VCB, LBS
Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB)
A Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) is an electrical device used to interrupt and isolate faults in medium-voltage power systems. It operates by separating contacts within a sealed vacuum chamber, where the absence of air quickly extinguishes the arc formed during current interruption. The vacuum offers high dielectric strength and rapid recovery after arc extinction, making the VCB highly efficient and reliable. It requires minimal maintenance, has a long service life, and is environmentally friendly compared to gas-insulated breakers. VCBs are commonly used in industrial plants, substations, and commercial power distribution systems ranging from 3.3kV to 36kV.
Load Break Switch (LBS)
A Load Break Switch (LBS) is a mechanical switching device used in medium-voltage electrical systems to switch and isolate electrical loads under normal operating conditions. It is designed to interrupt the current safely when switching off a loaded circuit, but it is not capable of interrupting fault currents like a circuit breaker. LBS typically includes arc-quenching mechanisms such as air, gas, or vacuum to safely extinguish arcs during operation. These switches are widely used in distribution networks, ring main units (RMUs), and substations to enhance system reliability and allow safe maintenance or isolation of equipment without interrupting the entire network.
