The development of a vacuum interrupter retrofit for the upgrading and life extension of 121 kV-145 kV oil circuit breakers

A new, compact, high voltage vacuum interrupter has been developed that can interrupt 40 kA (RMS). This interrupter has been incorporated into a cost-effective, retrofit kit to upgrade 121 kV-145 kV oil circuit breakers from 10 kA and 20 kA to 40 kA. Extensive testing of a breaker retrofitted with this kit shows that it will satisfy the existing ANSI standards. The retrofit kit not only considerably extends the breaker's life, but it also provides a significant reduction of breaker maintenance.<
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