Vacuum load break switch
Load break switches can protect miners and equipment during emergency situations by quickly and effectively disrupting the electrical circuit. These switches can be closed manually or by an electrical signal, and opened manually or electrically by optional Under voltage and/or shunt trip devices. In emergency situations, miners can rely on these switches to help keep them safe.
Becker SMC vacuum load break switches are used to interrupt the electrical circuit under conditions of maximum voltage and short-circuit currents. These switches may be utilized in circuits where the voltage does not exceed the rated maximum and short-circuit currents do not exceed the breaking capacity.
When the major operating shaft is rotated, contacts within the vacuum bottles are activated, resulting in a rotational force being applied to the bottle operating shaft. The arm of the operating shaft transforms the rotational force of the bottle operating shaft into a vertical force when the closing governor is released. The push rod assembly is closed by this power, ending contact inside the circuit and preventing issues.
When used in circuit breakers, vacuum load break switches provide a number of advantages over conventional air-break switches. These advantages include:
– Higher short-circuit capacity
– Lower contact resistance
– Better dielectric properties
– Longer service life
The rated maximums for Becker SMC vacuum load break switches are as follows:
- Rating: 600 Ampere Continuous
- Interrupting: 2,000 Amp Symmetrical
- Momentary Close and Latch: 20,000 Amperes RMS Asymmetrical
- Operation: Continuous 60 Hertz, 15 kV Nominal System Voltage, 95 kV BIL
Becker SMC vacuum load break switches are available in a variety of configurations to meet the specific needs of your application. These switches are UL Listed and CSA Certified. Contact us to learn more about our products and how we can help you protect your people and equipment.
This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at Becker/SMC. For nearly a half a century, Becker Mining has been at the forefront of safety, producing the best E House in the industry. Becker/SMC is the industry’s leader in increasingly more sophisticated electrical control systems. Most of the major innovations, design features and specialized electrical components have been developed by Becker/SMC.
