ISO 9001: 2000
Circuit
Breakers
Switch
Disconnectors
Disconnectors
Earthing
Switches
Operating
Devices
Accessories
3AH5
Vacuum circuit - breaker
Catalogue No 04.01.02.EN
Vacuum circuit-breaker 3AH5
1. SPECIAL FEATURES
Today's circuit-breakers must satisfy all kinds of
requirements encountered in the switching of ohmic,
inductive or capacitive currents. They have to remain
reliable when idle, just as they have to handle a high
number of operating cycles. The low short-circuit
ratings in distribution networks and the high breaking
currents in industrial applications illustrate the
extremes that prevail.
The new 3AH5 vacuum circuit-breaker is a true allrounder. Its compact dimensions allow it to fit into any
switchgear assembly. The expanded range of its
technical data make it ideal for use throughout the
medium-voltage spectrum.
Vacuum technology enhances efficiency
Vacuum is the most efficient quenching medium for
medium-voltage switchgear. We have optimized the
switching-in-vacuum principle to the extent that it is
superior to other quenching technologies in every
respect. For example, the dielectric and contact
resistance remain constant, and a high level of
summated current is attained.
Notable features of our all-round 3AH5 vacuum-circuit
breaker include:
- High reliability
- Proven technology
- Maintenance-free
- Lifetime up to 10,000 operating cycles
- Compact dimensions
- Uncomplicated control panel
Further characteristics compromise:
- Uniform post-insulator design
- Rated voltage from 12 to 36 kV
- Rated short-circuit breaking currents from
13,1 to 31,5 kA
- Rated normal currents from 800 to 2 500 A
- Pole center distances from 160 to 350 mm
2. CONSTRUCTION AND MODE OF OPERATION
Pole assemblies, mechanisms
The pole assemblies consist of:
- vacuum interrupters
- 2 interrupter supports
1
2
3
The vacuum interrupters are freely
accessible, therefore enabling the
insulating parts to be easily
cleaned in the case of difficult
ambient conditions (fouling).
4
The operating motion results from
the operating rod [15], lever [14]
and contact-pressure spring [9] to
the bracket [10] attached to the
drive bolt [5].
Page 2/12
12
5
6
The pole assemblies are mounted
on the housing of the operating
mechanism by means of post
insulators.
Vacuum interrupter [4] is mounted
rigidly to the upper interrupter
support [1]. The lower part of the
interrupter is inserted in the lower
interrupter support [7]. The struts
[3] and [12] absorb the external
forces arising from switching
operations and contact pressure.
11
13
7
8
9
14
10
Vacuum circuit-breaker 3AH5
24 kV, 25 kA , 1250 A
15
Section through the pole assembly
Legend
1 - upper interrupter support, 2 - upper teminal, 3 - outer strunt,
4 - vacuum interrupter, 5 - drive bolt of the vacuum interrupter,
6 - flexible connector, 7 - lower interrupter support, 8 - lower terminal,
9 - opening and contact-pressure spring, 10 - bracket, 11 - upper post insulator,
12 - inner strut, 13 - lower post insulator, 14 - lever, 15 - operating rod
ZWAE Sp. z o.o.
Vacuum circuit-breaker 3AH5
Arc-quenching system
As the contacts are galvanically separated, the
current that is to be interrupted initiates a metal-vapour
arc discharge. Current continues flowing through the
metal-vapour plasma until the next current zero. The arc
extinguishes at approximately current zero. The metalvapour loses its conductivity within a few microseconds,
which very quickly re-establishes the dielectric strength
of the contact gap.
In order to prevent impermissible overvoltages
when performing switching operations in inductive
circuits, the lowest possible value. Due to the use of a
special contact material, the chopping current in the
3AH5 vacuum circuit-breaker is only 2 to 3 A.
Due to the rapid recovery of the dielectric
strength of the contact gap, the arc is safetly quenched
even in cases where contact separation occurs
immediately before a current zero. Consequently, the
arcing time of the last poles to clear is no more than
15 ms.
With AC circuit-breakers the actual task of the
arc-quenching system is to deionize the contact gap
immediately after current zero.
In the case of all the conventional methods of
arc-quenching this means that the arc is being cooled
even before the minimum quenching gap and the
subsequent current zero are recharged. As a result, the
arc power is unintentionally increased to a considerable
degree.
With the vacuum circuit-breaker, on the other
hand, the arc is not cooled. The metal-vapour plasma
has a high conductivity which results in a extremely low
arc voltage with values from only 20 to 200 V.
Operating mechanisms
The whole operating mechanism is contained in a single
housing, including the releases, auxiliary switches,
indicators and actuating devices.
Stored-energy operating mechanism
The operating drive is usually a stored-energy
mechanism. The mechanism operates the pole
assemblies through rods. The closing spring can be
charged either electrically or manually. It latches in when
charging is complete. The closing spring acts as the
stored-energy mechanism.
To close the breaker, the closing spring can be unlatched
either mechanically by means of the local "CLOSE"
pushbutton or electrically by remote control. The closing
spring charges the contact-pressure spring as the
breaker closes.
Vacuum interrupter (example)
Drive and
terminal bolt
Guide
Metal
bellows
Arcing
chamber
Moving
contact piece
Fixed
contact piece
Insulator
Connecting
disc
For this reason, and due to the short arcing
times, the amount of energy conversion in the contact
gap is very low. This relatively low stress level means that
the quenching system is maintenance-free.
Due to very low pressures of less than 10-9 bar in
the interrupter under steady-state conditions, contact
gaps of only 6 to 20 mm are required to achieve a high
dielectric strength.
The breaker is now capable of performing the
OPEN-CLOSE-OPEN switching sequence that is
required for an unsuccessful auto-reclosing operation.
All stored-energy mechanisms perform the switching
duties of synchronizing and rapid load transfer (U) as
well as auto-reclosing.
Snap-action operating mechanism
During closing operation, the contact-pressure springs
are charged at the same time, therefore a storedenergy mechanism is available for opening.
Opening can be initiated on all vacuum circuit-breakers
by various releases or locally by the OPEN pushbutton.
If there is a failure of power to the motor, the spring can
always be recharged manually.
The now discharged closing spring will be charged again
automatically by the mechanism motor.
ZWAE Sp. z o.o.
Page 3/12
Vacuum circuit-breaker 3AH5
Trip-free mechanism
The 3AH5 vacuum circuit-breakers are equipped with a
trip-free mechanism according to IEC 60056 and VDE
0670. In the event of an opening command being given
after a closing operation has been initiated, the moving
contacts return to the open position and remain there
even if the closing command is sustained. This means
that the contacts of vacuum circuit-breakers are
momentarily in the closed position under these
circumstances, which is permitted according to IEC
60056 and VDE 0670.
Motors of operating mechanism
The motors operate in short-time duty and therefore the
voltage and power consumption do not have to be in
conformance with the data of the rating plate.
Protection of the motors
The inrush current in the motor can be neglected since
it is of very brief duration.
3. SECONDARY EQUIPMENT
The scope of the 3AH5 vacuum circuit-breaker
secondary equipment depends on the particular
application and offers a variety of possible variations
which satisfy nearly every requirement.
Releases
A release is a device which transfers commands from
an external source, such as a control room, to the
latching mechanism of the circuit-breaker so that it can
be opened or closed.
The releases are designed for short-time duty up to 1
minute. In the case of 3AH5 vacuum circuit-breakers
the pulse time has to be limited externally.
3AY1510 closing solenoid
The closing solenoid unlatches the charged closing
spring of the vacuum circuit-breaker, closing it by
electrical means. Available for DC or AC operation.
Shunt releases
Shunt releases are used for automatic tripping of
circuit-breakers by suitable protective relays and for
deliberate tripping by electrical means. They are
intended for connection to an external power supply
(AC or DC) but, in special cases, may also be
connected to a voltage transformer for manual
operation.
Two different types of shunt releases are available:
- The 1st shunt release 3AY15 10 is normally included
in the basic equipment of the vacuum circuit-breaker.
With this design, the electric tripping pulse is fed to
the "OPEN" lathing mechanism by means of directacting solenoid armature in order to open the circuitbreaker.
- The 3AX1101 shunt release is fitted if 2nd shunt
release is required. With this design, the electrical
opening command is boosted by means of a
solenoid armature unlatching a stored-energy
mechanism before being fed to the "OPEN" lathing
mechanism in order to open the breaker. Shorter
opening times are possible with this release than
with the 3AY15 10 type.
Page 4/12
3AX1103 undervoltage release
An undervoltage release comprises a stored-energy
mechanism, an unlatching mechanism and an
electromagnetic system which is permanently energized
while the circuit breaker is closed. If the voltage falls
below a predetermined value, unlatching of the release
is enabled and the circuit-breaker is opened via the
stored-mechanism.
Manual tripping of the undervoltage release is generally
performed with an NC contact in the tripping circuit but
may also be performed with an NO contact by shortcircuiting the solenoid coil. With this type of release, the
short-circuit current is limited bu the built-in resistors.
Undervoltage releases can also be connected to
voltage transformers. If the operating voltage drops to
an impermissibly low level, the vacuum circuit-breaker
will be tripped automatically.
Unsuccessful attempts at closing when the solenoid coil
of the undervoltage release is not energized can be
prevented in the following ways:
- by normally fitting electrical local closing in
conjunction with the undervoltage release and
additionally
- by connecting the undervoltage release, operated
through an NO contact and closing solenoid, to the
same operating voltage.
Undervoltage release with delay
For delayed tripping, the undervoltage release can be
combined with stored-energy mechanisms:
- Type AN 1901 (for AC),
settable delay times: 1 s - 1,8 s - 2,5 s
- Type AN 1902 (for DC),
settable delay times: 0,5 s - 0,9 s - 1,5 s.
These stored-energy mechanisms can either be order
together with the vacuum circuit-breaker, or can be
purchased separately.
Current transformer-operated release
comprises:
- a stored-energy mechanism
- an unlatching mechanism
- an electromagnetic system
ZWAE Sp. z o.o.
Vacuum circuit-breaker 3AH5
It is used when there is no external source of auxiliary
power (e.g. a battery). Tripping is effected by means of
a protective relay (e.g. overcurrent-time protection)
acting on the current transformer-operated release.
The following current transformer-operated releases are
used:
- 3AX11 02 current transformer-operated release with
a rated current of 0.5 A or 1 A which requires
auxiliary transformers (e.g. type 4AM5) in addition to
the main current transformers. The stored-energy
mechanism is unlatched when the tripping current is
exceeded (90% of the rated current of the current
transformer-operated release), thus causing the
vacuum circuit-breaker to be opened.
- 3AX11 04 current transformer-operated release, lowenergy version for a tripping pulse of min. 0.1 Ws.
The transformer current ensures that the protective
system is supplied with energy, and fills an energy
store, the charge of which is available as a tripping
pulse>=0.1 Ws at the time tripping. This pulse is
switched by the command contact and is capable of
activating the current transformer-operated release.
The 3AX11 04 current transformer-operated release
iss always used in conjunction with a protective relay
that takes its supply and release energy for the
vacuum circuit-breaker from its own current
transformer and is thus not dependent on external
auxiliary voltages:
- 7SJ41 protective system
- protective relay type WIP1
- similar protective systems.
Anti-pumping (mechanical and electrical)
If constant "CLOSE" and "OPEN" commands are
present at the vacuum circuit-breaker at the same time,
the vacuum circuit-breaker will return to the open
position after closing. It remains in this position until a
new "CLOSE" command is given. In this manner,
continual closing and opening (= "pumping") is
prevented.
Breaker tripping signal
The NO contact S6 makes brief contact while the
circuit-breaker is opening and this is often used to the
operate a hazard-warning system which, however, is
only allowed to respond to automatic tripping of the
circuit-breaker. Therefore, the signal from the NO
contact must be interrupted when the circuit-breaker is
being opened intentionally.
This is accomplished under local control with the cutout switch S7 that is connected in series with the NO
contact (see circuit on page 9).
Position switch for signalling
“Closing spring charged”
The charging status of the closing spring in the vacuum
circuit-breaker can be interrogated electrically by
means of the position switch.
ZWAE Sp. z o.o.
Varistor module
When inductive loads are being disconnected in DC
circuits it is possible for switching overvoltages to be
produced which might pose a risk to solid-state devices.
This risk can be eliminated by connecting varistors
across the inductances of the vacuum circuit-breaker
(motor, closing solenoid, releases).
A suitable varistor module for operating voltages >=60 V
to 250 V DC is fitted when ordering; it limits overvoltages
to approximately 500 V.
Interlocking
Mechanical interlocking
Sensing devices on the system side check the status of
the vacuum circuit-breaker and prevent it from closing if
the associated disconnector is not in a position to allow
safe operation.
The system also prevents the disconnector from being
operated while the vacuum circuit-breaker is closed.
Similarly, the mechanical interlocking system can also
be used for interlocking breaker trucks or withdrawable
circuit-breaker units.
Electrical interlocking
Vacuum circuit-breakers can be incorporated in
electromagnetic interlocking schemes for feeders and
substations. With electrical interlocking, a magnetic
lockout mechanism is fitted to the disconnector or its
operating mechanism. The lockout is operated through
an auxiliary contact of the vacuum circuit-breaker so that
the disconnector can only be operated when the vacuum
circuit breaker is open.
The vacuum circuit-breaker is, on the other hand,
controlled by the disconnector or its operating
mechanism so that it may only be closed when the
disconnector is at its end positions.
Secondary connections
(for control circuit)
Versions:
- terminal strip
- 24 - pole plug connector with crimping connections
- 64 - pole plug connector
Other terminal assignment on request.
Auxiliary switch
The following versions are available:
- 6NO + 6NC
- 12NO + 12NC
Rated insulation
voltage
250 V AC/DC
Insulation
Class C to VDE 0110
Continuous current
10 A
Making current
50 A
Breaking capacity
at 220 V DC,
T = 20 ms
2A
Page 5/12
Vacuum circuit-breaker 3AH5
4. EQUIPMENT OF CIRCUIT-BREAKER
Basic eqipment
- 1st shunt release
- Auxiliary switch contacts
2NO + 2NC not wired
Capabilities of release combinations
Notices
Additional equpment
- Manual snap-action
operating mechanism
- Manual stored-energy
mechanism
By manual operating
mechanism always with hand
Basic
Additional releases
equipment (additional price)
- Motor stored-energy
mechanism
With closing electromagnet
and pumping prevention
1st
release
2nd
release
3AY15 10
3AX11 01
- Closing solenoid
3AY15 10
- 2nd shunt release
- current transformer-operated
release 0,5 A (rated current)
or > 0,1 Ws (tripping pulse)
- Undervoltage release
- Auxiliary switch contacts
6NO + 6NC not wired
- 24-pole terminal strip 2)
- 24-pole plug connector 2)
- Breaker tripping signal
Signal “Tense spring”
included
Max. 2 shunt releases
available. Available
combinations and order
numbers look table near
1
1
1
Current transformeroperated release
0,5 A
0,1 Ws
3AX11 02
3AX11 04
Undervoltage
release
3AX11 03
1
1
1
1
1
Available for use
1
1
Only with auxiliary switch
contacts 6NO + 6NC
-
- Operating cycle counter
- mechanical blockade 3)
-
- Varistor module
(DC > 60 V)
In secondary circuit
- Halogen-free and flameretardant wiring cables
-
- Condensation protection
(heating for 230 V AC)
- Hand crank
-
1
1
-
For manual charging of the
closing spring (also by motor
drive)
1) Motor stored-energy mechanism need
2) The wiring of electrical equipment such as motor or shunt trip is
made on the terminal strip or on the bottom part of the plug.
Terminals of the auxiliary switch are not wired.
3) With manual stroke drive there is only possibilities of mechanical
affirmation of state of site of circuit breaker.
5. RELEASES
Release
Order
number
of release
Power consumption
Operating ranges
Operation
DC
AC 50/60Hz
approx.
approx.
W
VA
Tripping
voltage
by DC
Tripping
voltage/current
( AC 50/60 Hz)
Closing solenoid
3AY15 10
100
100
85 to 110 % U
85 to 110 % U
1st shunt release
(without stored-energy mechanism)
3AY15 10
100
100
70 to 110 % U
85 to 110 % U
2nd shunt release
(with stored-energy mechanism)
3AX11 01
70
50
70 to 110 % U
85 to 110 % U
Undervoltage
release
3AX11 03
20
20
35 to 0 % U
35 to 0 % U
Current transformeroperated release
(rated current 0,5 A)
3AX11 02
-
10
-
90 to 110 % I a
Current transformeroperated release
(tripping pulse > 0,1 Ws)
3AX11 04
-
-
-
-
6. PARAMETERS OF AVAILABLE MOTOR DRIVES
Rated voltage
of operating
mechanism
max.
V
min.
V
W
VA
Smallest possible
rated current
of the m. c. b.
(G-characteristic)
A
26
53
66
20
41
51
350
350
350
-
8
6
4
110
220
121
242
93
187
350
350
-
2
1,6
AC 110
230
121
244
93
187
-
400
400
2
1,6
V
DC
24
48
60
Page 6/12
Operating
voltage
Power
consumption
of the motor
ZWAE Sp. z o.o.
Vacuum circuit-breaker 3AH5
7. CONTROL, DISPLAY AND OPERATING ELEMENTS (EXAMPLE)
1
1 Rating plate
2 Hand crank couplingj
2
3
6
3 "Closing spring charged"
indicator
7
4 Operating cycle counter
5 "CLOSED/OPEN" indicator
4
6 "CLOSE" pushbutton
5
7 "OPEN" pushbutton
11
8 Motor and gearbox
8
9
12
13
9 Closing spring
10 Closing solenoid
11 LV terminal strip (plug connector)
12 Auxiliary switch S1
10
ZWAE Sp. z o.o.
13 1st shunt release
Page 7/12
Vacuum circuit-breaker 3AH5
3AH5 123-1
20 kA / 800 A
Major innovations on the 3AH5:
- Reduced dimensions
- Higher normal currents
- Higher short-circuit currents
8. TECHNICAL DATA AND TYPE DESIGNATIONS
Ur
kV
Isc
kA
Ima
kA
PCD*
mm
Type designation
12
Up = 75 kV
Ud = 28 kV
13,1
32,8
160
210
3AH5 1213AH5 131-
1
1
16
40
160
210
3AH5 1223AH5 132-
1
1
2
2
20
50
160
210
3AH5 1233AH5 133-
1
1
2
2
25
63
160
210
3AH5 1243AH5 134-
1
1
2
2
31,5
80
210
3AH5 135-
25
63
160
210
3AH5 2043AH5 214-
17,5
Up = 95 kV
Ud = 38 kV
24
Up = 125 kV
Ud = 50 kV
36
Up = 170 kV
Ud = 70 kV
I r (Order no. suffix)
800 A
1250 A
1
1
2000 A
2500 A
2
6
2
2
6
2
6
31,5
80
210
3AH5 215-
16
40
210
275
3AH5 2723AH5 282-
20
50
210
275
3AH5 2733AH5 283-
2
2
6
6
25
63
210
275
3AH5 2743AH5 284-
2
2
6
6
16
40
350
3AH5 312-
2
25
63
350
3AH5 314-
2
1
1
2
2
4
* Pole center distance
Ir Rated normal current
Isc Rated short-circuit breaking current
Ima Rated short-circuit making current
Page 8/12
Ur Rated voltage
Ud Rated short-tme power-frequency withstand voltage
Up Rated lightning impulse withstand voltage
ZWAE Sp. z o.o.
3
4
Motor-operated mechanism
2
1st shunt release
ZWAE Sp. z o.o.
Manual
closing
Manual
tripping
6
2nd shunt release
8
12
11
Breaker tripping
signal
7
14
13
“Closing spring
charged” signal
5
15
22
21
Auxiliary switch
Designation:
K1 - Contactor (anti-pumping system)
M1 - Electrical motor
S1 - Auxiliary switch
S21, S22 - Positional connector (severance of motor drive after spring tension)
S3 - Positional connector (opened after enclosing spring tension)
S4 - Positional connector (state of spring tension)
S6 - Signalling apparatus of automatic setting
S7 - Connector for signalling apparatus of state of connection putting away
V1, V2 - Varistor components
X0 - terminal strip
Y1 - First shunt release
Y2 - Second shunt release
Y9 - Enclosing elektromagnet
A - Main contacts of circuit-braker
Switching on
and anti-pumping
1
52
51
24
23
54
53
26
25
56
55
28
27
58
57
30
29
Vacuum circuit-breaker 3AH5
9. BASIC VERSION OF ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM OF 3AH5
Page 9/12
Vacuum circuit-breaker 3AH5
10. RETROFIT: TROLLEY WITH THE 3AH5 CIRCUIT-BREAKER INSTEAD OF SCI-4 CIRCUIT-BREAKER - EXAMPLE
Terminal strip
Trolley versions for voltages 17,5 i 24 kV
by PCD* 210 i 275 mm.
a
b
210
598
275
714
* Pole center distance
Page 10/12
ZWAE Sp. z o.o.
Vacuum circuit-breaker 3AH5
11. DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
12 kV
Isc
kA
Ir
A
PCD* 160 mm
a
b
c
mm mm
mm
Weight
kg
PCD* 210 mm
a
b
c
mm mm mm
Weight
kg
13,1 to 16
20 to 25
31,5
31,5
do 1250
do 1250
1250
2500
160
160
-
35 to 45
40 to 45
-
210
210
210
210
40 to 50
45 to 50
50
70
390
405
-
490
490
-
490
505
505
539
592
592
592
592
Figure in parentheses for 2500 A
17,5 kV
I
kA
sc
I
A
PCD* 160 mm
a
b
c
mm mm
mm
25
31,5
25 to 31,5
to 1250
to 1250
2500
160
-
Isc
kA
Ir
A
PCD* 210 mm
a
b
c
mm mm
mm
16 to 25
20 to 25
to 1250
2500
210 516
210 539
r
422
-
490
-
Weight
kg
40 do 45
-
PCD* 210 mm
a
b
c
mm mm mm
Weight
kg
210
210
210
45 do 50
45 to 50
65
522
522
539
592
592
592
Figure in parentheses for 2500 A
Partition for pole center distance 160 mm
24 kV
592
592
Weight
kg
PCD* 275 mm
a
b
c
mm mm mm
55 to 70 275
70 to 85 275
646
669
708
708
Weight
kg
55 to 70
70 to 85
Figure in parentheses for 2500 A
Partition for pole center distance 210 mm
36 kV
Isc
kA
Ir
A
PCD* 350 mm
a
b
c
mm mm
mm
Weight
kg
16 to 25
25
to 1250
2000
350
350
85 to 95
100 to 110
819
819
868
868
Figure in parentheses
* Pole pitch
ZWAE Sp. z o.o.
Page 11/12
Vacuum circuit breaker-3AH5
Offer interrogation - ordering example
Type of circuit breaker
Stationary
Rated voltage
............ kV
Rated normal current
............ A
Rated short-circuit breaking current
............ kA
Pole center distance
............ mm
Order number 3AH5 _ _ _ - _
(according to technical data table, page 8)
Basic equipment
Motor snap-action operating mechanism
AC
DC
___V
Anti-pumping system
Electrical local closing
3AY15 10
AC
DC
___V
1st shunt release
3AY15 10
AC
DC
___V
2nd shunt release
3AX11 01
AC
DC
___V
Transformer-operated release 0,5 A
3AX11 02
AC
DC
___V
Transformer-operated release (tripping pulse > 0,1 Ws) 3AX11 04
AC
DC
___V
Undervoltage release
AC
DC
___V
Auxiliary switch 6NO + 6NC
Terminal strip
Position switch (self-acting operating) (S6 i S7)
Position switch (signal charging state) (S4)
Operating cycle counter
Varistor module (DC > 60 V)
Additional equipment
3AX11 03
Auxiliary switch 12NO + 12NC
Plug (instead of terminal strip)
Halogen-free and flame-retardant wiring cables
Condensation protection, heating for 230 V AC
Quantity :
Delivery date :
Terms of delivery :
Terms of payment :
........................................
........................................
........................................
........................................
Zakład Wytwórczy Aparatów Elektrycznych Sp. z o.o.
ul. Gdańska 60; 84-300 Lębork
Tel.: +48 59 86-336-15; Fax: +48 59 86-333-86
e-mail: zwae@zwae.com.pl
www.zwae.com.pl
(according to equipment table, page 6)