Post Arc Current of Vacuum Interrupters

Detailed measurements of post arc current in a vacuum were made and the results were compared with theory. This comparative study was particularly characterized by conducting post arc current measurements following high arc current (36 kA rms maximum). Three kinds of electrode materials and two types of electrodes were used to elucidate effects of the electrode materials and the types on post arc current. Shield current was also measured to clarify the characteristics of the ion current. The characteristics of post arc current are explained by referring to those results.