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What is a medium voltage circuit breaker and how it protects your installation

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What is a medium voltage circuit breaker and how it protects your installation

After all, they are responsible for interrupting the electrical current in cases of overload or short-circuit, preventing damage to equipment and ensuring everyone's safety.

In this content, we will cover the main benefits of medium voltage circuit breakers, as well as the different types available on the market. Let's go?

What are medium voltage circuit breakers?

Medium voltage circuit breakers are those that can interrupt electrical currents of up to a few hundred thousand amperes and voltages of up to 72.5 kV.

Therefore, they are generally used in electrical power distribution networks, industries, and other applications where there is demand at higher levels.

4 benefits of medium voltage circuit breakers

Check out 4 advantages of using medium voltage circuit breakers.

1. More efficient maintenance and repair

With the use of medium voltage circuit breakers, it is possible to easily identify faults in the electrical system and perform the necessary maintenance and repairs more quickly and efficiently.

2. Reduction of fire risk

Medium voltage circuit breakers reduce the risk of fires caused by overloads or short-circuits in the electrical system.

3. Energy savings

The use of medium voltage circuit breakers ensures the energy efficiency of the electrical system, preventing energy losses and providing more savings.

4. Greater system reliability

With the use of medium voltage circuit breakers, the electrical system becomes more reliable, ensuring the continuity of the power supply and minimizing the risks of system failures.

What are the main types of medium voltage circuit breakers?

Discover now what are the most modern technologies of medium voltage circuit breakers.

Gas circuit breakers (SF6)

SF6 circuit breakers are older, as they emerged in the 1950s. Thus, they use sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas as an insulating medium to protect electrical systems against overloads and short-circuits.

This type of circuit breaker is widely used in high voltage and medium voltage systems due to its properties, such as:

In addition, SF6 circuit breakers have a low maintenance cost and a long service life.

Vacuum circuit breakers

Vacuum circuit breakers are more recent models, since they began to be used in the early 1970s.

So, as the name suggests, it uses a vacuum as an insulating medium. This way, there is no decomposition of gases, ensuring greater efficiency and reliability to the device.

Furthermore, the absence of burning and oxidation of the circuit breaker's electrical contacts provides a longer service life to the equipment. Therefore, there is a reduction in costs with maintenance and parts replacement.

We specialize in medium voltage circuit breakers

Trifásica Elétrica is an Advanced Distribution Center that has over 15 years of experience from its technical staff, gathering the entire line of materials for 15 to 36 kV lines.

For this, it sells extremely high-quality products and has a highly qualified team to serve its customers well.

So, if you are in need of medium voltage circuit breakers or other materials for a primary substation, contact us! It will be a pleasure to help you!

Trifásica Elétrica, sustainable energy that connects you with the environment!

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a medium and low voltage circuit breaker?+

The medium voltage one operates at 15 to 36 kV, with arc extinction chambers (vacuum or SF6) and a much higher interruption capacity, requiring specific design and standards.

Vacuum or SF6, which one to choose?+

Vacuum is the most common in the industry due to low maintenance and absence of gases; SF6 is recommended for compact and high-reliability assemblies.

How do I know the required interruption capacity?+

It must be equal to or greater than the prospective short-circuit current at the installation point, calculated in the electrical design.

Need this item?

Trifásica Elétrica distributes medium voltage materials throughout Brazil.

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