Installation and equipment for the research of the electrical switching arc in advanced vacuum

The paper presents some results obtained by the authors in the manufacture and use of equipment and adjacent measuring and diagnosis devices developed for the research of electrical switching arcs in vacuum. Tests were made for the current range 0.5-30 kA RMS and voltages between 200-1400 V. The evolution of currents and electrical switching voltages related to mechanical and vacuum breaking process parameters was recorded. Diagnosis measurements relatively to the diffuse or constricted state of the breaking electrical arc column were also performed. Research concerning the influence of the additional magnetic field upon the electrical switching arc in a vacuum have also been initiated.