MV Vacuum Contactors & Break Time
MV Vacuum Contactors & Break Time
(OP)
I find some of the VCU makes have break times like 400 milliseconds (Siemens 3TL8).
I am used to seeing break times of the order of 50ms for the HV/MV switchgear. Any thoughts!!
Thanks in advance.
I am used to seeing break times of the order of 50ms for the HV/MV switchgear. Any thoughts!!
Thanks in advance.






RE: MV Vacuum Contactors & Break Time
RE: MV Vacuum Contactors & Break Time
Why is it so!
The contactors have less gap between the contacts and so I thought less opening time they should have. Is it because of the necessity to be compact!
Thanks for your response.
RE: MV Vacuum Contactors & Break Time
RE: MV Vacuum Contactors & Break Time
Laplacian answered the question. Breakers have special mechanism and are "made" to interrupt fault currents, contactors are not. Contactors depend on upstream fuse or breaker for short circuit protection.
Get yourself familiarized with breaker and contractor construction.
RE: MV Vacuum Contactors & Break Time
Nice responses Laplacian and rbulsara.
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RE: MV Vacuum Contactors & Break Time
I have come across no. of makes with break time in 30-50 ms in Vacuum contactors. 3TL6 model of Siemens is one example. Others include ABB, TAMCO.
Thanks for your responses.
RE: MV Vacuum Contactors & Break Time
Firstly, we were only responding to what you posted (400ms). It may be possible to have fast vacuum contractor. However you may want to ask clarification from the manufacturer on the significance of "100ms minimum closing command for the solenoid".
Regardless, not sure what is your objective or issue but a contactor is no substitute for a breaker.