PVB-Type Vacuum Circuit Breakers

Medium-voltage circuit breakers are among the most important components affecting the reliability, operational continuity and protection performance of electrical transmission and distribution systems.

Vacuum circuit breakers offer significant advantages in medium-voltage applications, including low maintenance requirements, high mechanical and electrical endurance, repetitive switching capability and operation without environmentally harmful interrupting gases. During current interruption, the electrical arc is extinguished rapidly and effectively inside a sealed vacuum interrupter.

PELKA PVB-type vacuum circuit breakers spring-operated mechanism that drives the interrupters is manufactured in Türkiye and is charged by a low-power motor. The circuit breakers can be configured for local operation, remote opening and closing, and reclosing applications.

Technical Ratings

Depending on the product model and project requirements, PELKA PVB-type vacuum circuit breakers are designed for:

• Rated voltages from 7.2 kV to 24 kV,
• Rated currents from 630 A to 3150 A,
• Short-circuit breaking currents of up to 40 kA,
• Model-specific short-time withstand current ratings.

This wide product range enables PVB-type vacuum circuit breakers to be used in power generation facilities, transmission and distribution substations, industrial plants and medium-voltage switchgear systems.

Reliable Operation and Mechanical Endurance

The spring-operated mechanism used in PVB-type vacuum circuit breakers is designed to provide high mechanical endurance and reliable repetitive switching performance. According to Pelka’s product documentation, the operating mechanism can achieve up to 30,000 operating cycles under the specified operating conditions.

Depending on the model and application conditions, the products are designed for operation at temperatures between –25 °C and +55 °C and under high relative-humidity conditions. Their long maintenance intervals under normal operating conditions contribute to reduced servicing requirements and lower operating costs.

PVB-type vacuum circuit breakers are also equipped with a visual contact-wear indication system, enabling the condition of the interrupter contacts to be checked directly on the circuit breaker. This feature facilitates maintenance planning and condition assessment.

Type Tests and Certificates

Selected PELKA PVB-type vacuum circuit-breaker models and ratings have been subjected to type testing at independent laboratories, including CESI in Italy and KEMA in the Netherlands.

The certificate and test-report list provided includes documentation relating to:

• Short-circuit making and breaking tests
• Short-time and peak withstand current tests
• Measurement of main-circuit resistance
• Three-phase cable-charging current switching tests
• Temperature-rise tests
• Certificates of conformity and performance reports

IEC 62271-100 is the principal international standard covering alternating-current circuit breakers for systems above 1 kV. The current consolidated edition is IEC 62271-100:2021+A1:2024. The scope of each certificate should be assessed according to the product type, rated voltage, rated current and short-circuit rating stated in the relevant document.

Applications

PELKA PVB-type vacuum circuit breakers are suitable for applications including:

• Power transmission and distribution substations
• Metal-clad medium-voltage switchgear
• Transformer switching and protection
• Cable and overhead-line feeders
• Capacitor-bank and compensation systems
• Induction motors
• Medium-voltage distribution systems in industrial facilities

According to Pelka’s current product page, PVB-type vacuum circuit breakers have been in service in various power and industrial applications across 45 countries since 1988.

Type Test Reports