF6 Circuit Breaker

This type of circuit breakers employs the

principle of puffer action, illustrated above. Figure
24(a) illustrates the fully closed position of the
cylinder.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 168
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward
(a )
C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 169
 (b)
Figure 24 Puffer action principle
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 170
 The moving cylinder is coupled with the movable
conductor against the fixed piston, and there is a
relative movement between the moving cylinder
and the fixed piston.
The gas is compressed in the cavity.
This trapped gas is released through the nozzle,
during arc extinction process.
During the travel, of the moving contact and the
movable cylinder, the gas puffs over the arc and
reduces the arc diameter by axial convection and
radial dissipation.
At current zero, the arc diameter becomes too small
and the arc gets extinguished
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 171
 The puffing action continues for some time, even
after the arc extinction, and the contact space is
filled with cool, fresh gas.

Figure 25 illustrates the configuration of a 245

KV/420 KV single-pressure SF6 circuit breaker. The
two interrupters are mounted on the hollow
support insulators. The operation mechanism,
installed at the base of the insulators, is linked with
the movable contact in the interrupter, by means of
insulating operating rod and a link mechanism.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 172
Figure 25SayedOne
Prof. Dr. A. Ward pole of 245 KV
C.Bs and puffer type
Substations SF6
4th year elec. circuit
Power Eng. breaker
173
 The circuit breaker is filled with SF6 gas at a
pressure of about 5 kgf/cm2 . During the opening
operation, the operating rod is pulled downwards
by the operating mechanism. the link mechanism
converts the vertical motion into horizontal motion.
The contact and the movable cylinder, in the
interrupter, are moved against the fixed position.
Break-time up to 3 cycles can be achieved by puffer
principle described above. For achieving 2 cycle
break-time, differential position is used, in which
the puffer cylinder and piston move in opposite
directions, thus reducing total stroke and time of
travel.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 174
5.4.5 Merits and Demerits of SF6 Circuit Breaker
Outdoor EHV SF6 CB has less number of
interrupters per pole than ABCB and MOCB. It is
simple, less costly, maintenance free compact.
The gas is non-inflammable and chemically stable.
The decomposition product are not explosive.
Hence there is no danger of fire or explosions.
Same gas is re-circulated in the circuit. Hence
requirement of SF6 gas is small in the long run. No
replacement is required for at least five years.
Ample overload margin. For the same size of conductors,
the current carrying ability of SF6 CB is about 1.5 times that
of ABCB because
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward
of superior heat
C.Bs and Substations
transferability
4th year elec. Power Eng.
of SF6 gas.
175
 The breaker is silent and does not sound, like ABCB,
during operation.
The sealed construction avoids the contamination
by moisture, dust, sand, etc.
No cost for compressed air system as in ABCB.
Maintenance required is minimum. The breaker
may need maintenance once in four to ten years.
Ability to interrupt low and high fault currents,
magnetizing currents, capacitive currents, without
excessive over voltage. Sf6 gas CB can perform the
various duties like clearing short line faults, opening
unloaded transmission lines, capacitor switching,
transformers, reactor switching. etc. much smoothly
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 176
 The breaker is silent and does not sound, like ABCB,
during operation.
The sealed construction avoids the contamination
by moisture, dust, sand, etc.
No cost for compressed air system as in ABCB.
Maintenance required is minimum. The breaker
may need maintenance once in four to ten years.
Ability to interrupt low and high fault currents,
magnetizing currents, capacitive currents, without
excessive over voltage. Sf6 gas CB can perform the
various duties like clearing short line faults, opening
unloaded transmission lines, capacitor switching,
transformers, reactor switching. etc. much smoothly
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 177
 Short break time of 2 to 2.5 cycles.
High electrical endurance, allowing at least 25 years
of operation without reconditioning
Possible compact solutions when used for GIS or
hybrid switchgear.
Integrated closing resistors or synchronized
operations to reduce switching over voltages.
Reliability and availability.
Low noise level.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 178
 5.4.6 Some Demerits of SF6 Circuit Breaker
1. Sealing problems arise due to the type of
construction used. Special materials are necessary
in construction. Imperfect joints lead to leakage of
gas.
2. Arced SF6 gas is poisonous and should not be
inhaled or let-out.
3. Influx of moisture in the system is very dangerous
to SF6 gas circuit breakers.
4. The double pressure SF6 CB is relatively costly.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 179
5.The internal parts should be cleaned thoroughly
during periodic maintenance, under clean, dry
environment.
6. Special facilities are needed for transporting the
gas, transferring the gas, and maintaining the
quality of the gas. The deterioration of quality of
the gas affects the reliability of the SF6 circuit
breaker.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 180
 5.5 Vacuum circuit breaker

5.5.3 Construction of Vacuum Circuit Breaker

The vacuum circuit breaker comprises one or
more sealed vacuum interrupter units per pole (Fig.
30). The moving contact in the interrupter is
connected to insulating operating rod linked with
the opening mechanism. The contact travel is of the
order of a few mili-meters only. The movement of
the contacts within the sealed interrupter unit is
permitted by metal-bellows.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 181
Figure 30 Construction
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward of vacuum
C.Bs and Substations 4th yearcircuit breaker1
elec. Power Eng. 182
Vacuum circuit breakers can be classified in the
following two categories:

Vacuum interrupters installed in indoor switchgear

and kiosks rated up to 36 KV (Fig. 31).

Vacuum circuit breakers suitable for outdoor

installation and having two or more interrupters in
series per pole (Fig. 32).

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 183
 Figure 31 12 C.Bs
kvandindoor
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Substations vacuum circuit
4th year elec. Power Eng. breaker
184
Figure 32
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward 12 KV
C.Bs andoutdoor
Substations vacuum
4th year elec.circuit
Power Eng. breaker
185
 The structural configuration of the circuit breakers of
two categories mentioned above is quite different as it
can be seen, though the basic interrupter unit is base
on same principle of operation.
The multi-unit vacuum circuit breakers rated 72.5 KV
and above have been developed and installed in
England and U.A.S. However, they are not very popular
and are not likely to be preferred to other types of
circuit breakers.
For voltage up to 36 KV, vacuum circuit breakers
employing a single interrupter unit have become
extremely popular for metal enclosed switchgear, arc
furnace installation, switchgear in generating stations
and industrial applications.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 186
The construction of the vacuum chamber is relatively
simple. As it can be seen in Fig. 33, it consists of a pair of
contacts (4; 5), one of which is mobile (5), enclosed in a
vacuum dense shield, soldered to ceramic or glass isolators
(3; 7), upper and lower metal covers (2; 8) and a metal
screen (6).The movement of the mobile contact in relation
to the immobile one is provided by means of using a
bellows element (9). Chamber outputs (1; 10) serve to
connect it to the main current circuit of the breaker. It is
necessary to state that only special metals that are vacuum
dense and cleaned of dissolved gases are used in vacuum
chamber shield manufacturing : copper and special alloys
as well as special ceramic composition (usually it is 50%-
50% copper-chrome) that provides high breaking capacity,
low deterioration and resistance to the appearance of
187
welding points on the surface of the contacts.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
FigureProf.33
Dr. SayedConstruction
A. Ward ofSubstations
C.Bs and vacuum interruption
4th year elec. Power Eng. chamber
188
Cylindrical ceramic insulators together with the vacuum space
when the contacts are open provide insulation between
the chamber outputs when the circuit breaker is in the
opened position. To prevent metal steam condensation on
the surface of the ceramic insulators, which causes damage
to the electric strength of the insulators, a metal screen
(Fig. 34) is used that "intercepts" and absorb metal steam
formed during the switching. By doing this it prolongs the
durability of the chamber (electrical endurance). The level
of vacuum in the modern arc extinction chambers equals
10-7 -10-6 Pa, which provides the durability resources for
the chambers for their entire term of use because the
necessary insulation parameters of the vacuum space are
reached at 10-3 Pa. Experience shows that during the
process of switching, the level of vacuum slightly rises due
189
to the condensed metal steam absorbing the residual
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng.
 190
Figure 34 Model
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward
of contact system
C.Bs and Substations
AEC
4th year elec. Power Eng.
 5.5.4 Merits of Vacuum Circuit Breakers
The vacuum switchgear has been successfully
developed and is gaining rapid popularity. The
vacuum switches are likely to be popular for wide
range of applications. These switches devices have
several merits such as :
1. VCB is self contained and does not need filling of
gas or oil. They do not need auxiliary air system, oil
handling system, etc. No need for periodic refilling.
2. No emission of gases, pollution free.
3. Modest maintenance of the breaker, no
maintenance of interrupters. Hence economical
over long period.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 191
4. Breakers forms a unit which can be installed at any
required orientation. Breaker unit is compact and
self contained.
5. Non-explosive
6. Silent operation.
7. Large number of operation on load, or short circuit.
Suitable for repeated duty.
8. Long life of the order of several hundred operations
on rated normal current.
9.Constant dielectric. There are no gas decomposition
products in vacuum and the hermetically sealed
vacuum interrupter keeps out all environmental
effect.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 192
10. Constant contact resistance. In vacuum, the
contacts cannot be oxidized, a fact which ensures
that their very small resistance is maintained
through their life.
11. High total current switched. Since contact piece
erosion is small, rated normal interrupted current is
up to 30.000 times; and rated short circuit breaking
current is on the average of a hundred times.

The above reasons, together with the economic

advantages offered, have boosted acceptance of
the vacuum arc quenching principle.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 193
5.5.5 Demerits of Vacuum Circuit Breakers
1. The vacuum interrupter is more expensive than
the interrupter devices in other types of
interrupters and its cost is affected by production
volume. It is uneconomical to manufacturer
vacuum interrupters in small quantities.
2. Rated voltage of single interrupter is limited until
very recently to about 363 = 20 KV above 36 KV,
two interrupters are required to be connected in
series. This makes the breaker uneconomical for
voltage rated above 36 KV.
3. Vacuum interrupters required high technology for
production.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 194
5. In the event of loss of vacuum, due to transient
damage or failure, the entire interrupter is rendered
useless. It cannot be required at site.

6. For interrupter low magnetizing currents, in certain

range, additional surge suppressors are required in
parallel with phase of a VCB.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward C.Bs and Substations 4th year elec. Power Eng. 195