What is Vacuum Bottles in Vacuum Circuit Breakers?

How Does it Work?

A vacuum bottle, also known as a vacuum interrupter, is the critical part of a vacuum circuit breaker. It is a sealed-off device filled with high vacuum that houses the contacts of the circuit breaker. The vacuum bottle’s primary function is to facilitate arc extinction during the circuit breaker operation.

When current carrying contacts separate during operation, an arc forms due to ionized metal vapor. However, the high vacuum limits the availability of particles to sustain the arc, causing it to quickly extinguish. This rapid arc quenching allows the VCB to interrupt currents safely and efficiently.

Advantages of Vacuum Circuit Breakers

1. Safety: Vacuum circuit breakers are safer than other types of circuit breakers because they interrupt the arc in a vacuum.
2. Reliability: The vacuum bottle ensures a high degree of reliability for the circuit breaker.
3. Maintenance: Vacuum circuit breakers require less maintenance compared to other types of circuit breakers.
4. Efficiency: The quick arc extinction in vacuum circuit breakers makes them more efficient in their operation.
5. Compact: They are available in compact size, makes it the best choice for indoor circuit breakers.

Vacuum circuit breakers are used in a variety of applications. They are most commonly used in industries and electrical substation where there is a need for safe and reliable operations for protection and switching of transformers, motors, capacitors, and circuit breaker panels.