UNIT-1

IMPORTANT TERMS

1
Why current interruption is necessary
 Every Electrical Circuit needs a switching devices
to cutoff the load from source in both normal and
abnormal conditions.

 The circuit is isolated in normal condition for

taking out the equipment for maintenance
purpose. This condition is not serious.

 But some of abnormal conditions are very serious

and continuation of abnormal condition can be
harmful. In such case faulty part should be
disconnected without any delay.
2
Types of Interrupting Devices
1. Switch/ Isolator / Disconnecting Switch.
2. Fuse
3. Contactor
4. Circuit breaker
5. MCB
6. MCCB
7. ELCB/ RCCB
8. Solid status switching device

3
Fuse:- Fuse is the simplest current interrupting
device for the protection from over current & short
circuits.

Isolator :- A switching device which can be opened

or closed under no load condition. It provides
physical isolation of a circuit for the purpose of
maintenance.

4
Contactor- Contactor is a switching device
capable of making, carrying and breaking electric
current under normal and over load conditions.

Earthing Switch- It is a switch which connects a

conductor to the earth so as to discharge the
charges on the conductor to the earth.

Switch- A device which can interrupt the current,

when it is not more than normal load current.

5
Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is a switching and current
interrupting device of a switch gear. The
circuit breaker serves two basic purpose.

1. Switching during normal operating

conditions for the purpose of operation and
maintenance.
2. Switching during abnormal conditions such
as short circuits and interrupting the fault
currents.
6
Over voltages
Causes-

 Over voltage surges in power system are caused by

various causes such as lightning, switching,
resonance etc. Over voltages are produced during
opening of a circuit breaker.

 The amplitude of such over voltages can be reduced

by incorporating opening resistors across the circuit
breaker interrupters.

7
 Over voltages are also produced during the closing
operation of circuit breaker while closing unloaded
transmission lines. Such over voltage can be
minimized by incorporating preclosing resistors.

 The magnitude and wave shape of switching over

voltage depends upon the values of equivalent
inductance, capacitance and resistance of the
system.

8
Lightning Surges
 Originate with a lightning stroke on overhead
line or outdoor equipment. The wave travels
along conductors and reaches the substations.

 The external clearances of the electrical

installations are designed to withstand
lightning surges of specified magnitudes.

 Each electrical equipment is designed and

tested to withstand certain specified lightning
impulse voltage wave.
9
Reason of switching surges
Switching Surges occur with the opening or closing of
circuit breakers under various switching operations due to
the transient exchange of energy between the inductance
and capacitance.
In medium voltage range (1 kV to 36 kV) switching surges
occurring during following duties of circuit breakers are
significant :
1. Low inductive current switching, current chopping.
2. Motor switching, voltage escalation during closing.
3. Capacitor switching, restrike phenomena.

10
Measures for suppressing the surges
Following are the important measures for
suppressing the surges.
 Use of suitable circuit breakers.
 Use of RC surge suppressors near circuit breaker
or the load.
 Use of ZnO arresters.

11
 Surge arrestor
 Surge Arresters are connected between phase and
earth in substations, distribution system, near
transformer terminals and near terminals of large
rotating machines.
 Surge arresters discharge the excessive surge voltage
to ground and protect the insulation system.
 The gapped, silicon carbide surge arresters are being
used since 1950's. During 1960's the gap less Zinc
Oxide arresters (ZnO Arresters) of superior quality
have been developed.
 ZnO arresters have higher energy absorption
capability and superior V/I characteristic.
12
 The resistor blocks in the surge arrester offer
low resistance to high voltage surge and divert
the high voltage surge to ground. Thereby the
insulation of protected installation is not
subjected to the full impulse wave.

 The surge arrester does not create short-circuit

like rod gaps and retains the residual voltage
across its terminals.

13
 Surge Arrester discharges current impulse
surge to earth and dissipates energy in the
form of heat.

 After discharging the impulse wave to the

earth, the resistor blocks in the surge arrester
offers a very high resistance to the normal
power frequency voltage and acts as open
circuit

14
Protective Devices Against Lightning Surges
 Rod gaps - Across insulator string, bushing
insulators.
 Overhead Ground Wires (earthed) - Above
overhead lines, Above the sub-station area
 Vertical Masts in sub-stations - In sub-stations
 Lightning Arresters (Surge Arresters) - On
incoming lines in each sub-station, Near terminals
of Transformers and Generators, Near motor and
generators terminals
 Surge Absorbers- Near rotating machines or
switchgear. 15
Operating mechanism
Operating mechanism is required to achieve the
opening and closing operation. The circuit
breaker mechanism must be capable to deal large
force at high speed. Closing must be fast with
high contact pressure to avoid contact welding.

16
Requirement during closing
 High thermal stress and electromagnetic stress are
involved, when circuit breaker is closed in fault
condition.

 High speed to minimise pre arcing, and subsequently

higher temperature stress.

 Making current try to repel the contact due to

electromagnetic force.

 While closing, the operating mechanism should have

enough power to overcome opposing force to
accelerate moving contacts.

17
Opposing force during closing
operation
 Electromagnetic force between contacts.

 Action of operating spring.

 Inertia of moving assembly.

 Opposing force due to medium.

 Friction

18
Opening operation
The energy for opening is achieved from
following:

 Opening spring charged during closing.

 High pressure hydraulic oil stored.

 High pressure air.

19
Opposing force during opening
 Electromagnetic force due to contact grip

 Friction.

 Inertia of moving parts

 Opposing force due to quenching medium.

20
Types of circuit breaker mechanism
The operating mechanism in circuit breaker are of
two type
1. Dependable
2. Stored energy type or independent operating
mechanism.
1. Dependable operating mechanism depend on
continuity of power supply or manual force
during
closing. Accordingly they are called.
- Dependable manual operating mechanism.
- Dependable power mechanism. 21
2. The stored energy type operating
mechanism are called independent
operating mechanism as they are
independent of continuity of power supply.
In such mechanism, the energy required
for closing is stored in charged spring.

22
Stored energy type mechanism can be classified
as follows.
• Spring opened spring closed mechanism
• Solenoid closed, spring opened mechanism.
• Hydraulic Mechanism
• Pneumatic operating Mechanism.
• Pneumatically- closed, spring opened
mechanism.
• Pneumatically opened, spring closed
mechanism. 23
Circuit breaker time (Total break time) = Opening time +
arcing time
Relay time = Instant of fault to closing of trip circuit.
Fault clearing = Relay time + circuit breaker time
ie. Time between instant of occurrence of fault and instant
of final arc extinction.

24
Circuit breaker features
i) Trip Free Features

 The trip free mechanism permits the circuit

breaker to be tripped by the protective relay
even if it is under the process of closing.

 Suppose the breaker has been instructed to

close by manual instruction by pushing of push
button. The operating mechanism will start
operating for closing operation. Mean while if a
fault takes place then a relay will trip the
circuit breaker. 25
ii) Anti-pumping- This feature is to
prevent pumping i.e. alternate tripping and
closing, if the closing button is held closed
during a fault.

26
iii) Static series trip - This is inbuilt
protection of a circuit breaker. It is not
dependent on any DC supply for trip coil.
Inbuilt relay senses the signal from
running current through CT. Relay
produces own supply by electronic circuit
for tripping the coil.

27
iv) Shunt trip- This is operated by different signals
from different relays. All relays contacts are wired in
parallel and gives command for tripping the breaker in
any fault condition. External auxiliary DC supply is
used for actuating the trip coil.

28
v) Magnetic over current- This is also in
built protection over current magnetises
the pulling magnetic assembly which
pulls the trip shaft.

29
Insulation coordination
The power system elements should with stand the over
voltage without insulation failure. The insulation level of
power system equipments refers to its value of power
frequency and impulse voltage with stand.
The insulation level of equipment is designed in such a way
that the damaged caused by voltage is minimize &
equipment is economical.
Insulation coordination is assisted by following.
• Use of over head ground wire
• Low tower footing resistance
• Use of lighting arrestor.

30
Method for improving transient
stability
• Use of faster & superior protection
system.
• Use of faster circuit breaker.
• Use of auto reclosing of circuit
breaker.
• Superior excitation system.

31
 UNIT-2
Switching Phenomena
Introduction

Switching disturbances are influenced by electrical network

which consist of following parameters.

(a) Resistance
(b) Inductance
(c) Capacitance
(a) Resistance - The obstruction in the path of
current is called resistance. It depends upon
nature of material, length of conductor and
area of cross section. Resistance play the role
in dissipating the energy.
(b) Inductance, Inductance is defined as

In an inductive circuit current cannot change instantaneously.

(c) Capacitance. Two or more conductors separated
by dielectric medium called capacitance. The
voltage across capacitance do not change
instantaneously.

From the above definition, it is clear that

transmission lines, bushing, circuit breakers, etc.
have inherent capacitance between phases and
between phase and ground. In circuit-breaking
phenomenon, capacitance plays an important role.
The voltage across capacitor is given by
 Current during Charging the open circuit line

There exists a distributed capacitance between conductors

and between conductor and ground in case of transmission
lines. The flow of alternating current in the transmission
line is associated with alternate charging and discharging
of this capacitance. The currents taken by the capacitance
for charging are called charging current. The charging
current flow in transmission line, even if the receiving end
is open circuited.
While closing a circuit-breaker on a capacitive circuit like a
capacitor bank, the current flowing in the capacitance is
given by
Pre-arcing

The current inrush during the closing of

capacitive bank can cause pre-arcing
between the circuit-breaker contacts.
The following duties can produce severe
stresses on the circuit-breaker, and,
therefore, need a special attention.
 Closing and opening capacitor banks.
 Closing and opening unloaded
transmission lines on no load
Voltage Equation of an RLC
series circuit
Short Circuit of R.L. Series
Circuit

………. (1)
 C

This is complementary solution of current i. It is an

exponentially decaying component, called D.C.
Component. the magnitude of constant A depends on
initial conditions. A may be zero, positive or negative
depending upon magnitude of e at t=0
Particular Solution

P
Complete Solution
 i= ip + ic

+
Doubling effect – DC component is max. when
switch is closed at voltage zero. This case is called
doubling effect because peak value is 2Em/WL at
first current loop. There is slight drop in
instantaneous Value of current from t=0 to t=π/2
Therefore, the peak value can be considered to be
approx. 1.8 Em/WL Instead of 2Em
WL
 When an R-L series circuit is closed with an
alternating voltage source, the resulting current
consists of two components, the d.c. component
and a.c. component. The a.c. component is super
imposed on the d.c. component. The magnitude of
d.c. component depends upon the voltage at the
instant of closing the switch.
 When the switch is closed at voltage zero, the d.c.
component is maximum (Fig.).
 If the switch is closed at voltage maximum, d.c.
component is zero and the waveform is
symmetrical about the normal zero axis as shown in
Fig.
Sub transient, transient & steady state
 When there is short circuit, the current rise rapidly to
high value (10 to 18 times) during the first quarter
cycle. This first few cycle comes under sub transient
state.

 After a first few cycles, the decrement in the r.m.s.

value of short circuit current is less rapid than the
decrement during the first few cycles. This state is
called the Transient State the reactance in this state is
called transient reactance X'. The circuit-breaker
contacts separate in the transient state.

 Finally the transient dies out and the current reaches a

steady sinusoidal state called the Steady State. The
reactance in this state is called steady state reactance
Xd.
Effect of Natural frequency on TRV

With increase of natural frequency the rate or

rise of TRV at current zero increases. With higher
frequency relatively less time is available for
building of dielectric electric strength of contact
gap, hence higher frequency associated with
higher stress. The breaking capacity reduces with
increase of natural frequency.
Current Interruption in A.C.
Circuit-Breakers

 The waveforms of the current and

the voltage during the arc
interruption of AC circuit breaker is
shown in fig. The EHV a.c. circuit-
breakers generally adopt the zero-
point interruption technique.
Effect of Power factor on TRV
The instantaneous value of the voltage at the
instant of current zero depends upon the phase
angle between current & voltage for unity power
factor, the voltage & current are in phase and
both are zero at the same time. For zero power
factor current, the peak of voltage is imposed on
the circuit breaker pole at the instant of current
zero. It give rise to severe transient and high rate
of rise of TRV. Hence interrupting current of low
power factor is a difficult switching duty.
Making current
The instantaneous peak value of first current loop
is called the making current.

Breaking current
The rms value of short circuit at the instant of
contact separation is termed as breaking current.
Transient Recovery voltage
When arc gets extinguished a high frequency voltage
transient appears across the contacts which is
superimposed on power frequency system voltage.
This high frequency transient voltage tries to restrike
the arc, hence is called restricting voltage or
transient recovery voltage.

Recovery voltage – The power frequency system

voltage appearing between the poles after arc
extinction is called recovery voltage.
Reestablishment of the Arc
If the dielectric strength of medium between the
contacts does not build up faster than the rate of rise
of the transient recovery voltage, the breakdown
takes place, causing reestablishment of arc.

Successful current interruption

If the dielectric strength of contact-space buildsup
rapidly so that it is more than rate of rise of TRV, The
circuit breaker interrupt the current successfully.
Restrike and reignition
While switching capacitive current, the high
voltage appearing across the contact space can
course reignition after initial arc extinction. If the
contact space breaks down within a period one-
fourth of cycle of the initial arc extinction, then
this is called reignition. If the breakdown occurs
after one fourth of cycle, then this is called re
strike.
Opening resistance
 The opening resistance come into the circuit prior
to the opening of main breaker the resistance such
opens with certain delay after the opening of main
breaker.
 OCB & Fs breaker do not require opening resitance,
as the current interruption takes place at current
zero as there are internal energy source.
 Resistance is used in circuit breaker having high
zero resistance of contact space.
Current chopping
When interrupting inductive such as magnetizing
current of transformer, shunt reactor, the rapid
deionization of contact space and blast affect
may cause the current to interrupted before its
natural zero. This phenomena of interruption of
current before its natural zero B called current
chopping. A transient voltage of high RRRV
appears across the contacts. Resistance switching
is adopted to overcome the affect of over voltage
due to current chopping. The current to be
interrupted may be small but interrupting such
currents may results in very high voltage.
Interruption of low Magnetising current
Thus a circuit breaker in which the dielectric strength
of contact space grows at slower rate, the problem of
restrike voltage disturbance is loos server. Become
gap break down and absorbs the energy circuit
breaker with internal extinguishing source such as oil
circuit breaker are therefore are most suitable for
such application.
Resistance swithing comprises non linear resistance
are connected parallel to arc between contacts
during arc interruption. (Fig. 3.2.1 Page 801)
Switching of capacitor bank
While closing the circuit breaker of parallel capacitor bank,
the pre arcing between contacts took place before contact
touch.

Post Zero resistance

 In oil circuit breaker post zero resistance of contact space
is low, hence resistance switching is not necessary,
however the resistance switching assists the circuit
breaker in interrupting the magnetizing current
capacitive current.
 Post zero resistance of ABCB is high, which may cause
current chopping, hence resistance switching is needed.

Internal & External energy source in breaker.

 OCB & SF6 are internal energy source.
 ABCB & VCB are external energy source.
 UNIT-3

Arc formation &

Extinction
Introduction
 The electric arc is a type of a electric discharge
between electrodes. In circuit breakers, the arc
persists during the brief period of separation of
current carrying contacts.
 The circuit breaker should be capable of
extinguishing the arc without getting damaged.
 The arc plays an important role in the
behaviour of the circuit breaker. The
interruption of d.c. arcs is relatively more
difficult than a.c. arcs. In a.c. arcs, as the
current becomes zero during the regular wave,
the arc vanishes and it is prevented from
restriking.
Causes of Ionization
The non-ionized gas is generally a good dielectric
medium. Even dissociated gas is a dielectric.
However, the ionized gas is a conducting medium.
In circuit-breakers the contact space is ionized by
the following causes :
(1) Thermal ionization of gas.
(2) Ionization by collision of particles.
(3) Thermal emission from surface of contacts.
(4) Secondary emission from surface of contacts.
(5) Field emission from the surface of contacts.
(6) Photo emission.
1. Thermal Ionization
 At normal temperatures the molecules of gas are in
a state of constant agitation and they move at
various velocities in various directions.
 A molecule at velocity V and mass m possesses
kinetic energy equal to 1/2 mV2. At temperature
about 3000°C the molecules break up in simpler
forms and further to atoms.
 This process is known as dissociation. At higher
temperatures (About 6000°C) the agitation of these
atoms is vehement and their impact against each
other can produce ionization by mutual collision.
This type of ionization brought about by heat is
called thermal ionization.
2. Ionization by Collision

 A particle (electron, ion or molecule)

at higher velocity (produced by
electric field) may strike another
particle. Thereby the energy of the
moving particle is imparted to the
other one.

 This energy may be enough to dislodge

the electrons from atoms. Such
ionization is called ionization by
collision.
(a) Contacts pressed at high pressure
in closed position

(b) Pressure reduced. Hence contact

area reduced. Current
concentrates on a few spots of high
current density.

(c) Contacts separated, arc down, arc

is surrounded by ionized gas and
hot column of gas. (See Front
Cover - The Arc)

(d) The voltage gradient = V/∆l

if V=1kV, ∆l=1 cm, Gradient= 1000
V/cm
3. Thermal Emission from Surface of
Contacts
 In closed position, the contacts are pressed
against each other at a high pressure causing
plastic and elastic deformation.

 As the contacts start separating, the pressure

between contacts reduces first. Thereby the
true area of contact is reduced to area of a few
spots on the surface.
 The current crosses the contact surface at the
spots producing high current densities.
Therefore, spots of high local temperature are
produced on the surface of contacts.

 Next, the arc has high temperature as the

energy is dissipated in the form of head. By
virtue of these causes thermal emission takes
place at contact surface.
4. Secondary Emission at Contact Surface
The electrons move rapidly under the influence of
strong electric field between the contacts and
strike the surface of the other contact. Thereby
they produce emission from contact surface by
collision.
5. Field emission
While separating, a high voltage
gradient applies between contact as
per dv/dx, which dislodge the electrons
from surface.
6. Photoemission

The electron emission from contact surface caused by

incidence of light energy is called photoemission.
 Deionization
Deionization can take place by the processes of
recombination or attachment as well as by process
of diffusion and drift. These have been discussed
here very briefly.

(a) Recombination. If there is a gas containing

positive ions and electrons, there is a tendency
for these to come together and combine to form
a neutral atom. This phenomenon is termed as
recombination. Recombination takes place
directly in gas, and is important in the process of
arc extinction.
As the walls arc of insulating material electrons
cannot escape and the inner side of container, is
negatively charged. Thereafter the wall inner
surface repels electrons and attacks positive ions.
Thereby the combination takes place between
positive ions and negative charges.

(b) Diffusion. The electrons from highly ionized

space diffuse to the surrounding weakly
ionized space. This is an important process in
building up of dielectric strength.
(c) Conduction of Head. Conduction of heat
brings down the temperature and assists
recombination. The particles of higher
temperature travel to the space at lower
temperature. In this way kinetic energy is
removed from the ionized space between the
contacts.

In circuit-breakers the deionization is an

important process because it assists arc
extinction.
Electric Arc
 The electric arc is a self-sustained discharge of
electricity between electrodes in gas or vapour,
which has a voltage drop at cathode of the
order of minimum ionizing or minimum exciting
potential gas or vapour.

 When D.C. voltage applied to electrodes,

placed at a small clearance, say a few
centimetres, is gradually increased, a flow of
current takes place through gas.
 This phenomenon is called discharge in gas. The
volt-ampere characteristic has several distinct
zones classified as glow discharge, town send
discharge and arc discharge.

 During arc discharge the voltage across the

electrode is low and current is high. The current is
limited by external impedance. The voltage across
arc decreases as the current increases. The arc is
self-sustained discharge.

 The arc has a brightly burning core of high

temperature ranging from 6000° to 25,000K. If the
arc is cooled, the temperature increases.
 This is rather perplexing. The cooling reduces
its diameter and thereby the current density
increases resulting in higher temperature.

 The current density of arc core is several

thousand amperes per cm2. The central core is
surrounded by a column of hot gases at a
temperature of about 1000° K down to low
temperature.

 The approximate variation of r with respect to

time can be obtained for different parameters
of the arc derived from experimentation and
theoretical analysis.
Arc Formation in A.C. Circuit-Breakers
 As discussed earlier, the separation of contacts leads
to high local temperatures on the contact surface.
The electrons are emitted from contact surface by
thermal, secondary, field and photoemission.

 The gases between contact space are ionized by

thermal ionization, ionization by collision. Because of
these aspects the space between the contact is in the
state of plasma and, therefore, is conducting.

 Thereby, arc discharge takes place between the

contacts as the current carrying contacts separate.
 Fig. illustrate the characteristics of a.c. arc
current and voltage with respect to time. The
voltage across the arc is in phase with the arc
current as arc current is predominantly
resistive.
 The voltage across the arc reverse with the
current. AT current zero, the voltage across the
contact reverses.
Modes at Arc Extinction
 Two modes of arc interruption can be identified :
(1) High resistance interruption.
(2) Low resistance or zero point-interruption.
High Resistance Interruption
 The high resistance interruption is obtained by obtained by increasing the
resistance of the arc.

 Assuming arc to be constant, the resistance of the arc can be increased by

increasing voltage of the arc

 In high resistance interruption method the length of the arc is increased so

as to increase the voltage across the arc.

 The voltage of the arc is increased till it is more than the system voltage
across the contacts. At this point, the arc gets extinguished.

 The method is used in in D.C. Circuit-Breakers, and low and medium

voltage a.c. circuit-breakers.
Method of Increasing Resistance

1. Lengthening the arc by means of arc runners

 Arc runners are horn-like blades of conducting

material, which are connected to arcing
contacts with their tips radiating upwards in 'V'
shape. The arc originates at the bottom and
blows upwards by electromagnetic force.

 The tips of the arc move upwards along arc

runners or arc runners or arc horns rapidly. The
length of the arc increases and the arc is
extinguished.
 Function of Arc runner
1. Initial position of arc
2. Final position of arc
3. Arc runners (in vertical plane)
4. Field (in horizontal plane)
5. Force due to electrodynamics forces (in vertical plane)
2. Splitting of Arc by Arc splitters

 The arc is elongated and split by arc splitters.

These are specially made plates of resin bonded
fiber glass.

 These are placed in the path perpendicular to the

arc and the arc is pulled into them by
electromagnetic force experienced by the arc by
means of magnetic field applied in proper
direction so as to pull the arc by means of
magnetic field applied in proper direction so as to
pull the arc upwards. When the arc is pulled in
space between the plates, it gets elongated,
constrained, split and cooled.
3. Blowout coils
 Fig. illustrates the arrangement of magnetic-
blow out coils employed in air magnetic circuit-
breakers.
4. Cooling of Arc

 Cooling of the arc brings about recombination of ionized

particles. Cooling removes the heat from the arc.
Cooling is brought about by bringing the arc is contact
with cooler air.
Low Resistance or Zero point Extinction

 This method is employed in a.c. arc interruption.

Actually the alternating current passes through
zero 100 times per second in 50 cycles current
wave.

 At every current zero the arc vanishes for a brief

moment. However, the arc appears again with the
rising current wave. In a.c. circuit-breakers the
arc is interrupted at a current zero.

 At current zero, the space between contacts is

deionized quickly by introducing fresh unionized
medium such as oil or fresh air, or SF6 gas,
 The dielectric strength of the contact space
increases to such an extent that the arc does
not continue after current zero. A high voltage
may appear across the contacts.

 The voltage may re-establish the arc if the

dielectric strength of gap is less than the
restriking voltage. In that case the arc
continues for another half cycle and may get
extinguished at next current zero
 In various types of circuit-breaker designs, the
provision is made to remove the hot gases from
the contact space immediately after the arc so
as to fill the contact space by fresh dielectric
medium of high dielectric strength.

 The arc extinction process can, therefore, be

considered to have two phases
- Arcing phase
- Post-arc phase.
 The arc extinction process in circuit breaker is
influenced by several aspects such as -
- Speed of contact
- Material of contact
- Quenching medium
- Rate of rise of TRV
- Rate of gain of dielectric strength.
 The arcing phase is governed by temperature
stresses due to the arc. Every attempt is made in
the interrupter design to remove the heat of arc
quickly by radial and axial flow of gases.

 The experimentation has shown that the power

arc cannot be broken abruptly. However, the arc
diameter can be reduced to a low value by the
flow of gases over the arc. The arc diameter
reduces during a portion of the a.c. wave
approaching current zero.
 At current zero, the arc diameter reduces to a
very low value and arc gets extinguished. But
the contact space contains hot gases. These are
removed by fresh dielectric medium having high
dielectric strength.

 Hence the interrupter design attempts at

removing the head from the arc during the
arcing period and flushing the contact space
with fresh dielectric medium during the post-
arc period.
Arc Extinction in Oil

 The arc decomposes the dielectric oil. The

gases formed due to the decomposition of the
oil cause increase in pressure within the
chamber fitted in the interrupter.

 The flow of gases is channelized through the

vents in the chamber. The arc gets extended
into the vents and is cooled by the flowing
gases. The gases contain about 70% of hydrogen
which has good dielectric strength.
 After the arc extinction, the contact space is filled
with fresh dielectric oil. In some circuit-breakers,
a piston attached to the moving contact causes the
oil flow in the contact space assuring a rapid gain
of dielectric strength.

 In some other designs, the interrupter is

pressurized by nitrogen gas. The pressure on the
oil ensures the flushing of contact space with fresh
dielectric oil after final arc interruption.

 The amount of gas formed during the arcing is

proportional to the arc current. Such circuit-
breakers are called 'Internal energy type circuit-
breakers‘.
Arc Extinction in Vacuum

 When the contact of vacuum interrupter

are separated, the arc is drawn between
them. The current leaves the electrodes
from small, intensely hot spot (or spots).

 The metal vaporizes from the spots. The

vapour stream constitutes the plasma in
vacuum arc. The vapour formed is
proportional to rate of vapour emission,
which is proportional to the current in
arc.
 Therefore, at current zero the plasma may
vanish. Therefore, the arc is interrupted at
current zero. The vacuum has high dielectric
strength, hence the arc may not restrike.

 The contact material and shape are very

important. Arc time constant of vacuum is
lowest.
Arc Extinction in Air-blast

 In air-blast circuit-breakers, the air flows from

high pressure reservoir to the low atmospheric
pressure during the arc extinction process.

 The flow rate is governed by the throat diameter

of the nozzle, the pressure difference and the
nozzle profile. The design is such that almost
supersonic speeds of air achieved.

 The axial flow of air at high velocity causes

rapid reduction in the diameter of the arc and
the arc does not reappear after the final current
zero.
Arc Extinction in SF6 Gas

 In plasma, most of the current is carried by

electrons. In certain gases like SF6, the atoms
and molecules have the property of attracting
electrons to form negative ions.

 Negative ions are heavier that electrons and

move slowly, thereby the resistance of plasma
increases rapidly. Therefore, electronegative
gas like SF6 is excellent arc extinction medium.
 The arc extinction process in SF6 gas is based
on axial heat dissipation. The gas flows from
high pressure to the low pressure through a
well designed nozzle over the arc.

 The flowing gases take away the heat of the arc

causing reduction in the diameter of arc. After
current zero, the medium regains its dielectric
strength very rapidly. This property of rapid
recovery of the dielectric strength is due to the
electro negativity of the gas.
Arc Time Constant

 The time required by the quenching medium to gain

original dielectric strength after final current zero. It is
expressed in microseconds.
 UNIT-4

HRC Fuses
Introduction
(What is Fuse)
 Fuse is the simplest current interrupting device
for protection from excessive currents.
 Fuse is used for overload and / or short circuit
protection in medium voltage (upto 33kv and
low voltage (400 V) installation.
 Modern High Rupturing Capacity Cartridge.
Fuses (HRC) provide a reliable discrimination
and accurate characteristics.
 In some respects HRC fuses are superior to-
breaker.
Advantages of fuse over
circuit breaker
 It is fastest interrupting device
 It is protective and interrupting device.
 It is cheapest, simplest, and oldest device.
 No maintenance required.
 Current limitation by cut-off action.
 Inverse time-current characteristic.
 Reliable discrimination.
 Consistent performance.
Disadvantages of fuse over
circuit breaker
 Applicable to low voltage and low current.
 It has to be replaced after once use.
 Used for over current & short circuit protection
only.
 Interlocking is not possible.
 It produces overheating of the adjacent
contacts.
Parts of Fuse

 Fuse base
 Fuse Carrier
 Fuse Link
 Fuse Element
 Types of Fuse
1. Semi-enclosed or Rewirable Type. This type fuse is generally used in
houses.

 The fuse carrier can be pulled out and the blown out fuse element (wire
which melts) can be replaced by a new one.
 Thus the cost involved is very much
less. However, the fuse element
(wire in this case) is exposed to
atmosphere.

 Such rewirable fuses have limited

breaking capacity. For example –
fuse of 16A have a breaking current
of 2kA
 The characteristic of such fuse is not certain as it is affected by ambient
condition.
 Such fuse has limited application in industrial switchgear. Its use is limited
to domestic and lighting loads. For all important and costly equipment
totally enclosed cartridge fuses are used because they give a reliable
protection.
Disadvantages of rewirable fuse as
compared to cartridge fuse

(1) Low breaking capacity Hence cannot be used in

circuits of higher fault level.
(2) Absence of accurate characteristic. Hence
protection is not reliable.
(3) It is subjected to deterioration because the
wire is exposed to air, hence it is oxidized. This
increases the resistance causing heating.
(4) No grading of fuse is possible due to inaccurate
characteristic.
Disadvantages of rewirable fuse as
compared to cartridge fuse

(5) No current limiting feature. This feature is

the most wonderful aspect of HRC fuse.

(6) Slow speed.

(7) Risk of external flame and fire. However it is

a cheap and easily replaceable fuse. One
should be cautious in selecting this type of
fuse.
2. Totally enclosed or Cartridge Type. The
fuse element is enclosed in a totally
enclosed container and is provided with
metal contacts on both sides.
This type is available in two type:
(i) D type
(ii) Bolted type
(iii) Link type
A) D -Type Cartridge Fuses. The typical fuse
comprises of
The cartridge shown in Fig. is pushed
in the fuse cap. The cap is screwed on
the fuse base.
On complete screwing the cartridge
tip touches the conductor and circuit
between two terminal is completed
through the fuse link.
(B) Link type
This type is available in two types:
(i) Knife blade type
(ii)Bolted type
(C) Bolted type Fuse link has two conducting
plates on either ends. These are bolted on
the plates of the fuse base. This type fuse
requires an additional switch so the fuse can
be taken out without getting a shock.
(3) Drop-out-fuse- A fuse link in which the fuse-
carrier drop out after the operation of the fuse
thereby providing isolation between the
terminals.
(4) Expulsion Fuse- A fuse in which
the arc occurring during the
operation of the fuse is
extinguished by expulsion discharge
produced by the arc.
(5) HRC (High- Rupturing- Capacity i.e. Breaking Capacity cartridge fuse). A
cartridge fuse link having breaking capacity higher than certain
specified value (e.g. above 16 kA for medium voltage cartridge fuse)
(6) Striker Fuse- A device which
incorporates a fuse and mechanical
device, the operation of fuse release
the striker with certain pressure and
displacement. Striker is used for
signaling -tripping./ indication.
 HRC Fuses for Semiconductor Devices and
Thyristors. Solid State Devices (Diode, Thyristor etc.)
are protected against surge currents by fast acting
series connected HRC fuses.
 The HRC fuses for solid state devices have pre-arcing
time less than 0.5 millisecond and arcing time less
than 5 milliseconds "The prospective short-circuit
current would reach peak value in 10 milliseconds
(half cycle).
 However with HRC fuse in circuit, the short current
does not reach prospective peak and current is
limited to a value corresponding to cut - off.
 Generally, fuse is connected in series with the semi
conductor device or in series with a group of parallel
connected semiconducting devices.
Construction of HRC Fuse link

 The fuse link is a unit in which the fuse

element is enclosed. The fuse link is replaced
when it blows out.

 The outer cover is usually of steatite a ceramic

material having good mechanical strength.
Epoxy resins have recently introduced and are
replacing the ceramic material.
Construction of HRC Fuse link
 The fuse elements are fitted inside the body.
The ends of the fuse elements are connected to
metal end caps.
 The metal caps are screwed to ceramic body by
means of special forged screw to withstand the
pressure developed under shot circuit condition
.
 End contacts are welded to the metal end caps.
These contacts are bolted on the stationary
contacts on the panel.
 An indicator pin is provided, which indicates
when the fuse blows out.
 The fuse body is filled with powdered pure
quartz.
 The fuse element is of silver or copper with a
special shape. Normally. the element has two
or more sections joined by means of a tin joint.
 The element consists of several identical strips.
The strips are interconnected such that the arc
spreads instantly to all the strips.
 The characteristic of the fuse is governed by
material and shape of the fuse element.
Advantage of HRC Fuse-
 Can break high short circuit current, do not
detrorirate, fast acting, inverse
characteristic, more reliable, correct
discrimination, cheap, no maintenance, same
characteristic for whole life.

Disadvantage of HRC fuse-

 Time consuming when replacing the fuse, no
interlocking provision, it can heat the
surrounding.
Action of HRC Fuse
 Normally the fuse elements are in parts which
are connected in the middle by in bridge.
 The melting point of the tin bridge is precise and
about 230°C.
 The bridge does not melt at temperatures below
the melting point.
 Since the melting point is higher than ambient
temperature, the melting is not affected by the
ambient temperature.
Action of HRC Fuse
 The current passing through fuse element produces
heat which proportional to i2rt. With a certain
current, the temperature rises and the tin bridge
melts producing a break in the circuit. Thereby an
arc is produced.
 This arc is immediately spread over the neighboring
elements and they too melt. The metal vapour
diffuses with quartz powder and the product of
chemical reaction produces a substance of high
resistance which becomes an insulator.
 Thereby the space between the caps is filled with a
material of high dielectric strength, as the current is
interrupted.
Specification of a Fuse Link
1. Voltage Rating- This is specified by the
manufacturer. The rated voltage of the fuse
should be equal to or more than:
(a) Voltage of the circuit in a single phase a.c. or
two wire circuit.
(b) Line voltage in case of three phase a.c.
circuit.
(c) Voltage between two outer wires in three
wire d.c. circuits.
2. Frequency- A fuse link suitable for 50 c/s may
not be suitable for other frequencies or DC
circuits.
3. Current Rating- This rating is stated by the
manufacturer. It is r.m.s. value of current
which the fuse can carry continuously without
deterioration, and with temperature rise
within specified limits.
4. Minimum Fusing Current- The minimum
current at which the fuse will melt.
5. Fusing Factor- The ratio minimum fusing current to the current rating,
i.e. Fusing current = Min fusing current/ current rating.

thus factor is more than 1.

5. Prospective current of a circuit- The current that would flow in the

circuit if the fuse were replaced by a link of negligible impedance.

7. Breaking capacity- Large prospective current under the prescribed

conditions of voltage power factor etc. which the fuse is capable of
breaking,
8. Cut-off- The melting of fuse element before the
current reaches the prospective peak. The value of
current at which the cut-off occurs is cut-off value.

9. Pre-arcing time- Time between commencement of

the current loop and the cutoff.

10. Arcing time- Time between cut-off and final current

zero.

11. Total operating time- Pre- arcing time plus arcing

time.
Current time characteristic of a Fuse

 Normally the characteristics give pre-arcing time

plotted against prospective currents up to the
rupturing capacity of the fuse. Both the axis are
plotted on logarithmic axis.
 It is observed that as the prospective current
increases, the pre-arcing time reduces.
 There is a minimum current below which the
fuse does not operate. For currents near the
minimum fusing current, the operating time is
long.
Fig. 4.7 Current time characteristic
 Minimum Fusing Current
It is the minimum current (rms value) at which the fuse
element will melt.
The minimum fusing current depends upon various
factors, such as the material length, shape and area of
cross-section of the fuse element, size and location of
the terminals.
An approximate value of the minimum fusing current for
a round fuse wire given by I =K d3/2
Cut-off Characteristic
 The HRC fuses, slow acting of fast acting,
exhibit and interesting property known as Cut-
off.
 The short circuit current is interrupted before
it reaches the peak of first prospective current
loop.
 If the melting of fuse element prevents the
current through the fuse link from reaching the
otherwise attainable peak value the fuse is said
to have cut-off.
 The instantaneous maximum value attained is
 On occurrence of short circuit, the current
starts increasing. It would have reached a
magnitude Ip if no fuse were there to protect.
 HRC fuse does not allow current to reach Ip
Instead, the element is cut-off and after a brief
arcing time the current is interrupted.
 The cut-off value depends upon (1) normal
current rating of the fuse; (2) prospective
current (3) the asymmetry of circuit waveform.
• Cut-off property has a great advantage that
the short circuit current does not reach the
prospective peak.
• Hence the circuit is not subjected to
electrodynamics stresses corresponding to
peak prospective current.
• Hence the bus bar design is considerably
simplified because now the maximum value
of current for design purposes is cut-off
value.
Classification and Categories
 Categories of duty. Clause 8 of B.S. 88 : 1952 states that every fuse shall
be assigned for convenience one or more of 5 categories of distinguished
by the values of prospective current of test circuit, and denoted
respectively by the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

 The number 1 to 4 being preceded always by the letters AC or DC

respectively to whether the fuse is suitable for use in alternating-current
or in direct-current and the number 5 being preceded always by the letters
AC.
 Category of Duty Prospective Current

AC-1 and DC-1 1000 A

AC-2 and DC-2 4100 A
AC-3 and DC-3 16500 A
AC-4 and DC-4 33000 A
AC-5 46000 A

AC-4 is highest category of duty normally required

for AC service.
AC-5 duty specified only when it is insufficient.
Importance of selection of Fuse Links

 An improper blowing out of fuse may result in

stoppage of a certain machine or failure of
certain circuit.

 Such causes may lead to loss of production.

*Hence reliable fuses should be used, which
should be selected such that it will blow out
under abnormal conditions only.

 It should not operate during temporary

permissible overloads or switching surges.
Aspects considered in selecting the
fuse:
(I) Nature of Load
(i) Normal current.
(ii) Starting current.
(iii) Permissible overloads
(iv) Whether steady load or fluctuating load.

(II) Nature of Protection Required

(i) Overload or short circuit protection.
(ii) Opening time slow or quick operation required.
(iii) Peak prospective current, desired cur-off value.
(III) Fault Current
(i) Fault current, peak prospective value
(ii) Fusing factor desired.
(iii) Rupturing capacity.
(iv) Category of duty AC1 to AC5 or DC1 to DC4

(IV) Grading or Discrimination between other fuses and circuit breakers in the
circuit.
 Steady load or Fluctuating load. Fluctuating
loads are those in which peaks of comparatively
short durations occur.
 Steady loads fluctuated but a little from their
normal value e.g. heaters.
• In selecting a fuse for steady loads, one
has to decide whether to give over-load
protection or short circuit protection.
• For over-load protection of steady loads
class P fuses of fusing factor 1.25 are
preferred.
• In circuits where the load does not
fluctuate much from its normal value
(e.g. in heating circuits) select the
standard cartridge fuse-link intended for
fuses having a current rating equal to or
next greater than the anticipated steady
 The fuses give protection against small but
sustained over currents. The fuse is selected
from the available fuses on the basis of normal
current of the circuit.
 The fuse of rated current equal to the normal
current may be selected.
 If such fuse is not available the next greater
rated current fuse is selected.
 The standard rated currents of fuses are as
under:
 2 – 4 – 6 – 10 – 16 – 25 – 32 – 50 – 63 – 80 – 100 –
125 – 160 – 200 – 250 – 400 – 500 – 630 – 800 –
1000 – 1250 amperes.
(ii) Fluctuating loads:

 The criterion for selection is that the fuse should

not blow under transient overloads.

 For such feature the current/time characteristic of

the fuse should be always above the transient
current characteristic of the load, with enough
margin.

 Hence it is necessary sometimes, to select a fuse

rated current greater than normal current of the
circuit.

 Fuses of class Q having fusing factor 1.75 may be

suitable.
(iii) Switching surges.

 Switching of transformers, fluorescent lighting,

capacitor, motors etc. the current in-rush takes
place.

 The fuse selected in the circuit should not blow out

during the switching period.

 The chosen fuse should have a normal rating 25 to

50 per cent above the normal full load current of
the protected apparatus and the fusing factor
should be such that starting current is less than the
fusing current.
(c) Motor Circuits. When the starting current of motor is known a suitable
cartridge fuse-link can be selected by assuming that the starting current
surge will persist for 20 seconds and choosing one intended for fuses that
will carry to the starting current for this time. Reference should be
made to the time/current characteristics.
Selection of Fuse Reading for Induction
motor

Fuse Reading
 When the starting current is not known, useful
approximately assumptions are

(i) that the starting current of a direct-stated

motor is about 7 times of the full load current
and
(ii) that the starting current of a motor with a 75
percent auto-transformer starter tapping is
about 4 times the full load current and about
2.5 times with a 60 per cent autotransformer
starter-tapping or with a star delta starter.
Application for Transformer &
Fluorescent light circuit.
Fuses of current rating next higher
than the anticipated normal load
current will stand the transient
current surges.
Protection of Motor

 The over-current relay provides over-current

protection to the motor.

 Hence the fuses provide short circuit

protection alone. While choosing the fuse for
the motor, the normal current of the motor is
noted.

 The characteristic of current vs. time of motor

for the starting period is plotted on the same
group on which the characteristics of some
fuses are plotted.
Protection of Motor

 The characteristic of fuse should lie

above the characteristic of motor at all
time.

 Further, there should be an appropriate

margin to ensure that the fuse does not
operate unduly during starting.

 Also, the breaking capacity of the

interrupting device, i.e. contactor or
circuit breaking should be fully exploited.
 For this purpose the other switching device should be
coordinated with the fuse in such a way that for the
value of fault currents upto the breaking capacity of
the circuit breaker (or contactor) the circuit-breaker
operates and the fuse does not.
 For this purpose the characteristic of the circuit-
breaker (or contactor) relay operating coil should be
below the characteristic of the fuse as shown in the
figure.
 These characteristics should intersect as a point (A)
preferably above the breaking current capacity of the
circuit breaker. Here, the fuse gives back-up
protection to the motor and is connected on the
supply side.
 When starting current of motor is not known as the
 Discrimination between fuse and over
current protection
• In motor circuits, fuse provide short- circuit protection and
the over current relay provides over current (overload)
protection. The characteristics of the fuses and
overcurrent relay are coordinated in such a way that the
overcurrent relay operates for currents within the breaking
capacity of the circuit breaker and the fuses operate for
faults of larger current. For this purpose, the
characteristic of the overcurrent protective device should
be below the character5istic of the fuse.
• The fuse is so selected that the intersection of the
characteristics of these two protective devices must take
place at a point (A) corresponding to six times the full-load
current, keeping in view that the protective devices do not
operate unduly during starting.
Discrimination
 When there are two or more protective equipments
providing protection for the same circuit e.g. two or
more fuses, a fuse and a circuit-breaker etc. there
should be coordination between them.
 Discrimination concerns with correct operation of correct
device. It means, the co-ordination between the fuse and
the other equipment should be such that only the
necessary device operates, the other remaining
unaffected.
Coordination of Radial lines
 Two fuse A and B are in service as
shown in fig. when fault occurs
beyond A, only B fuse should blow and
A should not.
 The pre arcing time of major fuse
must exceed the total operating time
of the minor fuse
A major Fuse B minor Fuse

Faul
t
Coordination of Fuse and CB
In case the fault on an out
going feeder, the fuse of
that feeder should operate
first. Circuit breaker should
be as back up.
The characteristic of fuse
and CB should be matched.
Such that the fuse takes
time for operation than
circuit breaker.
Factors affecting current
capacity of fuse element
 Specific heat (heat=mst)

 Specific resistance- (R= e L)

A

 Melting Point

 Resistance Temp. Coefficient .

 Materials commonly used for fuse element
Material use are tin, lead, zinc, silver, copper, aluminum
etc. Practical experience has shown that the materials of
low melting point such as tin, lead and zinc are the most
suitable materials for the fuse element. But these
materials of low melting point have high specific
resistance.
For a given current rating, the fuse element made from
low melting point metal of high specific resistance will
have greater diameter and hence, greater mass of the
metal than those made from high melting point metal of
low specific resistance. An alloy of lead and tin containing
37 percent lead and 63 percent tin is used. Either lead-tin
alloy or copper is mostly used as ordinary fuse wire for low
range current circuits.
For currents above 15A, lead-tin alloy is not found
suitable as the diameter of the fuse wire will be
large and after fusing, the vaporized metal
released will be excessive. It has been found
practically that silver is quite a suitable and
satisfactory material for fuse elements, because it
is not subjected to oxidation and its oxide is
unstable and there is no deterioration of the
material.
 Unit-5
Isolator & Earthing
Switch
 Isolator
 Isolator is basically a no load switch designed to
operate under no load condition. It does not have
any specified current breaking capacity or current
making capacity. Isolator is not even used for
breaking load currents.

 In some cases isolators are used for breaking

charging current of transmission lines.

 Isolators are used in addition to circuit-breakers for

physical isolation for maintenance purpose.
 While opening a circuit, the circuit-breaker is opened
first, then isolator.

 While closing a circuit, the isolator is closed first, then

circuit-breaker.

 Isolator is interlocked with CB such that wrong operation

is avoided.

 Isolators are necessary on supply of side of circuit-

breakers in order to ensure isolation (disconnection) of
the circuit breaker from live parts for the purpose of
maintenance.
Isolator in Circuit
 Construction
 Isolators used in power-systems are generally 3-pole
isolator.
 The 3-pole isolators have three identical poles. Each pole
consists of two or three insulator posts mounted on a
fabricated support.
 The conducting parts are supported on the insulator posts.
 The conducting parts consist of conducting copper or
aluminum rod, fixed and moving contacts.
 During the opening operation the conducting rod swings
apart and isolation is obtained.
 The simultaneous operation of three poles is obtained by mechanical interlocking
of the three poles.

 For all the three poles, there is a common operating mechanism.

 The operating mechanism is manual plus one of the following :

1. Electrical motor mechanism,

2. Pneumatic mechanism.
 Interlocks
To prevent the mal-operation, the isolator is provided
with the following interlocking:

1. Interlocking between three poles for simultaneous

operation.

2. Interlocking with circuit-breakers.

Isolator cannot be opened unless the circuit-breaker is

opened. Circuit breaker cannot be closed unless the
isolator is closed.
 Types of Construction of
Isolators
1. Vertical Break type
2. Horizontal Break type, either centre-break or
double-break
3. Vertical Pantograph type

The vertical pantograph type design in preferred for

rated voltages of 420kV and above. The other types of
designs are used from 12 to 420 kV.
 Horizontal upright mounted switches can be equipped with
arcing horns for interrupting small currents such as line
charging or transformer magnetizing current.
 In horizontal breaker center rotating double break, three
insulator stack per pole is installed. The two on each side is
fixed and one at center is rotating type.
 The central insulator stack can swing about its vertical axis
through 90°.
 In closed condition, the contact shaft connects the two fixed
contacts.
 Pantograph isolator cover less floor area. Each pole can be
located at a suitable points and three poles need not be in
one line & can be located in a line at desired angle with bus
axis.
 Ratings of Isolators and
Tests
 The definition regarding Normal Current Rating,
short time current rating, Rated voltage, Rated
Insulation level for isolators are similar to the
corresponding terms applicable to high voltage a.c.
circuit-breakers.

 Isolators do not have breaking or making capacity.

 Type test conducted on
Temperature rise test.
1.
isolator
2. Power frequency with stand test.
3. Impulse voltage with stand test.
4. Mechanical endurance test.
5. Milli volt. drop test.
6. Short time current test
 Routine test conducted
Power frequency with stand test.
1.
on isolator
2. Mechanical operation test.
3. Measurement of contact resistance
4. Measurement of insulation
 Earthing Switch

 Earthing Switch can be provided with Isolator

 Earthing switch is connected between the line

conductor and earth.

 Normally it is open.

 When the line is disconnected, the earthing switch is

closed so as to discharge the voltage on the line to
which the capacitance between line and earth is
charged.
 The static voltage is significant in high voltage system.
Before proceeding, with the maintenance work these
voltages are discharged to earth by closing the earth
switch.

 Normally, the earthing switches are mounted on the

frame of isolator.

 The earthing switch can be closed easily through lever

mechanism by use of handle, but only when main
isolator is open.
 Sequence of Opening & closing of Earthing Switch

While opening :
(1) Open Circuit-breaker
(2) Open Isolator
(3) Close Eathing Switch (if any)

While closing :
(1) Open Earthing Switch
(2) Close Isolator
(3) Close Circuit-breaker.
 Unit-6
Contactors, MCC &
Starters
 Introduction
 Contactor is a mechanical switching device capable of
making carrying and breaking electric current under
normal circuit conditions including operating overload
conditions.
 The contactors are basically for operation under
normal conditions and overload conditions.
 This condition distinguishes the 'contactors' from
'circuit-breaker'.
 Circuit breakers must necessarily be capable of
making, carrying and breaking short-circuit currents.
 However contactors may be capable of making and
breaking short-circuit currents, if they are designed
for short-circuit duties also.
 Contactors are usually intended to operate more
frequently.
 Contactors have a main circuit and control circuit.
• The main circuit is the conducting parts of contact
designed to close or open.
• The current flows from the supply to load through
main circuit.
• The control circuit is energized or de-energized
electrically for opening & closing operation of
contactor.
 Types of contactor
(According to method of energizing the control
circuit)

1. Electromagnetic

2. Pneumatic

2. Electro-pneumatic
 Contacts
There are two type of contacts in contactor
(i) Power contacts - These are three phase double break
type
(ii) Aux Contacts - It may be 2 NO + 2NC, 3 NO + 3NC or
4NO + 4NC as per required
Contacts are made of copper, silver & cadmium alloy.
 Silver oxide plating over contacts is very good
conductor.
 Cadmium oxide plating over contacts has good
property of resistance to welding action.
 Contacts
 Hence the contacts must not be filed or rubbed with
sand paper even if they appear to be dull they should
be cleaned by clean cloth.

Contactor armature faces must not be rubbed by sand

paper as intentional airgap in middle limb should not
decrease. This air gap is left for quick drop out & also
avoids sticking of the contactor armature even after
removing the supply.
 Some Terms & Definitions
1. Electromagnetic Contactor. A contactor in which the
opening and closing of main contactors is achieved by
means of an electro-magnet.
2. Main Contact. The contacts in the main circuit intended to
carry the load current when the contactor is in closed
position.
3. Auxiliary contact. Used for interlock, indication, alarm etc.
these may be NO or NC and operate with main contacts.
4. Main Circuit. The conducting parts of a contactor designed
to close or open the current flows from the supply to the
load through the main circuit of the contactor
5. Control Circuit. The circuit which is energised or
deenergised electrically for opening/closing
operation of the contactor.

6. (a) Contact (make contact). A control contact which

is closed when main contacts is closed.

(b) Contact (Break contact). A control contact

which is open when the main contacts are closed.
 Rated Characteristics of Contactors
(1) Type - Electro magnetic, electric pneumatic
(2) Interrupting medium- Air, oil, SF6, vacuum
(3) Rated Voltages
 Rated operational voltage (UO) for three phase
contactors. It is the rated voltage between
phases.
 Rated insulation voltage (Ui). It is the voltage to
which the dielectric tests, creepage distance are
referred.
Rated Characteristics of Contactors

(4) Rated Current

 Rated thermal current (Ith) is the maximum
current the contactor can carry on eight-
hour duty without the temperature rise
exceeding the permissible limits.
 Rated operational current (Io) of a
contactor is stated by the manufacture by
taking into account the rated frequency,
operational voltage, rated duty and
utilization category. It is defined as
maximum continuous current.
(5) Rated Duty and Service Conditions

(a) Eight hours duty. Contactors carry steady normal

current for more than eight hours until the
maximum temperature rise is attained. The rated
thermal current (Ith) of the contactor is determined
on the basis of eight hours duty.

(b) Uninterrupted duty. Contactor remains closed

without interruption for a prolonged time (more
than eight hours, weeks, months, years).
(c) Intermittent duty. Duty in which the contactors
remains closed for periods having a definite relation
with no load period, both no load and load periods
are too short to allow thermal equilibrium. In
intermittent duty. The contactor is made on and off
in such duration that the thermal equilibrium is not
reached.
(d) Temporary Duty. Duty in which the main contacts
remain temporary closed for such a period that thermal
equilibrium is not reached. Example. 10 minutes, 30
minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes.

(6) Making Capacity. Rated making capacity of a contactor

is the value of the current under steady condition
which the contactor can make without welding or
excessive erosion of contacts and without excessive
display of flame.

The rated making capacity of an a.c. contactor is expressed in

terms of peak value of symmetrical component of current.
(7) Breaking Capacity. The rated breaking capacity of a
contactor is the value of current which the contactor
can break without excessive erosion of contact or
display of flame. For a.c. contactors, the rated
breaking capacity is expressed by r.m.s. value of
symmetrical component of current.
Utilization category of contactors
Comparison between Contactor & Breaker
 Contactor Starters for Motors

Contactor starters are commonly used for

starting squirrel cage induction motors. The
starter has the following components
enclosed in a sheet metal enclosure :
1. One or more contactors.
2. Control circuit consisting of solenoid,
auxiliary contacts etc.
3. Overload relays.
4. Start, stop, reverse push buttons.
 Contactor Starters for Motors

Generally there are two distinct circuits namely, main

circuit through which the current flows to the motor ;
and, the auxiliary or control circuit. The contactors are
the switching units which can perform even 10 million
operations under normal conditions. It consists of three
main contacts for 3-pase motor starter and one or two
auxiliary contacts.
 Contactor Starters for Motors
 There is a control coil. when the coil is energized, the
contactor closes by attracted armature action. When
the coil is de-energized the contactor opens. Remote
control of the starter can be obtained by making
suitable connections in the starter.
 In reversing contactor starter, three are two
contactors, one for forward rotation and other for
reverse. Only one is closed at a time. Phase reversal is
obtained by the two contactors. Fuses provide back-
up and short-circuit protection. Thermal relays
provide over-load protection.
 Types of starters
1. Direct online starter
2. Reversing contactor starter
3. Standard starter
It is a electrical panel where motors are fed
& controlled.
 Various components in MCC
1. Power fuse
2. Isolator/ switch
3. Control transformer
4. Control fuse
5. Under voltage relay
6. Thermal over load relay
7. Contactor
8. 3C & 3T relay
 MCC Electrical circuit
R

B
TYPE - F
N
USE : MOTORISED
VALVE

Switch
Fuse 1
Unit F1-
F3 415/110V 11
95
11 11 97
T-31
13 49
3C-1 3C-2 12 14
F-42 PT F-46 96
14
2 98
1 2 U U 1 2 4 A2 A2
3C 1 3C 2
1 2 V V 21 21 A1
1 2 42-2 42-1 A1
22 22 14
X-4 12 13
F-43 Alarm
A2 A2 2 4 3
42-1 42-1 42-2
A1 A1
Initiating Device

34 3TD-11
27
49
6 8 10 12 16

16 21 23
18
13 13 31 31
31 43
14 14 32 32
32 44
15 19 22 28
Valve 17 29
3~ Motor
M 17
18
5 7 9 11
3C
42-1 42-2
Maintenance of MCC
 Unit-7

Air Circuit Breaker

 Structure

 Definition of Circuit breaker.

 Types of Circuit Breaker
 Introduction to Air Circuit Breaker.
 Arc production in Circuit Breaker.
 Arc extinction in Air Circuit Breaker.
 Construction of Air Circuit Breaker.
 Specification of Air Circuit Breaker
 Maintenance, Testing & Measurement.
 Objectives

At the end of this lecture you will be able to:

 Explain definition & function of Circuit
Breaker.
 List the different type of Circuit Breaker.
 Explain subassemblies of Air Circuit Breaker.
 Explain arc production & arc extinction of
Air Circuit Breaker.
 Explain specification of Circuit Breaker.
 Carryout Maintenance & Testing &
Measurements of Circuit Breaker.
 Definition
A circuit breaker is a switching and current interrupting
device which can isolate the circuit in normal as well as
abnormal condition.
It has two functions:
 Isolate the circuit in normal condition such as
isolation for Maintenance purpose.
 Isolate the circuit in case of fault like short circuit
over current, ground fault etc.
 Trend of development

 ACB
 OCB
 ABCB
 SF6
 Vacuum
 Types of Circuit Breaker

1. Air break circuit breaker

2. Oil circuit breaker
 Bulk oil circuit breaker
 Minimum oil circuit breaker
3. Air blast circuit breaker
4. Sulphur hexafluoride circuit breaker
5. Vacuum circuit breaker
 Air Circuit Breaker
Introduction

It is also called Air Break Circuit Breaker.

 Air-break circuit-breakers are used in d.c. circuits and
a.c. circuits upto 12 kV.
 The air break circuit-breakers are generally indoor
type and installed on vertical panels or indoor draw-
out type switchgear.
 How arc is produced in Air Circuit
Breaker?

Arc is produced due to following reasons:

1. Thermal ionization
2. Ionization by collision of particle
3. Thermal emission from surface of contact
4. Secondary emission
5. Field emission.
Fig-11
 Methods of Arc Interruption in
Air Circuit Breaker
1. High resistance Interruption by
 Lengthening of arc by means of:
a) Arc runner
b) Splitting of arc
 Cooling of arc
c) Blow out coils
2. Zero point interruption.
 Arc Quenching in Air-break Circuit-Breaker

 Both methods of arc interruption are used in Air

Circuit Breaker.

 In the air-break circuit-breaker the contact

separation and arc extinction takes place in air at
atmospheric pressure.
 Arc Quenching in Air-break Circuit-Breaker

 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.
 Arc Quenching in Air-break Circuit-Breaker

 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 gets extinguished.
 Arc Quenching in Air-break Circuit-Breaker

 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 extinguished.

 Magnetic field is utilized for lengthening the arc in high

voltage air-break circuit breakers.
 Arc Extinction in A.C. Air-break C.B

 In a.c. air-break circuit-breakers, the arc

is lengthened, cooled and splitted so as
to increase the resistance of the arc.
 The rapid increase in the arc-resistance
causes the reduction in the fault current
and the fault current does not reach the
prospective high value.
 The arc extinction process is assisted by
the current zeros in the a.c. wave.
 The voltage drop across the arc goes on
increasing with the increase in the arc
resistance and at a current zero, when the
recovery voltage across the contacts is less
than the arc-voltage, the arc gets
extinguished.
 The energy in the system inductance at
current zero is zero. Hence the arc
interruption is easier operation of main &
arcing contact.
 (a) (b)

Fig-12
 Lengthening of Arc by Means of blow out coils

 The arc is directed into arc splitters by application of

magnetic field provided by current in blow out coils. These
blow out coils are usually not connected permanently but
come in the circuit completed by the arc.
 The blow out coil is energized during the breaking process
automatically as the roots of the arc move over to the arc
runners.
 It is important to connected the coils at correct polarity so
that the arc is directed upwards.
 Fig-14

Fig-13

Fig-15
 Sequence of Contact operation
 There are two sets of contacts: Main contacts (1)
and Arcing contacts (2) Main contacts conduct the
current in closed position of the breaker.

 Main contact have low contact resistance and are

silver plated. The arcing contacts (2) are hard, heat
resistant and are usually of copper alloy.

Arc Runner

Main Control

Fig-16
 While opening the contact, the main contacts dislodge first. The current is shifted
to arching contacts. The arcing contacts dislodge later and arc is drawn between
them. This arc is forced upwards by the electromagnetic forces and thermal action.

 The arc ends travel along the Arc Runner (Arcing horns). The arc moves upwards
and is split by arc splitter plates.

 The arc is extinguished by lengthening, cooling, splitting etc. In some breakers the
arc is drawn in the direction of the splitter by magnetic field.
Operating Mechanisms for Air-Break Circuit-
Breakers
 The operating mechanisms of Air-Break Circuit-Breakers
are generally with operating spring. The closing force is
obtained from one of the following means:
- solenoid
- spring charged manually or by motor
- pneumatic
 The solenoid mechanisms drive power from battery
supply or rectifiers. The solenoid energized by the direct
current gives the necessary force for closing the circuit-
breaker.
 Operating Mechanisms for Air-Break
Circuit-Breakers

 The springs used for closing operation

can be charged either manually or by
motor driven gears.

 At the time of closing operation the

energy stored in the spring is released
by unlatching of the spring and is
utilized in closing of the circuit-breaker.
 Tripping Features
(1) Shunt Trip. Suitable for a.c. or d.c. supply with
remote control.

(2) Series static device (CTZM).

(3) Emergency Trip.

 Technical particulars circuit breaker
The rating of a circuit breaker indicate its capabilities under
specified condition of use.
Following rated characteristic are specified for high voltage
circuit breaker.
1. Medium of arc extinction
2. Rated voltage
3. Rated current
4. Rated frequency
5. Rated breaking current
6. Rated making current
7. Type of construction- indoor/out door.
8. Type of operating mechanism
9. Breaking time/ closing time

Fig-16
1. Rated voltage
 The rated voltage is corresponds to the higher system voltage
for which circuit breaker is intended.
 The rated voltage is expressed in kV rms and referred to ph to
ph voltage.
Rated voltage of circuit breaker
Normal system voltage Rated voltage kV rms
Kv rms
.415 .440
3.3 3.6
6.6 7.2
11 12
22 24
33 36
66 72.5
220 245
400 420
2.Rated insulation level
 The rated insulation level of a circuit breaker
refers to the power frequency withstand
voltage and impulse voltage withstand valves.
Circuit breaker rated insulation One min power frequency
level withstand voltage

Rated voltage Standard For type test kV For routine test

of circuit impulse rms kV rms
breaker kV rms withstand
voltage (kV
peak)
3.6 45 21 16
7.2 60 27 22
12 75 35 28
24 125 55 50
36 170 75 70
72.5 325 140 140
For above 72.5 kV
Circuit breaker rated insulation level One min power frequency
voltage withstand
Standard impulse withstand voltage For type test & routine test
Rated Full Reduced Full Reduced
voltage insulation insulation insulation insulation

245 1050 900 460 395

420 1425
 The circuit breaker should be capable of with
standing the power frequency over voltage
which are likely to occur due to fault, Ferranti
effect and higher tap setting etc.
 The circuit breaker is subjected to impulse over
voltage due to lighting & switching surges.
 During single phase to earth, the voltage of
healthy lines to earth increase by √3 times to
normal value. Hence higher value of insulation
are recommended for circuit breaker
connected in non affectively earth system.
3. Rated frequency :
 The frequency correspondence to number of current
zero per second.
 The standard frequency for three phase circuit
breaker is the frequency of power system (50Hz)
 The characteristic such as normal current, breaker
capacity etc. are based on rated frequency.
 The increase in frequency results in increase eddy
currents hence CB needs de-rating for higher
frequency.
 The breaking time increases with reduction in
frequency.
 The increase in frequency influence the TRV & rate of
rise of IRV.
4. Rated current :
The rated current of a circuit breaker is the rms value of
the current which the circuit breaker can carry
continuously within specified limit of temperature size
preferred values are 400A, 630A, 800A, 1250A, 1600A,
2000A, 2500A, 3150A, 4000A.
5. Rated short circuit breaking current:
The rated short circuit breaking current of a
circuit breaker is highest rms value of short
circuit current which the circuit breaker is
capable of breaking under specified condition of
transient recovery voltage and power frequency
voltage.
It is expressed in kA rms at contact separation.
6. Rated short circuit making current :
The rated short circuit making current of a circuit breaker is the
peak value of first current loop of short circuit current which
the circuit breaker is capable of making at its rated voltage.
Rated making current should be 2.5 times the rms value of ac
components
Rated making current = 1.8X√2Xrated short circuit current
= 2.5 X rated short circuit
Here factor 1.8 is doubling effect
√2 is to convert rms to peak
7. Rated duration of short circuit current :
It is normally expressed in terms of kA for a period of one
second.
The circuit breaker should be able to carry short circuit current
equal to its breaking current for one second.
8. Rated Operating sequence :
The operating sequence de notes the sequence of operating
and closing operation which CB can perform.

Following two sequence:

1) O-t –CO-T - CO
O- opening operation
t – 3min, .3 sec (for auto reclosure)
co- Closing followed by opening
T- .3 min

2) CO-t1 -CO
t1 = 15 sec. for circuit breaker (not to be used for auto
reclosure.)
9. Rated quantities for auxiliary contact & operating
mechanism for closing & opening.

10. Rated pressure of supply of pneumatic CV hydraulic

devices.

11. Rated pressure of insulating medium & interrupting

medium.
 Construction of circuit breaker

Sub-assemblies
Air circuit breaker consists of following sub assemblies:
1. Cubicle
2. Closing mechanism
 IMS
 WMS
3. Tripping mechanism
4. Isolating mechanism
 Construction of circuit breaker

5. Arc chamber
6. Isolating contact
 Primary isolating contact
 Secondary isolating contact.

7. Contact System
 Arcing Contact
 Main contact
 Other parts
 Auxiliary contact
 Spring charging contact
 Closing Coil
 Tripping Coil
 Closing shaft
 Tripping shaft
 CTZM Relay (In built protection)
 Spring charging motor
 ON/OFF indicating device
 Test/ Service/Isolate Position indicator.
 Closed Breaker Cubicle

Perspex
Window

Isolating
Sector Closing
Sector

Emergency
Push Button

Fig-1
Open Breaker Cubicle with breaker

Cubicle

MWS
Mechanism
Name Plate
Door
Closing Sector

Circuit
Interlock Breaker
Flapper

Fig-2
 Empty Cubicle

Door
Interlock
Shutter

Fixed primary
isolating contacts

Roller
Mechanism for Control Circuit
moving the shutter fixed Contacts
Fig-3
 Manual Breaker with CTZM Relay

Closing Spring

Sliding Rail
Sliding Rail

CTZM Inbuilt
Protection

Fig-4
Manual Breaker

Closing
Spring

Auxiliary
Switch

Fig-5
 Electrically Operated Breaker
Spring Charging Disc
Motor

Spring Charging
Contact

Spring Release
Liver

Closing
Coil

Position
Indicator

On/OFF
Indicator
Fig-6
Rear Side of Breaker

Fig-7
In built Protection

CTZM Relay

Para trip

Fig-8
Fig-9
 Safety Shutter

Fig-10
220 V DC closing logic of 415V Class-IV Circuit
breaker
 220 V DC Tripping logic of 415V Class-IV Circuit
breaker
3.3 48V DC Control logic/ Protection logic
 UNIT-8

Air Blast Circuit-Breaker

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 repeated 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 air receiver.
 Air blast circuit-breakers are especially suitable
for railways arc furnaces, where the breaker
operates repeatedly.
Introduction

 Air blast circuit-breakers is used for

interconnected lines and important lines where
rapid operation is desired.
 During the period 1950 - 1970, Air blast circuit-
breakers were preferred for 132 kV and above.
However, today, SF6 circuit-breakers are
preferred for this range.
 For 11kV and 33 kV applications, VCBs are
preferred Air blast Circuit Breakers are
becoming obsolete for voltages up to 245 kV.
Construction of an 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 itegral part of the circuit-breaker. The circuit-
breaker opens and immediately after that the
isolator opens, to provide additional gap.
Construction of an Air Blast Circuit-
Breaker
 In EHV circuit of today, isolators are generally,
independently mounted.
 Fig. 7.1 shows one pole of the EHV air blast
circuit-breaker. In the complete assembly there
are three identical poles.
Description- High pressure air, at a pressure
between 20 to 30/cm2 is stored in the Air
reservoir. Air is taken from compressed air
system.
Construction of an Air Blast Circuit-
Breaker
 Three hollow insulator columns (Item 2) are
mounted on the reservoir with valves (6) at
their base.
 The double arc extinguishing chambers (3) arc
mounted on the top of the hollow insulator
chambers.
 The current carrying parts (9) connect the
three arc extinction chambers to each in series
and the pole to the neighboring equipment.
 Since there exists a very high voltage between
the conductors and the air reservoir, the entire
arc extinction chamber assembly is mounted on
insulators.
 The details of the double arc extinction chambers
(3) are shown in Fig. 7.1 (b). Since there are three
double arc extinction poles in series, there are six
breaks per pole.

 Each arc extinction chamber consists of one twin

fixed contact (7). There are two moving contacts
(8) which are shown in the opening process.

 The moving contacts can move axially so as to open

or close. Its position open or close depends on air
pressure and spring (10) pressure.
 The operating mechanism (3) operates the rod (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 (8) becomes more than spring pressure and
contacts open.
 The contacts travel through a short distance against the
spring pressure.

 At the end of contact travel the port for outgoing air

(15) is closed by the moving contact 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 (11) and take away the ionized air
of arc.
 While closing, the valve (6) is turned so as to close
connection between the hollow of the insulator and the
reservoir.
 The vale 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 (8) close over the
fixed contacts (7) by vitrue 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.

 Closing is also fast because the pressure in the

arc extinction chamber drops immediately as
the valve (6) operators and the contacts close
by virtue of the spring pressure.
 The grading capacitors are connected across
the interrupter unit for the equal distribution
of voltage between the units.

 Closing resistors are connected across the

interrupter units for limiting the over voltages
during closing operation.

 Opening resistors are connected across the

interrupter units to make the circuit-breakers
restrike free.
Principle of Arc quenching in ABCBs

 The air blast circuit-breaker needs an auxiliary

compressed air system which supplies 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. In doing

so, the contacts are separated and the air blast
takes away the ionized gases along with it and
assists arc extinction.
Principle of Arc quenching in ABCBs

 After a few cycles the arc is

extinguished by the air blast and the
arc extinction chamber is filled with
high pressure air (30 kg/cm2).

 The high pressure air has higher

dielectric strength than that of
atmospheric pressure. Hence a small
contact gap of few centimeters is
enough.
 The flow of air around contacts is fuided by the
nozzle shaped contacts. It may be axial, cross
or a suitable combination.

 In the axial blast type air flow the flow air is

longitudinal along the arc.

 In axial blast type air flow, the air flows from

high pressure reservoir to the atmosphere
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.
 The air flowing at a 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 nozzle.
 The flow of fresh air through the contact space
ensures removal of hot gases and rapid building
up of the dielectric strength.
 During the period of arc extinction, the air
continues to flow through the nozzle of the
atmosphere. The mass flow rate can be
increased by increasing the pressure of the high
pressure system.

 The increase in the mass flow results in

increased breaking capacity.

 After the brief duration of air flow, the

interrupter is filled with high pressure air. The
dielectric strength of air increase 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.

 The air blast circuit-breakers come under the class

external extinguishing energy type. The energy
supplied for arc extinction is obtained from high
Circuit-Breakers with
External Extinguishing
Energy
 if the pressure generated in the arc extinction
chamber is derived from arc current e.g. by
decomposition of oil in oil circuit breaker, the
circuit-breaker is said to be of internal energy
source.

 If the pressure is independent of arc current the

circuit-breaker is said to be of external energy
source. The behavior of these two types are
inherently different.
 In the air blast circuit-breakers that air pressure
used for the arc interruption is constant and does
not depend on the arc current.

 The air pressure is of such magnitude that it can

break rated breaking current (say 20kA)
satisfactorily at natural zero. High pressure
(60kg/cm2) are used for breakers above 400 kV.

 The arcing time does not change appriciably for

lower magnitudes of currents as the air pressure is
independent of arc current.
 Now consider that the breaker has to interrupt
small currents (say 10A). For the current, the
air pressure used for the arc interruption is too
high, the current gets chopped out before
reaching natural zero.

 This current chopping gives rise to high

restriking voltage.

 The resistance of contact space being high, the

contact space is not likely to break down,
Hence resistance switching should be employed
to take care of restriking voltages.
Resistance Switching in ABCB

 We have noted earlier that the post zero

resistance of contact space is high in air blast
circuit-breakers.

 This is because the contact clearance space is

filled with high pressure air after final current
zero and high pressure air has high dielectric
strength.

 The high restriking voltage appearing across the

contacts does not damp out through the contact
gap because of the high post zero resistance.
 Further, voltages of the order of several items
the normal voltage appear across the contacts
because of current chopping.

 If these voltages are not allowed to discharge,

they may cause break down of insulation of the
circuit-breaker or the neighbouring equipment.

 To overcome this difficulty. 'Resistance

Switching' is adopted. The usual procedure is to
connect a resistance in shunt with the arc.
 Fig. 7.4 shows another popular arrangement
used for a double arc extinguishing chamber
explained earlier.

 During the opening operation, air is admitted in

the arc extinguishing chamber.

 It separates main contacts and pushes the

auxiliary contacts. The auxiliary contacts close,
thereby the resistors are connected across the
arc for a short time of arcing.
 The auxiliary contacts are located in the inclined
V-shaped insulators while the resistors are located
in the vertical insulators.

 Immediately after arc extinction, the pressure on

either side of the piston of auxiliary contacts gets
so adjusted that the auxiliary contacts open and
resistor circuit is interrupted.

 Ceramic resistances of non-linear characteristics,

similar to those used in the lightning arresters were
used for resistance switching.
 These consist of 'Silicone-carbide, bound by
inorganic binders subjected to heat treatment.
During high current, non-linear resistor offers low
resistance.

 Thus the main arc currents is partly diverted

through resistor unit. As current reduces, the
resistance offered by non-linear resistors increases,
causing a greater drop across the resistor units.

 Thereby the voltage available for arc between

auxiliary contacts is no more sufficient and arc
between auxiliary contacts is automatically
extinguished.
 Voltage Distribution in Multi-
Break Circuit-breakers (ABCB,
MOCB, SF)
 The voltage distribution should be even, between
the gaps in series. If not, the breaking capacity
shared by the different gaps will be unequal.

 The inequality of voltages and breaking capacity

occurs mainly, at the instant of recovery voltage,
when the potential across the contact spaces is
determined by capacitance between contact
members and between contacts and earty.
Voltage Distribution in Multi-Break
Circuit-breakers (ABCB, MOCB, SF)
 These potentials may vary according to one
kind of short-circuit but will be least even when
the fault involves earth (e.G., L-G fault.)

 Fault occurs near to the contact1. The

capacitances between the contacts are K1, K2,
K3, K4 Respectively and capacitances between
contacts and earth are C1, C2, C3, C4
respectively.

 Because of unsymmetry, the capacitances do

not get equally charged and the recovery
 To equalize these voltages capacitances are
connected across contact space as shown in Fig.
7.5 (a) by C, C, C, C. The shunt capacitor C is
much larger than the natural capacitance in
order to nullify the effect of the unequal
capacitances of contact spaces.

 These capacitors are rigidly connected across

the breaker arc extinction chamber as shown in
Fig. 7.5 (a) The value of grading capacitors
varies between 1200 pico-farads and 1650 pf
depending upon number of breaks per pole and
capacitance per break.
Merits of Air-Blast Circuit-
Breakers and Air
(1) Air can be used at high pressure.
(2) Reliable operation due to external source of extinguishing energy.
(3) Free from decomposition.
(4) Clean, non-inflammable.
(5) Freely available every where.
(6) Fresh medium is used every time. Hence the breaker can be repeatedly
operated, if designed for such duty.
(7) At high pressure, the small contact travel is enough.
(8) The same air serves purpose of moving the contact and arc extinction.
 Merits of Air-Blast Circuit-
Breakers and Air
(9) High speed of Operation. The compressed air
moves very fast and brings about the opening
operation. The arcing time is also short. Hence
total pneumatic.

The arcing time is almost exactly 0.01 second,

i.e. 1/2 cycle plus another 1/2 cycle for
operating the contacts.

Hence breaker speed of the order of 2 cycles can

be achieved. This makes the C.B. suitable for
important lines because high speed opening and
auto-reclosure can improve system stability.
Merits of Air-Blast Circuit-
Breakers and Air
(10) 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.

(11) Clean Service. No need of maintenance of

oil.

(12) Unit type construction gives advantage in

design, manufacture and testing.
Merits of Air-Blast Circuit-
Breakers and Air
(13) Very high break capacities and service voltage can
be obtained by connect more number of units in
series.

Hence for all extra-high voltage and high breaking

capacities to today air blast circuit breakers are
used, e.g. 420 kV, 63.5 kA, 2 cycles.

(14) Suitability for repeated operation. The fresh air is

used every time. Hence the breaker can be used for
repeated operation if designed for such duty. This is
not the case with oil circuit-breaker.
Demerits of air blast circuit breakers
(1) The demerits of ABCB. Complex design of arc
extinction chambers and operating mechanisms,
problems of switching over-voltages. Switching
over voltages are reduced by preclosing
resistors.
(2) Auxiliary high pressure air system is necessary.
The cost can be justified if there are several
breakers in the switch yard. For a single breaker
the cost of auxiliary compressed air system
would be too high.
(3) Current chopping problem
(4) High sound level.
Reducing Switching Over-
voltages by Pre-closing Resistor
 The design of lines rated 420 kV and above is
influenced by switching overvoltages.

 The switching overvoltages can be minimized

by improving the design of circuit breakers.

The features desirable for EHV and UHV circuit

breakers are the following :

1. Pre insertion of closing resistors in parallel

with main contacts. This is either single stage
or multi-stage.
Reducing Switching Over-voltages by Pre-
closing Resistor
2. Simultaneous closing three poles.

3. Simultaneous closing lines at both ends. The

closing of line is first initiated through pre-
closing resistors. Shortly after this, the pre-
closing resistors are shunted out.
 UNIT-9

Oil Circuit Breaker

Introduction
 In minimum oil circuit-breakers, dielectric oil is
used as an arc quenching medium and dielectric
medium.
 For voltages upto 36 kV, minimum oil circuit-
breakers are generally enclosed in draw-out type
metal-clad switchgear.
 For 36 kV, 72.5 kV and 145kV ratings MOCB's are
outdoor type, with one interrupter per pole
single operating mechanism for three poles.
 Bulk oil Circuit-breakers (tank type circuit-
breakers) are becoming obsolete and have been
Introduction

 Minimum oil circuit-breakers have the following

demerits:
(1) Short Contact Life.
(2) Frequent Maintenance.
(3) Possibility of Explosion.
(4) Larger arcing time for small currents.
(5) Prone to restrikes.
 They are being superseded by SF6 circuit-
breakers in all ranges.
Tank Type or Bulk Oil
Circuit-Breaker (now
Obsolete)
 Oil circuit-breakers were widely used for rated
voltage upto 72.5 kV before 1960.
 However, the popularity of this breaker is
decreasing and it is no more favoured in modern
installation.
 The tank type circuit-breaker has 3 separate tanks
for 72.5 kV and above For 36 kV and below single
tank construction is popular.
 In single tank construction phase barriers are
provided between phases.
Tank Type or Bulk Oil Circuit-Breaker
(now Obsolete)
 This type of circuit-breaker is used for indoor
metal clad draw out type switchgear upto 12kV
(Fig. 15.1 a) Above 12 kV, it is usually of
outdoor type.

 Dielectric oil is used in circuit-breakers as an

arc extinction medium as well as insulating
medium. It is also called transformer oil.
 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.

 To assist of arc extinction process, arc control

devices are fitted to the contact assembly. These
are semi enclosed chamber of dielectric materials.

 The performance of oil circuit-breaker depends on

the effectiveness of arc control devices.
 Fig. 6.2 illustrates the tank type oil circuit-breaker,
in open positions with the arc not yet extinguished.
 The tension rod (7) is raised by operating
mechanism (not shown in the figure) while closing
the circuit-breaker.
 The opening and closing is obtained by lowering
and raising the tension rod. As the contacts
separate, and arc is drawn. This arc is extinguished
by the oil and by the gases formed by the
decomposition of oil.
 The arc control devices (5) are normally connected to
the fixed contact assembly, such that contact
separation takes place inside this semi-enclosed
devices.

 The gas produced in the device (4) produces high

pressures in it. Thereby the arc extinction is quick.

 As the moving contacts leave the arc control devices,

the trapped gas gets released from the arc control
device, while doing so the arc is extinguished by blast
effect. Arc control devices are fitted to all modern
circuit breakers rated 3.6 kV and above.
The construction and venting of arc-control
devices is such that the gases flow axially or
radially with respect to arc. The major
disadvantages of tank type circuit-breaker are.
1. Large quantity of oil is necessary in oil circuit-
breakers though only a small quantity is
necessary for arc extinction. The large
quantity is necessary to provide insulation
between the live parts and earthed steel tank.
If the container is made of ceramic material,
the size of container could be made small.
2. The entire oil in the tank is likely to get
deteriorated due to sludge formation in the
proximity of arc. Then the entire oil needs
replacement.

3. The tanks are too big, at 36 kV and above the

tank type oil circuit breaker loses its
simplicity.
 These cause led to the development of
Minimum oil circuit breaker. 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 breaker.

 There is no steel tank but the arc

extinction takes place in a porcelain
containers.
Minimum oil Circuit-Breaker

 This type is also known as poor oil or small oil

circuit-breaker. In minimum oil circuit-breakers
the current interruption takes place inside
'interrupter'.

 The enclosure of the interrupter is made of

insulating material like porcelain. Hence the
clearance between the live parts and the
enclosure can be reduced and lesser quantity of
oil require for internal insulation.

 One pole of a 3 pole outdoor minimum oil

circuit-breaker is illustrate in Fig. 6.3
 There are two chambers (3) and (4) separated
from each other, but both filled with oil. The
upper chamber (3) is arc extinction chamber.

 The oil from this chamber does not mix with

that in the lower chamber. Lower chamber acts
like a dielectric support.

 Arc extinction devices (6) is fitted to the upper

fixed contact. The lower fixed contact (7) is
ring shaped.
 The moving contact (2) makes a sliding contact with the lower fixed
contacts. A resin bounded glass-fibre cylinder (8) encloses the contact
assembly. This cylinder (8) is also filled with oil.

 Porcelain cylinder (3) encloses the fibre-glass cylinder (8). Other

provisions are similar to the bolk oil circuit-breaker.

 The operating rod is operated by operating mechanism. The three poles

operate simultaneously.

 Minimum oil circuit-breakers have been developed for the following

voltage ratings. 3.6 kV, 7.2 kV, 12 kV, 36 kV, 72.5 kV, 145 kV, 245 kV, 420
kV.
 Upto 12 kV rated voltage, the minimum oil
circuit-breaker, generally has a single
interrupter per phase, with solid support
insulators.

 The design of this type if compact and as

suitable for mounting on draw-out unit of metal
enclosed, draw-out type switchgear.

 Above 36 kV, the breaker pole comprises two

parts a support insulator filled with dielectiric
oil and extinguished chamber mounted on the
support insulator
Principle of Arc-Extinction on Oil
Breakers
 As the current carrying contacts are separated
under oil, the heat of the arc causes
decomposition of the oil. The gases formed due
to the decomposition expand, causing increase
in pressure.

 The pressure built-up and the flow of gases is

influenced by the design of arc-control device
speed of contact travel, the energy liberated by
the arc, etc.

 The gas flowing near the contact zone causing

cooling and splitting of the arc. the contact
 Arc control devices are fitted to the fixed
contact of minimum oil circuit-breaker.

 Arc control devices modify the behavior of

circuit-breakers.

 These are enclosures of dielectric material

fitted to contacts of the circuit-breaker such
that the actual contacts are separated inside
the cavity of the device.
 The arc control devices are based on axial flow and
or cross flow principle. Axial flow is employed in
circuit-breaker upto 25 kA. Cross-flow principle is
preferred for higher breaking currents.

 The heat of arc cause decomposition of the

dielectric oil, the products of decomposition being
hydrogen gas and other gases like acetylene.

 The gases result in increased pressure inside the

arc control device.

 As the moving contact travels the arc length

increases.
 The amount of gas produced in the cross-jet
pot is function of heat of arc, arcing time
related with speed of contact travel.

 The pressure generated within the arc control

device is related with the amount of gas
produced and the area and the location of the
side vents.

 At lower values of currents, the amount of gas

produced is relatively less. Hence the size of
vents of cause enough pressure difference
should also be relatively small.
 For larger currents the size of vents should be
larger to avoid excessive pressure difference.
The high pressure gas in the arc control device
tries to escape through the side vents towards
the top of the interrupter.

 While doing, it tries to cool the arc and

lengthen arc into the vents. At current zero of
the wave, the arc diameter is very small and
the gas flow is able to interrupt the arc.

 The interruption of the arc stops the generation

of gas and glow of oil.
 The contact space contains hot gases during the
brief period after the interruption of arc and high
rate of rise of TRV can cause a restrike.

 To avoid this, the contact travel is extended well

beyond the arc control devices so the fresh
dielectic oil filled the contact space after the arc
extinction.

 The other techniques adopted to increase the rate

of gain of dielectric strength after final current
zero are:
 Flushing the contact space by fresh dielectric
oil forced into the contact space by means of
piston-action.

 A piston attached to the moving contact

compresses the dieletric oil in a cylinder.

 The oil at a high pressure in the cylinder flows

into the contact space.
 Maintaining the pressure on the oil in the
interrupter.

 If the oil in the interrupter is maintained at higher

pressure by means of an inertgas, the oil flow into
the contact space and the hot gases travel
upwards. Pressure reduces the size of gas bubbles.

 The techniques are used in minimum oil circuit-

breakers to avoid restrikes during capacitor
switching.
Circuit Breakers with
Internal Source of
Extinguishing Energy
In oil circuit-breaker the energy for arc
extinction is provided by the short circuit itself,
which decomposes oil and thereby pressure
inside the tank is increased.

The characteristic feature of such breakers is

that the amount of extinguishing energy depend
on the magnitude of current to be interrupted.
For larger currents (upto a certain limit) the
breaking time is less.
 For too small currents, the arc extinction is rapid
because the arc simply breaks on its own; in oil.

 Between these limits, there is a range of small

currents called "Critical Range" in which the
breaking of currents is difficult and arc duration
time is high.

 In this critical range of current, the current if not

in a position to build up enough pressure so as to
cause rapid are extinction.
 The characteristic of breaking current vs. arc
duration in Fig. 6.6 explains the phenomenon. The
range of critical current varies with the design of
oil circuit-breaker.

 The typical ranges of critical current are between

10 to 20% of rated short circuit breaker current.

 Higher arching-time for smaller breaking current is

a particular disadvantage of oil circuit-breaker.
Disadvantage of Oil

1. The decomposed products of dielectric oil arc

inflammable and explosive. If the oil circuit-
breaker is unable to break the fault current,
the pressure in the tank may rise above safe
limit and explosion may occur. This does not
happen in SF, ABCB, Vacuum C.B.
2. The oil absorbs moisture readily. In dielectic
strength reduces by carbonization which
occurs during arcing.
The oil needs replacement after a certain
breaker operations. It needs regular
3. Oil is not a suitable medium for breakers which have
to operate repeatedly. Breakers used for furnaces,
railways, industrial load etc., operate frequently. Oil
circuit-breakers are unsuitable because oil gets
deteriorated.
4. The oil leakage, losses, replacement and purification
is often trouble-some. Hence oil circuit-breakers
involve more maintenance.
For voltages upto 145 kV a single interrupter construction
is favoured and quantity of oil required is relatively small.
For these voltages minimum oil circuit-breakers are
commonly used.
 UNIT-10

SF6 Circuit Breaker

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
with pressure of 3 kg/cm2.

 Dielectric strength of SF6 gas at atmospheric

pressure is 2.35 times of air.
• SF6 is now being very widely used in
electrical equipment like high voltage
metal enclosed cables; high voltage metal
clad switchgear, capacitors, circuit-
breaker, current transformers, bushings,
etc.
Physical Properties of SF6 gas
 Colorless.

 Odourless.

 Non-toxic. Pure SF6 gas is not harmful to health.

 Non-inflammable. However impure SF6 gas

contains toxic impurities.

 State-Gas at normal temperature, Pressure.

 Density-Heavy gas, density 5 time that of air at

20oC and Atmospheric pressure.
Liquification of SF6 Gas
 The gas starts liquefying at certain low
temperatures. The temperature of liquefaction
depends on pressure. At 15kg/cm2 the gas starts
liquefying at 10°C.

 Hence this gas is not suitable for pressures

above 15kg/cm2.
Liquefaction of SF6 Gas

 To avoid the liquefaction of SF6 gas,

the temperature of SF6 should be
maintained above certain value.

 Hence thermostatically controlled

heaters are provided, which
maintain the gas temperature
above.
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.
Low arc-time constant

 The time required for the medium to

regain its dielectric strength after final
current zero is called arc-time
constant.

 The arc-time constant of SF6 gas is of

the order if a few Microseconds.
 Hence SF6 circuit-breakers are suitable
for switching condition involving high
rate-of rise of TRV.
Chemical Properties of SF6 Gas
(i) Stable upto 500oC and Does not react with
structural material-upto 500°C.

(ii) 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.
Chemical Properties of SF6 Gas
(iii) 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.

(iv) Electronegative-gas.

(v) Products of Decomposition. During arc extinction

process SF6 is broken down to some extent into
SF4, SF2.
(vi) The metallic fluorides are good dielectric
materials hence are safe for electrical
equipment.

(vii) Moisture content in to gas, due to influx

from outside, presents a serious problem in
SF6 circuit breaker. Several failures have been
reported recently due to this cause.
 Dielectric Properties of SF6
Gas
(i) Dielectric properties. Dielectric strength of SF6 at
atmospheric pressure is 2.35 times that of air, it
is 30% less than that of dielectric oil used in oil
circuit breakers.
(ii) At higher pressure the dielectric strength of the
gas increases.
At pressure about 3kg/cm2 the dielectric strength
of SF6 gas is more than that of dielectric oil. This
property permits smaller clearances and small
size of equipments for the same kV.
Effect of Pressure on
Breakdown Voltage
 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 gas increases with
pressure.
(ix) The gas is Electronegative. The ability of an
atom to attract and hold electrons has been
designated as its 'Electro negativity'. Such
gases have high dielectric strengths.

The molecules of electronegative gases have

an ability to attract, hold free electrons and
form negative ions.

The negative ions being heavy and practically

immobile they do not flow easily. Hence the
dielectric strength of electronegative gases is
more than that of air.
 Electronegativity of the gas gives lower arc-
time constant.
Arc Extinction in SF6 Circuit-Breakers

 The arc extinction process in SF6 circuit

breakers is different from that in Air Blast
Circuit Breakers.
 During the arcing period, SF6 gas is blown
axially along the arc. The gas removes the heat
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
and the arc is extinguished.
 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 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, minimum.
Types of Design

 The types of circuit-breakers can be

broadly identified as :
 Double Pressure type. In which,
the gas from high pressure system is
released into the low pressure
system through a nozzle, during the
arc extinction process. This design
has become obsolete.
Types of Design

 Single Pressure Puffer type. In which the gas is

compressed by the moving cylinder system and
is released through a nozzle while extinguishing
the arc. This design is most popular over wide
range of voltage from 3.6 kV to 760kV.

 Furthermore, in both the double pressure and

single pressure designs, the circuit breakers
have been developed in following two types of
indoor and outdoor designs.
Puffer principle

 Contact movement creates the puffer action

which momentarily increases the dielectric
strength and arc extinguishing properties of SF6
gas at the time when it is needed during load
switching. During contact opening the puffer
action forces a pressurized stream in the form of
axial jet of SF6 gas through contact and, cooling
and extinguishing the arc at current zero.

379
OPERATION OF SF6
CIRCUIT BREAKER

380
Types of Design
 Live Tank Design. In which the interrupters are
supported on porcelain insulators.

 Dead Tank design. In which the interrupters

are install within SF6 gas-filled tank at earth
potential. Each of the design has certain merits
and limitations.

 Single pressure puffer type live tank breakers

are being preferred for conventional outdoor
switchyards.
 In SF6 circuit-breakers, 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 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 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 SF6 gas and the
dielectric strength of the contact space is rapidly
recovered due to the electro-negativity of the gas.
 The single flow pattern (Fig. 1A) and double
flow pattern (Fig. 1B) are used for arc-
extinguishing in single pressure puffer type an
double pressure type SF6 circuit breakers.

 Double flow gives higher breaking currents.

contact separates, arc is drawn. However,
compressed gas flows from higher pressure P1
to lower pressure P2 through the nozzle.

 single flow pattern has limited quenching

ability and discussed for lower breaking
currents.
Double Flow of Quenching Medium
 In the second generation of puffer type circuit-breaker, the flow pattern
was improved. The flow of quenching gas from puffer cylinder was made
to flow in forward direction (like in single flow) through nozzle and also
through hollow contact tube in reverse direction.

 Double flow gives lengthening of arc through hollow contacts and removes
heat of arc more efficiently.

 Double flow pattern gives almost one-and-a-half times the breaking

capacity compared with the single flow. Fig. 7.5 (c) explains the flow
pattern in double flow technique. All puffer type circuit-breakers of today
employ double flow pattern.
Merits of SF6 Circuit-
Breakers
(1) Outdoor EHV SF6 has less number of
interrupters per pole than ABCB and MOCB.
Outdoor SF6 CB is simple, less costly,
maintenance free and compact.

(2) The gas is non-inflammable and chemically

stable. The decomposition products are not
explosive. Hence there is no danger of fire or
explosion.

(3) Same gas is recirculated in the circuit. Hence

requirement of SF6 gas is small.
(4) Ample overload margin. For the same size of
conductors, the current carrying ability of SF6
circuit-breakers is about 1.5 times that of air
blast circuit-breakers because of superior heat
transferability of SF6 gas.

(5) The breaker is silent and does not make sound

like air-blast-circuit breaker during operation.

(6) The sealed construction avoids the

contamination by moisture, dust, sand etc. No
costly compressed air system like ABCB.
(7) The maintenance required is minimum. The
breaker may need maintenance once in four to
ten years.

(8) Ability to interrupt low and high fault currents,

magnetizing currents, capacitive current,
without excessive over-voltages.

The SF6 gas circuit-breaker can perform the

various duties like clearing short-line faults,
opening unloaded transmission lines, capacitor
switching, transformer, reactor switching, etc
much smoothly.
(9) Excellent insulating, arc extinguishing,
physical and chemical properties of SF6 gas is
the greatest advantage of SF6 breakers.

(10) No frequent contact replacement. Contact

corrosion is very small due to inertness of SF6
gas. Hence contacts do not suffer oxidation.

(11) No over-voltage problems. Due to particular

properties of SF6 gas, the arc is extinguished
at natural current zero-without current
chopping and associated over-voltage
originating in circuit-breakers.
Demerits of SF6 Circuit-Breaker

- Sealing problems arise due to the type of

construction used. Imperfect joints lead to
leakage of gas.
- Arced SF6 gas is poisonous and should not be
inhaled or let-out.
- Influx of moisture in the system is very dangerous
to SF6 gas circuit-breakers. Several failures are
reported due to this cause.
- The double pressure SF6 circuit-breakers are
relatively costly due to the type of construction
and the complex gas system.
Demerits of SF6 Circuit-Breaker

- The internal parts should be cleaned

thoroughly during periodic maintenance
under clean, dry environment. Dust of
Teflon and sulfides should be removed.

- Special facilities are needed for

transporting the gas, transferring the gas
and maintaining the quality of gas. The
deterioration of quality of the gas affects
the reliability of the SF6 circuit breaker.
Introduction to SF6 Switchgear (GIS)

 SF6 gas insulated metalclad switchgear is also

called Gas Insulated Sub-station (GIS) and is
preferred for voltage rating of 72.5 kV, 145kV,
245kV, 420 kV and above.

 In such a substation, the various equipment like

circuit-breakers. Busbars, Isolators, Load break
switches, Current-transformers, Voltage
transformers, Earthing switches etc. are housed
in separate metal enclosed modules filled with
SF6 gas.
 The SF6 gas provides the phase to ground
insulation. As the dielectric strength of SF6 gas
is higher than air, the clearance required are
smaller.

 Hence the overall size of each equipment and

the complete sub-station is reduced.
Advantages of SF6 gas insulated
switchgear
(a) Compactness. The space occupied by SF6
installation is only about 10% of that of
conventional outdoor sub-station High cost is
partly compensated by saving in cost of space.

(b) Protection from pollution. The moisture,

pollution, dust etc., have little influence on SF6
insulated sub-stations. However, to facilitate
installation and maintenance, such substations
are generally housed inside a small building.

The construction of the building need not be very

strong like conventional power houses.
(c) Reduced Switching overvoltage's.
The overvoltage's while closing and opening
line, cables, motors, capacitors etc. are low.
(e) The gas pressure (4 kg/cm2) is relatively low
and does not pose serious leakage problems.

(g) Increased Safety. As the enclosures are at

earth potential, there is no possibility of
accidental contact by service personnel to
live parts.
Demerits of SF6 Insulated Switchgear

(a) High cost compared to conventional outdoor sub-

station.
(b) Requirement of cleanliness are very stringent. Dust
or moisture can cause internal flashovers.
(c) Such sub-stations are generally indoor. They need a
separate building. This is generally not required for
conventional outdoor sub-stations.
(d) Procurement of gas and supply of gas to site is
problematic. Adequate stock of gas must be
maintained.
Circuit breaker (CB)
 It is a switching device which can interrupt the current during
normal and abnormal conditions such as short-circuit.
 220 KV Circuit Breaker
 Type – SF6 gas
Puffer type
Air operated i.e. spring to close and air to open.
Each breaker has its own air compressor system.

 Principle – The SF6 circuit breaker working on puffer action, uses

SF6 gas compressed internally for all quenching and for
providing necessary electrical insulation once arc is
quenched.
The opening mechanism for these breakers is
pneumatic for which double stage air compressor is
provided. 400
 Switchyard Components

26 May
Electrical System Nuclear Training Center, RRSite 401
2018

CIRCUIT BREAKER
 220 kV SF6 breaker technical details:
1. Make – M/s Crompton greaves.
2. Type – ELFS L4-1.
3. Applicable standard – IEC – 56/87.
4. No. of poles – 3.
5. Rated voltage – 245 Kv.
6. Rated insulation level
(i) Lightning impulse withstand voltage – 1050 Kv.
(ii) One min. power frequency withstand voltage – 460 Kv.
7. Rated frequency – 50 HZ.
8. Continuous current – 2000 A.
9. Maximum temp. rise (over ambient temp. 49⁰C-55⁰C.
10. Short time rating – 40 KA/3 sec. 402
11. Short circuit breaking current –
(i) AC component – 40 KA (rms).
(ii) DC component – 55%
12. Rated short circuit making current – 100 KA.
13. Operating mechanism – air to open and spring to
close.
14. Compressed air system – individual compressor for
end breaker.
15. Timing –
Closing < 100 ms.
Opening < 30 ms.
Contact mismatch during closing – 5ms (max.)
403
SF6 breaker – gas pressure setting

 Normal pressure at 200C – 6kg/cm2.

 Low pressure alarm – 5.5 kg / cm2

 Lock out – 5.0 kg/cm2

404
SF6 breaker – air pressure setting

 Normal pressure – 14.5 kg / cm2 to 15.5 kg / cm2

(ON) (OFF)

 High pressure alarm – 18.5 kg / cm2 (alarm)

17.5 kg / cm2 (Reset)

 Low pressure alarm – 13.2 kg / cm2 (alarm)

14.2 kg / cm2 (Reset)

 Lock out - 12.0 kg / cm2 405

 UNIT-11

Vacuum Circuit Breaker

Introduction

 When two current carrying contacts are

separated in a vacuum bottle, an arc is drawn
between them.

 An intensely hot spot or spots are created at

the instant of contact separation from which
metal vapour shoot off, constituting plasma.

 The amount of vapour in the plasma is

proportional to the rate of vapour emission
from the electrodes, hence to the arc current.
Introduction

 With alternating current arc, the

current decreases during a portion
of wave, and tends to zero.

 Soon after natural current zero, the

remaining metal vapour condenses
and the dielectric strength builds
up rapidly, and restriking of arc is
prevented.
Application

 For voltages upto 36 kV.

 Vacuum circuit breakers employing a
single interrupter unit have become
extremely popular for metal-enclosed
switchgear
 Arc-furance installations, auxiliary
switchgear in generating stations and
other industrial applications.
 Vacuum interruptions are being used in
metal gear of the range 3.6kV to 15kV.
Merits
 Vacuum switching devices have several merits such
as
 High speed of dielectric recovery.
 Rapid and silent operation.
 suitability for repeated operations.
 Simple operating mechanisms.
 Freedom from explosion.
 Flexibility design, long of life etc.
 The unique merits of vacuum interrupters are small
contact travel and less weight of moving parts.
 The vacuum interrupters have a very long life of the
order of several thousand operations on rated
normal current.
Electrical Breakdown in High
Vacuum
 The pressures below about 10-5 mm of mercury
are considered to be high vacuum.

 The charged particles from one electrode

moving towards the other electrode at such a
pressure are unlikely to cause collision with
residual gas molecules.

 Hence ionization by collosion of particles with

atoms and molecules is less in vacuum relative
to that in gas.
Electrical Breakdown in High
Vacuum
 Keeping a small gap (0.5 mm) between electrodes
in vacuum, if the voltage is gradually, increased at
a certain voltage the gap breaks down and current
increases suddenly, this phenomenon is called
Vacuum Breakdown or Vacuum Spark.

 Pressure remaining constant, the nature of the

characteristic depends on the surface condition,
material of electrodes.

 Secondary emission takes place by bombardment of

high energy on the surface of electrodes. Next, the
electron emission takes place from the surface of
the electrodes by virtue of intense heat.
 The current leaves the electrodes from a few spots.

 The current densities are high at these spots. The arc

consists of a thin column of plasma.

 The core of the arc has high temperatures of the order

of 6000°K.

 At such temperatures, the emission takes place from

the surface of the electrodes, called Thermal Emission.

 Summarizing, electron emission from the contact is the

cause for arc formation in a vacuum switching device.
The electron emission takes place in various ways such
as Field Emission, Thermal Emission, Secondary
Emission etc.
Limits of Impulse withstand
voltage
(a) Conditioning of Electrodes

If vacuum gap is continuously sparking over,

the breakdown voltage increases and then
reaches a value when the gap is conditioned.
Therefore the spark-over voltage remains
consistent.

(b) Material of Contact and Surface Finish

The Creep of material, occluded gases in the

material and the chamber create special
problems in vacuum circuit breakers.
(c) Dielectric Recovery after Sparking
The vacuum gap regains its dielectris strength
at a rate of about 20kV/ms after a spark over.
The rate of recovery depends upon design
features of the interrupter.
(d) Effect of Contact Material
The breakdown alternating voltages for the
same vacuum pressure and the same contact
gap vary with the contact materials. Fig. 1
illustrates the characteristics for three
different contacts materials.
(e) Insulation strength
The insulation strength of vacuum can be
determined by applying the d.c. voltage till
breakdown occurs. The insulation strength
depends on the material of contact surface.
The dielectric strength of vacuum is relatively
high and, therefore, a small contact travel is
usually enough to withstand the recovery
voltage.
Arc Extinction in Vacuum
Interrupters
 The arc interruption process in vacuum
interrupters is quite different from that in
other types of circuit-breakers.

 The vacuum as such is a dielectric medium and

arc cannot persist in ideal vacuum. However,
the separation of current carrying contacts
causes the vapour to be released from the
contacts giving rise to plasma.
Arc Extinction in Vacuum
Interrupters

 Thus, as the contacts separate, the

contact space is filled with vapor of
positive ions liberated from the contact
material. The vapor density depends on
the current in the arc.

 During the decreasing mode of the

current wave the rate of release of the
vapor reduces and after the current zero,
the medium regains the dielectric
strength provided vapor density around
contacts has substantially reduced.
Diffused Arc
 While interrupting a current of the order of a
few hundred amperes by separating flat
contacts under high vacuum,
 The arc generally has several parallel paths,
each arc-path originating and sinking in a spot
of current. Thus the total current is divided in
several parallel arcs.
 The parallel arcs repel each other so that the
arc tends to spread over the contact surface.
 Such an arc is called diffused arc. The diffused
arc can get interrupted easily.
Concentrated Arc
 At higher values of currents of the order of a
few thousand amperes, the arc gets
concentrated on a small region and becomes
self-sustained arc. The concentrated arc around
a small area causes rapid vaporization of the
contact surface.
• The transition from diffused arc to the
concentrated arc depends upon the material
and shape of contact, the magnitude of
current and the condition of electrodes.

• The interruption of arc is possible when the

vapour density varies in phase with the current
and the arc remains in the diffused state.

• The arc does not strike again if the metal

vapour is quickly removed from the contact
zone.
Factor affecting the arc
extinction
 The arc extinction process in vacuum
circuit-breaker is related to a great
extent to the material and shape of
the contacts and the technique
adopted in condensing the metal
vapour.
 The contact geometry is so designed
that the root of the arc keeps on
moving so that the temperature at one
point on the contact does not reach a
very high value.
Factor affecting the arc
extinction
 The rapid building up of dielectric strength
after final arc extinction is a unique advantage
of vacuum circuit-breaker.

 They are ideally suitable for capacitor

switching as they can give restrike free
performance.

 The vacuum circuit-breakers-interrupt the

small currents before natural current zero
causing current chopping. However, the
chopping level depends on material of contact.
 Construction
The interrupter is general consists of the following parts :
1. Enclosure
The enclosure is made of impermeable insulating
material like glass. The enclosure must not be porous
and should retain high vacuum of the order of 10-7 torr.
2. End Flanges
The two end-flanges are made of not-magnetic metal.
The end-flanges support the enclosure fixed contact,
vapour condensing shields, bellows, and the protective-
cover for the bellows.
3. Contacts
 The contacts are made of large stem with large
disc-shaped faces. The disc is provided with
symmetrical grooves in such a way that the
segments of the two contacts are not in the same
line.
 The magnetic field set-up by the components of
currents with such a geometry causes the plasma of
the arc to move rapidly over the contacts instead of
remaining stable at one point.
 The concentration of the arc is thus prevented and
the arc remain in diffused state. The sintered
material used for contact tip if generally copper-
chromium or copper bismuth alloy.
4. Vapour Condensing Shields
 These metallic shields are supported on insulating housing
such that they cover the contact region.
 The metal vapour released from the contact surface during
arcing is condensed on these shields and is prevented from
condensing on the insulting enclosure.
5. Metallic Bellows
One end of the bellows is welded to the metal-flange. The
other end is welded to the moving contact.
 The bellows permit the sealed construction of the
interrupter and yet permit movement of the contact.
 Stainless steel bellows are generally used in vacuum
interrupters.
 The bellows are covered by a protective shield.
6. Seals

 The sealing techniques are similar to those used

by electronic valve and power-tube
manufactures. These are like metal-glass, or
metal ceramic seals.

 In the switchgear insulation, the interrupter is

housed inside a sheet metal enclosure and the
metal flanges are supported on porcelain or
epoxy insulators.

 The moving contact is connected to the

operating mechanism by means of a flass- fibre
rod.
Degree of Vacuum in Interrupters
 The vacuum level is expressed in Torr. (1 Torr is
equivalent to a pressure represented by a
barometric 'head' of 1 mm mercury).

 The breakdown voltage of certain contact gap

varies with the absolute pressure in the vacuum
interrupters.

 1 Torr =10-3 bar

Degree of Vacuum in Interrupters
 As the absolute pressure is reduced from 10-1 Torr
to 10-3 Torr, the dielectric strength (kV/mm) goes
on increasing.
 Above 10-3 Torr. the characteristic is almost flat.
And the dielectric strength in this region is above
12 kV power/mm.
 In vacuum interrupters vacuum level of the order
of 10-6 to 10-10 Torr is used. This is called high
vacuum range.
 During the passage of time and after arc
interruptions, the vacuum level goes on reducing.
However it remains in the range of 10-5 Torr and
10-8 Torr.
Length of Interrupter

1. The contact gap between fixed

and moving contact is small (8 to
20 mm). Because of high dielectric
strength of vacuum small contact
travel is sufficient.
2. The minimum length of contact
gap is decided by required impulse
voltage withstand level of the
interrupter.
Contact Travel (Contact Gap)
 Because of high dielectrical strength of the
medium, smaller contact gap is enough for
withstanding TRV and impulse withstand test
voltage. Typical value are:

Minimum In practice
12 kV Interrupter 6 - 10 mm 8 - 20 mm
3.6 kV Contractor 2 - 3 mm 3 - 5 mm

 The impulse withstand voltage requirements are

considered while deciding the required contact
gap.
Contact size and shape for
required short-circuit-breaking
current
 The arc quenching in the vacuum interrupters
depends on the contact shape and contact
material.
 For higher rated currents the arc should be
diffused.
 Arc should not be allowed to turn into a
constricted arc.
 A diffused arc has several arc roots on contact
surface.
 A constricted arc has a single arc root of higher
diameter and temperature.
Contact size and shape for
required short-circuit-breaking
current
 Plain butt. contacts cannot give diffused arc
above the breaking currents of the order of 5kA
rms. Hence the use of plain butt contacts is
limited to rated short-circuit breaking currents
of 4kA.
 For short-circuit breaking currents above 4 kA,
the butt contacts are in the form of either
spiral contacts or contrate contacts.
 Both the design of depends for their operation
on the interaction of the arc and a magnetic
field to keep the arc in rapid motion, and
Spiral Petal Contacts
 These type of contacts have been developed by GE (USA). The
contact tips are of flat disc shape with spiral petal grooves, as
shown in the figure.

 For smaller arc currents, the arc is diffused. Due to peculiar petals
in the contact, the arc roots move towards the edges. The cathode
spots tend to spread towards the edge of the contact disc instead of
farming single constricted arc.

 For higher arc currents, the arc roots tends to move from central
zone to the edges due to blow out effect of petals. Because of spiral
shape of grooves, the movement of arc roots has radial and
circumferential components. Thereby the arc roots are blown out of
the disc. This helps in diffusing the arc.
Segmented Contact (Contrate
Contact)
The contact tips are of cup shape with inclined segments.
Because of several segments, the arc roots are formed
and the arc is split up in several parallel paths. These arc
paths repel each other and the arc roots are pushed away
from the contact face.
Requirement of Contact Design

Arc quenching makes heavy demands

on the interrupter contact pieces,
since they must be designed for-
 high short-circuit breaking capacity
 high dielectric strength
 small chopping current
 minimal contact piece erosion
 small contact resistance.
Requirement of Contact Design

 This helps in diffusing the arc. Because of the

cup shape of contact tip the arc forms a ring
insted of a cylinder. The contact tip material is
specially selected such that the contact has low
current chopping properties and non welding
properties.
Checking of vacuum

 Vacuum is checked by simple method by pulling

the moving conduct by spring balanced.
 Another method is go-no go test by applying
power frequency test voltage to terminates of
open vacuum interruption.
 25kV DC is applied on open terminals.
Contact Material
The contacts material for vacuum interrupters
should have the following properties.
(1) High electrical conductivity.
(2) Low contact resistance
(3) High thermal conductivity
(4) Low current chopping level
(5) High arc withstand ability
(6) High melting point
(7) Low tendency to weld
(8) Easy to manufacture and economical
Contact Material
 Some of these properties are of opposite nature. For
example, low contact resistance and high arc withstand
ability are rarely found in the same material.
 In other type of breakers, the main contacts and arcing
contacts are of different materials. But in vacuum
interrupters, the same contact face is used for main
contact and arcing contact.
 Several materials have been tried by different
manufacturers. The following three materials are
commonly used for vacuum interrupters:
(1) Copper-Bismuth Alloy
(2) Copper-Chromium Alloy
(3) Copper-Berryllium Alloy
Merits of VCBs
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 of
periodic refilling.
2. No emission of gases, Pollution free.
3. Modest maintenance of the breaker, no
maintenance of interrupters. Hence
economical over long period.
4. Breaker forms a unit which can be installed at
any required orientation. Breaker unit is
compact and self contained.
Merits of VCBs
5. Non explosive
6. Silent operation
7. Large number of operation on load, or short
circuit. Suitable for repeated operating duty.
Long life.
8. Suitable for capacitor switching, cable
switching industrial load switching.
9. Constant dielectric. There are no gas
decomposition products in vacuum and the
hermetically sealed vacuum interrupter keeps
out all environmental effects.
Merits of VCBs
10. Constant contact resistance. In vacuum, the
contacts cannot oxidize, a fact which ensures
that their very small resistance is maintained
throughout their life.
11. High total current switched. Since contact
piece erosion is small, rated normal current
can be interrupted up to 30,000 times and
rated short-circuit breaking current on an
average a hundred times.
These reasons together with the economic
advantages offered-have boosted acceptance of
the vacuum arc-quenching principle.
 Demerits
1. The vacuum interrupter is more expensive than the interrupting
devices in other types of interrupters and its cost is affected by
production volume. It is uneconomical to manufacture vacuum
interrupters in small quantities.

2. Rated voltage of single interrupter is limited to about 36Ö3=20kV.

Above 3kV, two interrupters are required to be connected in series.
This makes the breaker uneconomical for rated voltages above
36kV

3. Vacuum interrupters require high technology for production.

4. In the event of loss of vacuum due to transit damage or failure, the

entire interrupter is rendered useless. It cannot be repaired at site.
Demerits
5. For interruption of low magnetizing currents in
certain range, additional applications and
distribution applications in the range 3.6
kV/7.2kV/12kV/36kV. The vacuum circuit-breaker
is the main switching device in the indoor metal-
enclosed switchgear.
The complete VCB has one three phase
subassembly having one common mechanism
housing, linkages, and three vacuum interrupters
mounted on the frame by means of epoxyresin
support insulators.
Interruption of small inductive
currents by VCB
 In VCB the possibility of current chopping is
higher than in other types of breaker. This is
because of higher rate of build-up of dielectric
strength in VCB. The current chopping level is
related with the materials for contact and
contact travel characteristic with use of copper
or tangsten-cooper for contact material, the
current at which chopping occurs are high.
 With proper selection of contact material,
chopping levels are reduced to a few amperes.
Switching overvoltage are within limit.
Switching Over-voltage Problem
with VCB for Motor Switching
Duty

 While using vacuum Circuit-breakers for motor

switching, over-voltages can be generated due
to (a) Current Chopping (b) Multiple Reignition.

 Suitable RC Surge suppressors should be

incorporated with vacuum switchgear to limit
switching over voltages.
Switching Over-voltage Problem with VCB
for Motor Switching Duty

 Multiple Reignition occurs when the contact gap

is too small while opening a low power factor
load such as magnetizing currents of
transformers and also white switching off locked-
rotor motors connected through long cable

 The gap quenches the arc but is too small to

withstand the TRV, hence breaks down again. The
gap again recovers and re-ignites again. Such
repeated multiple re-ignitaion give rise to over-
voltages which are harmful to the insulation of
motors and transformers.
2.1 220 V DC closing circuit of 6.6 kV vacuum circuit breaker
2.2 (A1) 220 Main trip circuit of 6.6 kV vacuum circuit breaker
(Separate supply for TC-1)
2.2 (A2) 220V DC TC-2 Stand by Trip circuit of
6.6 kV vacuum circuit breaker (with closing
supply)
2.2 (A3) 220V DC Protection for 6.6kV vacuum circuit
breaker
2.3 48V DC Control logic/ Protection logic
 UNIT-12

H.V.D.C. Circuit Breaker

Introduction

Alternating current has been universally

adopted for generation, distribution and
utilization of electrical energy. However the
transmission of power between generating
stations and distant receiving sub-stations
can be either by three-phase high voltage
a.c. or by High Voltage D.C. (e.g. + 100kV, +
200 kV, 400 kV, + 500kV) HVDC transmission
system have several advantages, particularly
for large power transfer over long distances
and for interconnections between two
independent grids.
Merits of HVDC Transmission
 Economy. For large power transfer over long
distances, the cost of HVDC transmission may
be less than AC transmission.
 Asynchronous Ties. HVDC link can interconnect
two system which are not in synchronism with
each other. They may even be at different
frequencies.
 Better Control. The power flow in HVDC system
can be increased, decreased, reversed and
stopped quickly by controlling the firing angle
of rectifiers and inverters.
Merits of HVDC Transmission
 Stability. The stability limit of A.C. line depends upon
reactance of the transmission line for long lines, it
becomes necessary to have double circuit,
intermediate equipment like series capacitors, shunt
reactors and even intermediate switching stations.

In HVDC system, the reactance and length of the line

has no influence on stability limit. Hence HVDC lines
can be short or long.

 Corona Loss and Radio Interference. For the same

power transfer and same distance, the corona losses
and radio interference of DC systems is less than that
of AC systems, as the required d.c. Insulation level is
lower than corresponding A.C. insulation.
Merits of HVDC Transmission

 Skin Effect. This is absent in D.C.

current. Hence current density is
uniformly distributed across the cross
section of the conductor.
 Tower Size. The phase-to-phase
clearances, phase to ground
clearances and tower size is smaller
for D.C. transmission as compared to
equivalent AC transmission for same
power and distance.
Merits of HVDC Transmission
 Number of Conductors. Bipolar HVDC transmission lines require two pole
conductors (instead of three-phase conductors as in case of AC) to carry
DC power. Hence HVDC transmission becomes economical over AC
transmission at long distance when the saving in overall conductors cost,
losses, towers etc. compensates the additional cost of the terminal
apparatus such as rectifiers and converters.

 Flexibility of Operations. Line may be operated in a mono-polar mode by

earth as a return path when the other line develops a permanent fault.
Merits of HVDC Transmission

 Staging Facility. DC valves may be connected in series

and parallel to get desired DC voltage and current.

 Short-circuit Level. In AC transmission, additional

parallel lines result in higher fault level at receiving end
due to reduced equivalent reactance. When an existing
AC system is interconnected with another AC system by
AC transmission line, the fault level of both the system
increases. However, when both are interconnected by a
DC transmission, the fault level of each system remains
unchanged.
Merits of HVDC Transmission
 Rapid Power Transfer. The control of converter valves
permit rapid changes in magnitude and direction of
power flow. This increases the limits of stability.
 Cables. DC transmission can be through underground or
marine cables since charging currents are taken only
while energizing the D.C. link and are not effective
later. In A.C. systems there is limit on length of cable
depending upon rated voltage. This limit is about 60 km
for 145 kV, 40 km for 245 kV and 25 km 400 kV AC
cables.
 Voltage Regulation. In HVDC systems, the line can be
operated with constant current regulation or constant
voltage regulation by suitable adaptation of grid
control of rectifiers and inverters.
Limitations
High cost of terminal apparatus such as A.C. to
D.C. rectifiers and D.C. to A.C. inverters.
 Lack of HVDC circuit-breakers (at present.) This
limitation has been recently overcome by
development of HVDC circuit-breaker system.
However HVDC circuit-breaker system
comprises several components including the
main circuit-breaker capacitors, reactors, etc.
and the total cost is likely to be several time
that of an A.C. circuit-breaker of equivalent
voltage class.
 D.C. voltage cannot be transformed
easily. Hence it is not used for
distribution.
The operation of inverter (D.C. to
A.C.) requires reactive power at
leading power factor. This reactive
power can be as high as 50% of real
power, i.e.
Energy Consideration in Breaking Direct
Current in HVDC Circuit-Breakers

In a.c. circuit-breaking, the current is interrupted at

current zero of the alternating current wave. As the
contacts separate, the arc is initiated. The arc has a
tendency to disappear around current zero. The arc is
quenched at current zero by removing the ionized
medium from contact space by flow of quenching
medium. The contact space filled with fresh
dielectric medium has then to withstand the
Transient Recovery Voltage. The arc provides a
resilient transition between the current carrying state
and the voltage withstanding state. The post zero
conductivity of contact space assists in dampening
the TRV.
While breaking direct current, the natural current zero is
not available. Hence the problem in D.C. circuit-breaker is
to bring down the current from full value to zero smoothly
without chopping it abruptly. The abrupt current zero can
be achieved by a high pressure blast on the arc zone. Such
an abrupt forcing of current zero (current chopping) would
result in excessive over voltages. Hence, the switching
system should bring down the direct current to zero
artificially without chopping it. D.C. circuit-breaker should
be capable of breaking all the values of current from rated
normal current to highest short circuit currents without
excessive over voltages.
This discussion can be visualized by comparing
the flow of current with flow of water in a pipe-
line. If valve is suddenly closed, the flow of
water is stopped and the pressure rises suddenly.
The level of water in the surge tank thereby
increases. Likewise, by interruption of current I
by current chopping the energy in system
inductance gets converted to capacitive thereby
increasing voltage across system capacitance. If
current is interrupted at zero value, the rise in
voltage would be minimum.
As per fundamentals, the current in inductance cannot
be changed instantaneously (in zero time). Similarly the
energy is capacitance cannot be changed
instantaneously. If the current in inductance is forcibly
chopped to zero in zero time, the energy in inductance
has no way to dissipate except to get converted into
energy in capacitance in form of charge, i.e. if ½LI2 in
equation is made zero instantaneously so as to interrupt
the current, the component ½LI2 gets converted into
½CV2 the resulting overvoltage will stress the
insulation and cause flashovers. To avoid this, the
current I should vary with relatively low di/dt. In
general, the value of time ta varies between 10 to 30
milliseconds. The total switching energy can be
increasaed quickly beyond the magnetic energy so as to
quench the arc. The switching energy can be dissipated
 Recently developed Metal Oxide Resistors (ZnO)
have superior voltage/current characteristic and
energy absorption capability. Such resistors are
used in HVDC circuit breaker.
 In partial d.c. system, the value of d.c. current
is of the order of a few kilo amperes and the
value of voltage across the circuit-breaker would
be of the order of 10 to 200 kV. The switching
power would be in the range of a few kilo-watts
to a few magawatts depending upon the
inductance of the line and smoothing reactors.
HVDC Switching System

 In a.c. circuit-breakers, the arc is extinguished

at natural current zero of the wave. Thus, the
energy in system inductance at current zero is
partially zero and current interruption is
relatively easy.
 In d.c. Switching system, a L.C. resonant circuit
is introduced in parallel, just after contact
separation of main circuit-breaker. Thereby
oscillations are produced in the main current
resulting in a few artificial current zeros. The
main circuit-breaker catches one of the current
zeros so to as to quench the arc and break the
 The Main Circuit-Breaker (CB) may be SF6, MOCB or
ABCB or VCB. The circuit breaker should be capable
of withstanding very high rate of rise of transient
recovery voltage. It should also be able to dissipate
the arc energy. It should be capable of opening
consistently with precise opening time.
 Ls and LL represent the circuit inductance on either
sides of the circuit-breaker. C and Lp represen
properly selected values of inductance and
capacitance.
 The parallel Lp-C circuit is switched in immediately
after opening of the contacts of Main Circuit-breaker
CB. This switching is achieved by closing of a switch S
or by triggering a vacuum gap or a thyristor in place
of switch S.
 When switch S is closed, the capacitor C
discharges through the circuit breaker
causing current I2 opposite to current I1.
Current I2 is oscillatory, the frequency of
oscillations depend upon value of Lp and
C.
 The oscillations of I2 are superimposed on
the main current I1, thereby producing
several artificial current zeros in the main
current I3. These current-zeros are
created during the arcing state in the
main circuit-breaker
 The current I1 interrupted by the main circuit-
breaker at a suitable current zero.
 The rate of rise of TRV depend upon the dI1/dt1 at
current zero. The dl1/dt reduced by proper
selection of C and Lp. The rate of rise of TRV is also
reduced by connecting damping resistor and
capacitors across the interrupters of the main
circuit-breaker.
 The final current zero in the main circuit-breaker
(CB) does not stop the current. The current is now
commuted to the parallel circuit. However, the
capacitor C offers and open circuit to steady direct
current and the direct current in the main path dies
down on its own. The principle of HVDC circuit-
breaker described above is called Commutation
Control of dI/dt and dV/dt
Interruption of direct current is not simply a
problem of creating artificial current zero. The
circuit-breaker should be capable of withstanding
the TRV. For comparison with A.C. circuit-breaker,
the rate of change of current in an a.c. circuit-
breaker for breaking 40kA is of the order of
20A/msec.
To reduce dI/dt an dV/dt the following steps are
taken in HVDC circuit-breaking system :
 Additional saturable reactor (Lsat) is connected
in series with the Main Circuit breaker to
reduce dI/dt prior to current zero.
 A combination R-C1 is connected in parallel across the
interrupter to reduce the dV/dt after current zero.
 Resistance R is connected across load side through S.
Each circuit-breaker has a limitation of withstanding the
TRV stress depending upon the properties of
extinguishing medium and the flow pattern within the
interrupter. Hence besides commutating circuit, there
should be provision in the switching system to reduce
dI/dt before final current zero and dV/dt. For reducing
the severity of stresses on the circuit-breaker, switching
stress factor F should be low. The interrupters which
can withstand higher factor F are more suitable for
HVDC main circuit-breaker.
F=Switching stres factor (watt/sec2)

where dI/dt = rate of change of current (A/sec)

dV/dt = rate of change TRV after final

current zero, (V/sec)

Since the current in the inductance cannot

change instantaneously, the saturable reactor
reduces dI/dt, since the voltage across the
capacitance cannot change instantaneously, the
capacitance reduces the dV/dt.
Triggered Vacuum Gaps (TVG)

 Since the commutation process should

be established immediately after
contact separation, conventional make
switches are not convenient for switch
S Triggered vacuum gaps are
preferred. These are vacuum gaps with
a third electrode (tigger). When a
pulse is given to the trigger, the
vacuum gap breaks down giving a
conducting path.
Complete Circuit of HVDC Switching
System
 Main circuit-breaker (CB) with R1 and C1 in parallel
with the interrupters for reducing dV/dt after
final current zero.
 Saturable Reactor (LSAT) in series with CB for
reducing dI/dt before final current zero.
 Parallel series circuit containing triggered vacuum
gap S, pre-charged capacitor C and reactor Lp for
producing artificial current zero after contact
separation in CB.
 Surge suppressor (SS) containing triggered vacuum
gap in series with non-liner resistor, capacitor or
ZnO Arrester.
 UNIT-13

Testing of High Voltage

A.C. Circuit-Breaker
Classification of the Test
The tests on high-voltage a.c. circuit-breakers
can be classified as follows:
(a) Development Tests
These are carried out on components, sub-
assemblies and complete circuit-breaker during
and after the development of the circuit-
breaker. The designers and research scientist
verify the effect of various parameters on the
behavior of circuit-breakers, by conducting
development tests. Development tests are not
specified in the standards.
(b) Type Tests
These are conducted on first few prototype circuit-breakers of each type
to prove the capabilities and to confirm the rated characteristics of the
circuit-breaker of that design. Type tests are not conducted on every
circuit-breaker. Type tests are conducted in specially built testing
laboratories. Type tests are performed as per recommendations of
standards (IEC) or (IS).
(c) Routine Tests
Routine tests are also performed as per the recommendations of the
standards (IEC/IS). Routine tests are conducted on each circuit-breaker.
These are performed in the manufacture's premises. Routine tests
confirm the proper functioning of the circuit-breaker.
(b) Reliability Tests
Type tests and Routine tests are conducted on new-circuits breakers
under laboratory conditions. The performance of circuit breakers
installed at site is affected by additional stresses such as variation in
ambient temperature variations, dust humidity repeated operations,
maintenance schedules etc.
Reliability tests are conducted to verify the reliability of the circuit-
breakers under various stress occurring in actual applications.
Reliability tests can be conducted in specially built laboratories and
also at site.
Commissioning Tests
These are conducted on the circuit-breaker after installation at site to verify
the operational readiness and proper functioning.
The tests on low-voltage a.c. circuit-breakers are described in Sec. 157.
Type Test -
(i) No load mechanical operation test - No load operation to verify speed of
travel, opening time, closing time. Carried out at 85% and 110% rated
voltage of shunt trip release.
(ii) Mechanical performance tests (Endurance tests) - 1000 close-open
operations.
(iii) Temperature rise test - Steady temperature of conducting parts and
insulating parts measured for rated continuous alternating current.
(iv) Dielectric test - 1.2/50u.s. lightning impulse withstand - 1 min power
frequency voltage withstand. Dry and Wet. - Five consecutive shots of
positive and then negative polarity. One minute p.f. withstand.
(v) Short time current test. - Rated short-circuit
current passed through closed breaker for 1 sec.
or 3 sec.
(vi) Short-circuit breaking and making Basic Short-
circuit tests. - At 10%, 30%, 60% and 100% rated
short circuit breaking current with specified
operating sequence, and specified TRV.
(vii) Line charging current breaking tests. -
Applicable for circuit breakers rated 72.5 Kv and
above to be used for over head lines.
(viii) Cable charging current breaking tests -
Applicable to circuit breaker intended for long
cable network.
(ix) Single Capacitor Bank Breaking Test -
Applicable or circuit breakers to be used for
capacitor switching.
(x) Small inductive current breaking tests -
Applicable for circuit-breaker with shunt
reactors, transformers, reactors, motors.
(xi) Out-of-phase switching - Applicable to
circuit breakers which may connect two parts
under out-of phase conditions.
(xii) Short-line Fault test - Applicable to circuit-
breakers rated above 52kV and for overhead
lines. These are in addition to basic short-
circuit test duties.
 Type tests are the test of one
circuit breaker or a first few circuit-
breakers of each type made to the
same specifications and having
same essential details and would
pass the identical tests. Type tests
are conducted for the purpose of
proving the rated characteristics of
circuit breakers.
 Type test can be broadly classified
(c) High voltage test (Dielectric tests)
(d) Basic short circuit test duties.
- Making tests.
- Breaking tests.
- Operating sequence tests at 10%, 30%, 60%,
100% of rated breaking current with
specified TRV conditions.
(e) Critical current tests.
(f) Single phase current test
(g) Short time current test.
In addition to these the following tests are
recommended on circuit-breakers to be used in
specific applications.
(h) Short line fault tests
(i) Out-of phase switching tests.
(j) Line-charging current-switching test.
(k) Cable charging current switching test
(l) Capacitive current switching tests.
(m) Small inductive current breaking tests.
(n) Reactor current switching tests.
Mechanical Test (Endurance
Tests)
 The breaker should be in a position to open and close satisfactorily. In
mechanical tests, the circuit breaker is opened and closed several times
(1000). Some operations (50) arc by energizing the relay, remaining are by
closing the trip circuit by other means. Mechanical tests on high voltage
a.c. circuit breakers are conducted without current and voltage in the
main circuit. Out of the 1000 operations, about 100 operations are made
by connecting the main circuit (contacts) in series with trip circuit.

 No adjustment or replacement of parts is permitted during the mechanical

tests. However, lubrication is permitted as per manufacturers instructions.
 After the tests, the contacts, linkages and all the other parts should be in
good condition and should not show any permanent deformation or
distortion. The dimensions should be within original limits. During
repeated operations of the circuit-breaker, the weaker parts in the
assembly may fail. The circuit-breaker is then considered to have failed in
the mechanical test. The tests are then to be repeated after improvement
in the design and manufacture. Successful performance in Mechanical
Endurance Tests prove the adequancy of design and also good quality of
materials and manufacture.

 Though 1000 close-open cycles are specified in the standards, the

manufacturer may conduct 10,000 or more operations to ascertain the
reliability and for getting design data.
Temperature-Rise Tests
 These are type tests to assign the normal current
rating to the circuit-breaker. Similar tests are
conducted on other switchgear equipment such as
isolators, bus-bars.

 Alternating current of rated value and rated

frequency is passed through a closed circuit-
breaker, continuously till a steady temperature is
attained Readings of temperature of various
conducting, insulating and structural parts are
taken at an interval of one or half-an hour. When
the steady temperature is reached, the maximum
temperature rise of each part should be less than
Measurement of D.C.
Resistance
 The D.C. resistance of main circuit of
each pole of a circuit-breaker is of the
order of a few tens of micro-ohms.
The resistance of the pole tested for
temperature rise provides the basis of
comparison for all other poles of the
same type. The resistance is measured
by measuring d.c. voltage drop or by
measuring resistance across terminals
of each pole by means of a micro-ohm-
meter.
Millivolt Drop Tests
 The voltage drop across the breaker pole
is measured for different value of d.c.
currents. The voltage drop gives a
measure of resistance of current carrying
part and contacts.
 The d.c. current should be more than 100
A and less than rated current of circuit
breaker. The resistance of breaker pole
should be measured at ambient air
temperature. The resistance is of the
order of a few tens of micro-ohms.
Dielectric Tests

 These are conducted to confirm the

rated insulation level of the circuit-
breaker. The dielectric tests include
power frequency voltage withstand
tests and impulse voltage withstand
tests.
Routine Tests
Routine tests are conducted on each circuit-breakers before dispatch. a
routine test is defined as a test of every circuit-breaker made to the same
specifications. The routine tests include the following tests :
(a) Mechanical operations tests
(b) Millivolt drop test, measurement of resistance
(c) Power frequency voltage tests at manufacturers premises
(d) Voltage tests on auxiliary circuits, control circuits.
Routine tests reveal the defects in the materials and construction of circuit-
breaker. The result of routine tests confirm the quality of the circuit-breaker.
Mechanical Operation Tests
During routine testing five opening
and five closing operations should be
carried out at (a) minimum supply
voltage and pressure (b) maximum
supply voltage and pressure.
Development Tests

The circuit-breaker development and

manufacture involves a very large
number and variety of test on
individual items, materials, sub-
assemblies, units, poles and complete
assemblies. Extensive testing is
employed to ensure reliable
equipment.
Reliability Tests
 Type tests and routine tests specified in the
standards are conducted on new circuit breakers in
clean and healthy condition. However, the circuit
breakers in clean and healthy condition. However,
the circuit-breaker installed at site is subjected to
various stresses such as
 alternate variation of ambient temperatures
 extremely low temperatures
 extremely high temperatures
 rain moisture
 vibrations due to earthquakes
 dust, chemical fumes, etc.
 frequent switching in some cases
 overloads, over voltages, etc.
Moreover, the circuit-breaker may not be
maintained by skilled personnel at times.
The reliability of circuit breakers is verified
by conducting special reliability tests. For
example the circuit-breaker is subjected to
extremely low temperatures created in
climatic test chambers. After the tests the
sealing rings and other parts are critically
examined.
Commissioning Tests
After the installation, the circuit-breakers and protective gear are subjected
to commissioning tests, are conducted on site to ensure proper assembly and
operational readiness of the equipment. High accuracy is generally not
expected in such tests. The tests facility available on site is also a deciding
factor. The commissioning tests include,
 mechanical operation tests
 measurement of travel, simultaneous touching of contacts.
 measurement of insulation resistance, resistance between terminals of
the pole.
 pre-commissioning checks
 operation open and close
 checking of operation by energizing the manual operating signal
 checking the operation by energizing of relays etc.
Insulation Resistance measurement
at Site
 Insulation resistance is measured by means of Megohm-
meter (Megger). The megger comprises a mogohm meter
with build-in d.c. gererator. The minimum reading is zero
and maximum is infinity. The scale is in megohms. The
two terminals of megger are connected across the
insulation, i.e., one to the conductor and other to
earthed body. The handle is rotated by hand or motor.
The insulation resistance indicated by the pointer in
megohms.
 For H.V. switchgear,1000 V or 5000 V (d.c.) megger is
preferred. The insulation resistance of H.V. circuit-
breaker is very high (above 1000 megohms). (Refer
Appendix E4).
 Insulation resistance of control circuit, trip circuit, relay
circuit secondary circuit, etc. is measured by means of
High Voltage Power
Frequency with stand Test
(Routine Test)
Power frequency voltage withstand
tests are routine tests High voltages
tests (as per the recommendation of
standards) are conducted on each
circuit-breaker. By such tests, the
defective insulation or small
clearance if any are brought to
notice.
Routine Tests on Circuit-
breakers
Routine Tests include the following
1. Mechanical operation tests
2. Measurement of resistance of main
circuit-of each pole.
3. Power frequency voltage withstand
test on main circuit of each pole and
the combination of poles and breaker-
frame.
4. Voltage withstand test on auxiliary
circuits.
5. Measurement of Insulation
Resistance of main circuits
6. Measurement of Insulation
resistance of auxiliary circuits.
7. Tests and checks after mechanical
operation tests.
Routine tests are conducted on each
circuit-breakers before dispatch. A
routine test is defined as a test of
every circuit-breaker made to the
Routine tests reveal the defects in the materials and
construction of circuit-breaker. The results of routine
tests confirm the quality of the circuit-breaker.
Measurements during mechanical Operation Tests.
For each required operating sequence the following
measurements are :
 measurement of operating times :
 measurement of fluid consumption (if applicable)
If possible the time travel diagram should be
recorded.
Mechanically stressed auxiliary equipment should
function correctly during and after the tests.
Impulse Voltage Tests and
Standard Impulse Waves
This test is necessary for all indoor and
outdoor breakers. The test is carried our as
follows : Standard impulse wave of specified
amplitude is applied five times in
succession. If flash-over or puncture of
insulators does not occur, the circuit-
breaker is considered to have passed the
test. If puncture occurs or if on two or more
applied test wave flash-over occurs, the
circut-breaker is considered to have failed
the test. During the test some waves should
be applied with reversal of polarity.
The impulse voltage wave is generated in an
Impulse Voltage Generator. During the test
one terminal of the impulse generator is
connected to the terminal of the circuit
breaker pole. The other terminal is
connected to the earth and the frame of the
circuit breaker.

Standard lightning Impulse is a full impulse

having a front time 1.2m-sec and time to
half value of 50m-sec. It is described as
1.2/50 impulse.
Standard lightning Impulse
 Standard switching impulse wave is
characterized by prolonged wave-front and
wave tail. The typical switching impulse wave
has front fen of the order of 250ms and half
time of 2500 ms. The permissible deviation in
the crest vale is of the order of 4 to 12%. The
switching impulse wave has been specified for
high voltage circuit-breaker rated 420kV and
above.
 UNIT-14

MCB and MCCB

ELCB/ RCCB
MCB

 Full form or MCB is miniature circuit

breaker. It is being used in lowest system
distribution voltage with latest
technology in the field of circuit
breaking.
Salient feature

(i) Total flexibility and

interchangeability for access.
mounting position is optional can
be mounted on frame including
rail.
(ii) Faster interruption on faut
circuit.
(iii) Safe, tripfree mechanism.
(iv) Optimum protection of cables
Salient feature

(v) No backup protection needed up to

rated breaking capacity.
(vi) Higher reliability of operating
mechanism since the operating
mechanism is mounted like clock
mechanism instead of direct
mounting on housing.
(vii) Maintenance free
(viii) No single phasing on multiple units.
Construction
 Currentlimiting miniature circuit breakers are
with undelayed magnetic and delayed thermal
trip. Both the trips are pre calibrated and
cannot be adjusted on site.
 Entire operating mechanism as a whole is
accommodated in a flame retardant fiber glass
polyester resin moulded housing like a clock
mechanism and hence more reliable.
 Thefixed contact is of silver graphite for better
mechanical and electrical properties under fault
conditions.
Applications
MCBs are ideal for following application. In mains
systems, in administrative building, high rise dwelling,
hospitals, public buildings and industrial premises.
MCCB
 Moulded case circuit breakers are designed for
circuit protection of low voltage distribution
system.
 They are suitable for application as main
breakers, Protection of branch and feeder circuit
and connected apparatus.
 These breakers provide over load and short
circuit protection for all circuit elements such as
cables, motors and starters. They are designed
for use in switch boards, control centers, panel
boards.
 They suit the requirement of lighting,
Application
MCCB's are used for following.
 Transformer protection- used on LT side of
transformer. The rating should be equal to full
load current of transformer.
 Feeder protection- MCCB's are ideally suited for
outgoing feeder circuit on distributions boards,
due to very fast tripping action on occurrence of
short circuit.
 Motor control- The MCCB rating should be
properly selected to avoid its tripping due to the
starting current of motor. It should be around 1.5
to 2 times the motor full load current.
Application

When starting of the motor is not

frequent, MCCB alone can be used as a
starter. For closure D/L protection an
external over load relay should be used.
For frequent starting an external
contactor should be used along with
MCCB.
 MCCB's are also available for DC
circuit with system voltage upto 250V
and time constant (L/R) 10ms. there
MCCBs are available with 2 poles only.
Advantages

(i) Compact- smaller size and lighter weight

leads to elegant switches board.

(ii) Reliable and safe- Highly dependable.

Provide reliable and effective protection.
Total safety of operating personnel is ensured.

(iii) Ease of installation- Can be mounted in single

unit/multiunit as well as single tier/multier
panels.
Advantages

(iv) Maintenance free- No

maintenance needed throughout.
Render trouble free services.

(v) Midest Range- Available is

breaking capacities ranges from 5
kA to 85 kA and current rating
upto 1200A.
Tripping Systems

Full Magnetic Tripping System-

 This system makes use of the electromagnetic

effect of current to provide overload as well as
short circuit protection.

 The tripping system consists of a cylinder

assembly, current-carrying coil and an armature
supported on a yoke, A resetting spring and a
moving core immersed in silicone fluid are
contained inside the sealed cylinder.
Tripping Systems

 The magnetic circuit is completed

through the armature, cylinder, yoke and
on air gap. The coil surrounding and on air
gap. The coil, surrounding the cylinder
carrying the circuit current, provides the
required magneto motive force.

 The over current flowing through the coil

initiates the movement of the moving
core reducing the reluctane of the
magnetic circuit.
Tripping Systems
 The armature is attracted when moving core
reaches the top of cylinder thereby detatching the
mechanism.

 During overload, the movement of moving core

however depends on the extent of overload and is
opposed by the viscosity of the silicone fluid.

 The combined effect of these phenomena

produces the required inverse time
characteristics. during flow of short circuit
current, the magneto motive force is so high that
the armature is attracted without the movement
of the moving core and trips the MCCB
Thermal Magnetic Tripping System
 This tripping system makes use of the heating
effect and electromagnetic effect of current to
provide protection against overload and short-
circuit conditions respectively.

 The heater-bimetal set in each phase of the MCCB

actuates the tripping system following on inverse
time-current.

 Characteristics depending upon the severity of

the overload - During short circuits, the fixed core
attracts the moving core tripping the system
instantaneously.
Current Limiting Type Breaker

 This type of MCCB consists of an additional pair

of contacts in series with the main pair of
contacts.

 The construction of additional pair of contacts is

such that they carry current in opposite
direction, there by producing a repulsive force
between them.

 The contact separation by this replusive force

results in added arc resistance, which greatly
limits the prospective short circuit current.
Current Limiting Type Breaker

 Further the tripping system

operates to delatch the mechanism
and trip the MCCB within 4 to 8
miliseconds.

 The use of such a principle reduces

not only the cut-off current, but
also releases thermal and dynamic
stress to a large extent.
Construction

MCCB comprises a switching mechanism, control

system, arc extinguishing devises and a tripping unit
contained in a compact moulded case and cover.

1. Case & Cover- The insulating case and cover are

mode of high strength, heat-resistant and flame-
retardant thermosetting insulating material.

2. Switching Mechanism- The switching mechanism is

quick make/quick-break type utilizing a trip-free
toggle mechanism
Construction

3. ARC Extinguishing Device - A series

of grid plates is mounted in parallel
between supports of insulating
material.

The profile of deion steel plates

extends directly over the contacts
and draws the arc from the moving
contact up into the divider chamber.
The arc is thus confined, divided and
extinguished.
Construction
4 Tripping System- The tripping system of
Moulded Case Circuit Breakers is of two types

(a) Thermal magnetic type & (b) Full magnetic

type. The tripping element provided on each
pole of the MCCB, operates on common trip
bar, thereby preventing single phasing in the
event of fault occurring on any of the phases.

5. Positive Indication- The handle position gives

positive indication of whether the breaker is
ON(top), OFF (down), or tripped (midway).
 Double Pole MCB

Three Pole Three

MCB phase +
neutral
Single Pole
MCB
When no fault If = 0
I1 = I2
No flux in CT

When fault If ≠ 0
I1 > I 2
I1 these is not flux in CT
When no fault If = 0
I1 = I 2
Q1 = Q2
Q1-Q2 =0

When fault If ≠ 0
I1 > I2
Q1> Q2
Q1-Q2 =0