Electric current can be fickle, and one way to control it is with vacuum circuit breakers. The vacuum interrupters protect against electrical surges and other anomalies that can damage your equipment and slow production. They are essential for manufacturing enterprises and a key item for electrical supply businesses.

Vacuum circuit interrupters are available for medium-voltage outdoor uses and high-voltage indoor uses. The former are primarily industrial vacuum circuit breakers. In addition to the circuit breakers themselves, the system includes vacuum circuit breaker panels, a cabinet or enclosure and relays.

You'll want to start your quest for the right device by deciding which vacuum circuit breaker specification is most important to your business usage. Consider the following information as you look at vacuum circuit breakers:

1. Outdoor vacuum interrupters are especially designed for medium-voltage current and to withstand the elements. You see them in electrical substations.

2. High-voltage indoor vacuum circuit breaker panels need to fit your workspace and be easy to access.

3. Plans for vacuum circuit breaker maintenance can be crucial to keeping electricity flowing to your business. Keep it in mind when selecting a supplier.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase medium-voltage outdoor vacuum interrupters that are guaranteed in all types of weather

Outdoor vacuum circuit breakers must function even in weather extremes - heavy rain, blizzards and sub-zero cold. Make sure the ones you buy specifically state that they are 'weatherproof.' Check catalogs from leading vacuum interrupter manufacturers such as Siemens and Toshiba for weather ratings and other specifications you find important.

I recommend: Siemens manufacturers and distributes medium-voltage outdoor vacuum circuit breakers that fully assembled. The enclosure and heavy-duty construction make them weather resistant. Toshiba makes two lines of industrial vacuum circuit breakers for outdoor use.

Make sure your high-voltage indoor vacuum circuit breakers have easy access

Because vacuum circuit breaker maintenance is an important consideration for indoor mechanisms, look for ones that are easy to access. Look for the terms 'drawout,' 'rollout' or 'handcart' to indicate the device has an apparatus to allow access.

I recommend: Huayi Electric Apparatus Group makes two high-voltage vacuum circuit breakers. Investigate the differences in specifications at its website. A unique feature of the vacuum fault interrupter from Powergear is that it has front and rear cabling access.

Heading: Find a provider that offers vacuum circuit breaker maintenance services

It is more practical and economical to have a vacuum circuit breaker manufacturer or an electrical service company service your vacuum circuit interrupters. You can find several companies that offer service contracts as well as replacement parts.

I recommend: One of the services provided by Wyle is maintenance for medium-voltage vacuum interrupters. In addition to replacement vacuum interrupters and parts, you can find used vacuum circuit breakers at Circuit Breaker Sales.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If vacuum circuit breaker price is a top consideration, used and refurbished devices are available from several suppliers for reduced prices. Determine whether this is an economical option based on your usage expectations.