Capacitor switches - Varmaster vacuum switches for substations

	Varmaster switching systems use VBM switches that are completely sealed breaker class devices utilizing vacuum as the interrupting dielectric. VBM switches offer high reliability with little or no maintenance. Interruption is safe, arcless, and quiet. VBM interrupters are manufactured for application at system voltages from 15 to 69kV with continuous current capability from 200 amperes. Vacuum interrupters are connected electrically in series to provide the necessary recovery voltage characteristics for the specific application. Vacuum interrupters may also be connected electrically in parallel for high continuous or momentary current requirements.


Click on photo for graphical representation

Now available with

THREE PHASE
15kV/25kV¹ 400A
15kV/25kV¹ 600A

THREE PHASE
25kV 200A
25kV 300A
25kV 400A

THREE PHASE
38kV 300A

ONE POLE²
38kV 400A
38kV 600A
48.5kV 200A
(with longer insulators)

ONE POLE²
48.5kV 300A
48.5kV 400A

ONE POLE²
72.5kV 300A

¹	Solid grounded system and capacitor banks only
²	Three poles required for a three phase installation


	Maintenance-Free Long Life
	100,000 operations on AC and 15,000 operations on DC with solenoid operating mechanism.
	Completely Sealed Construction
	Environmental protection system consisting of a breather chamber and dessicant prevents moisture and contamination from entering the switch.
	Low Cost Installation
	Lightweight construction requiring no special foundations or supports allow the factory assembled unit to be bolted right into place.
	High Speed Operation
	Stored energy operating mechanisms, that can be operated manually or electrically, move the contacts at a high speed unaffected by control voltage fluctuation or manual operating speed.
	Choice of Operating Mechanisms
	Solenoid or motor operated.

VBM Switch

MAXIMUM VOLTAGE

Capacitor Switching and
Continuous Current^1,2(Amperes)

Fault Interrupting Current (Amperes)

Momentary Current (kA) (RMS Amperes, Asysmetric)

Two-Second Current (kA) (Amperes)

Four-Second Current (kA) (Amperes)

Impulse Withstand, Terminal to Terminal⁵/Line to Ground (1.2 x 50 Positive Wave)

Maximum 60-Cycle Withstand, Line to Ground (kV): One Minute Dry
Ten Seconds Wet

Maximum Peak Making Current (kA)

Maximum Peak Back-to-Back Inrush Current⁶^(kA)

	Varmaster VBM Vacuum Capacitor Switch Specifications

	Ratings Table Reference
¹	VBM Varmasters can switch loads of any power factor up to their continuous current rating. Include effects of voltage, harmonic currents and tolerance size of load in calculating continuous current.
²	VBM Varmasters are available with continuous current ratings through 3000 amperes. Consult factory regarding application of these switches.
³	Grounded systems only
⁴	In capacitor switching applications the 48.5kV, 600 ampere VBM may be used on solidly grounded systems and grounded capacitor banks with total current less than 200 amperes. For all other loads, this VBM rating is 600 amperes.
⁵	Interrupter portion of switch does not provide a visible open gap; therefore, it cannot be used to establish a safety clearance for personnel.
⁶	In back-to-back capacitor bank switching applications, it is recommended that inrush current be limited to the values shown for maximum maintenance-free performance. Current limiting reactors through 60 microhenries/phase are available from Joslyn Hi-Voltage. Refer to Joslyn bulletin T.D. 750-457

Operating Mechanism Options
	Control Voltage	Operating Mechanism	Control Current Per Switch Mechanism	Close Time⁴	Trip Time⁴	Auxilliary Controls
AC	120V	Motor⁵ Solenoid³	5 amps 60 amps^7,8	3 sec 6 cycles	2 cycles 6 cycles	2"a"and 2"b"¹ 4"a"and 4"b"²
DC	48V	Motor³ Solenoid^3,8	3 amps 60 amps⁶	5 sec 6 cycles	2 cycles 6 cycles	2"a"and 2"b"¹ 4"a"and 4"b"²
	125V	Motor⁵ Solenoid³	4 amps 60 amps^7,8	3 sec 6 cycles	2 cycles 6 cycles	2"a"and 2"b"¹ 4"a"and 4"b"²
	250V	Solenoid^3,8	60 amps^7,8	6 cycles	6 cycles	4"a"and 4"b"²

¹	Two A and two B mechanically operated contacts are standard. Six A and six B contacts available as option. Contacts are rated at 10 amps 125 VDC or 115 VAC.
²	Four A and four B contacts from auxilliary relay. Eight A and eight B contacts available as option. Contacts are rated at 15 amps 120 VAC and 10 amps or 125 VDC.
³	For capacitor or reactor switching, a low energy controls available. See Options and Accessories.
⁴	Close or Trip Times are measured from applying of close or trip signals. Vacuum contact travel time is six milliseconds. All VBM's have built-in anti-pump controls.
⁵	Motor operating mechanisms are designed for single mechanism switches only.
⁶	Current is 60 amperes peak for one, two or three mechanism switch systems.
⁷	Current is 120 amperes (or 34.5 kV 300A VBM)
⁸	Current for three mechanism switch systems is approximately 180 amperes peak for 3 cycles.

	Ordering Information
1	Select a VBM switch from ratings table above.
2	Select operating mechanism and voltage.
3	Select Varmaster Teminal Pad Orientation (Standard A, B, or C)
4	Select standard options and accessories.
5	Specify intended application.

Options and Accessories
	Zero Voltage Closing Control	Junction Box
	Capacitor Controls	Time Delay Relay
	Under Voltage Trip Control	Heater for Control Enclosures
	Low Energy Solenoid Control	Electrical Operations Counter
	Current Limiting Reactors	Upright Stands and Pole Mounting Frames
	Overcurrent Relay Packages	Special Controls

Joslyn Hi-Voltage Royce Thompson Fisher Pierce