The Effect of Contact Structure on Vacuum Interrupter Performance

The effect of contact structure on short time withstand current and peak withstand current tests (STC), welding force and earthing switch making on short circuit of vacuum interrupter was researched by type tests at 2000N contact force. The results show that welding force was decreased from 12kN to 1kN by improving contact structure. STC was also passed by improving contact structure at 7000N of contact open shock force. Earthing switch making can reach class E2 (5 times making) by improving contact structure. Limited making times was done for 7 times, the welding force of V3 was lower than 4kN in 7 times.