During the past 30 years, vacuum interrupters have gained world-wide acceptance over other technologies for use in circuit breakers, contactors, motor starters, tap changers, distribution reclosers, metal-clad switchgear, and other electrical distribution and protection equipment because of the following seven key advantages:
- Long Life and Maintenance-Free Operation - Controlled contact erosion results in long electrical life. Contacts are enclosed within the vacuum interrupter.
- Excellent Sticking Resistance - Hard contact material minimizes contact sticking in a vacuum and is ideal for high current applications.
- No Atmospheric Contact Contamination - No oxides and corrosion layers can form on the contacts.
- No Noise, No Flash All arcing is confined inside the vacuum interrupter.
- No Environmental Effects - Current interruption occurs in a vacuum; no greenhouse or toxic gases are emitted.
- Very Low Current Chop - The low average cutoff current results in a minimal induced transient voltage spike so that surge suppressors are not required.
Longer Life, Lower Maintenance, and Greater Reliability
Eaton's Cutler-Hammer brand of vacuum interrupters are extensively applied worldwide in AC circuits of 40.5 kV and below for repetitive switching, motor inrush current interruption, and fault protection; and for medium/high voltage overcurrent and short circuit protection. Over 400 standard designs are available in 40 electrical ratings. Additionally, vacuum interrupters can be designed and manufactured to meet specific customer equipment requirements.
The Industry Leader
Beginning with early research in 1929, Eaton has been at the forefront of vacuum interrupter design and manufacturing. Production began in the mid-1960s, and since that time over 1 million vacuum interrupters have been in reliable operation worldwide.
Eaton's consistent research and development program has achieved many significant innovations in vacuum interrupter technology that enhance dependability, reliability, and safety. Manufacturing is equally advanced, incorporating state-of-the-art techniques and equipment in an ISO certified quality environment providing precise manufacturing procedures.
Simple Concept / Complex Design
The concept of vacuum interruption is basic. Two separate contacts and other components are within an evacuated and hermetically sealed ceramic envelope, also known as the "vacuum interrupter." Arcing is established within the vacuum interrupter by withdrawing the movable contact away from the fixed contact.
With that said, the vacuum interrupter design is complex, involving carefully selected contact materials and contact geometry. Copper chrome contacts, pioneered by Eaton Corporation and now an industry standard, are used in circuit breaker and recloser applications due to longer life characteristics.
Save Space and Reduce Costs
Eaton's patented vacuum interrupter products have been engineered and designed to provide the proven benefits of vacuum interruption in a package that is rugged, compact, and lightweight. This means vacuum breakers, contactors, and starters provide higher ratings in smaller physical sizes and ultimately, providing greater capacity in less floor space.
Total Quality and More - Global
All aspects of Eaton vacuum interrupters -from research and development to manufacturing to final testing -are conducted at our state-of-the-art ISO 9001 certified facilities. Decades of vacuum interrupter experience have proven a single location be the most efficient way to maintain total quality and worldwide vacuum interrupter leadership.
Specialists in design and electrical engineering, physics, and computer technologies continually develop new concepts, materials, and processes. Experts in metallurgy, ceramics, and brazing also contribute to ongoing innovations in vacuum interrupter technology.
Complete Testing
- A dielectric withstand test.
- Two vacuum assurance tests.
- Individually bar coded to record history and chronicle operational record.
- Strict documentation enables back tracing of contact materials.
Contact us at:
Eaton Corporation
Electrical Distribution Products Operations
200 Westinghouse Circle
Horseheads, New York 14845
Tel 607-796-3260
Fax 607-796-3364
