Outdoor Three-Phase High-Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breaker 40.5kV
Key attributes
| Brand | Rw Energy |
| Series | RW32 |
| Rated Voltage | 40.5kV |
| Rated Current | 630/1250A |
| Rated Frequency | 50/60Hz |
Description
The recloser is an outdoor high-voltage vacuum circuit breaker designed for 35kV/40.5kV medium-voltage overhead power distribution networks. It integrates a uniquely designed encapsulated pole and highly reliable operating mechanism, enabling it to safely make, carry, and break load currents, overload currents, and short-circuit currents. Engineered for long-term outdoor operation, this device delivers stable performance and minimal maintenance requirements, making it an ideal solution for modern power grid protection and control.
Compliance & Certification
- Fully compliant with IEC 62271-100:2021 (Latest Edition) and IEC 62271-1.
- Fully type tested in compliance with IEC 62271-100:2021. Test reports available upon request.
Key Features
- Exceptional Reliability: Integrated encapsulated pole and robust operating mechanism ensure consistent performance under harsh conditions.
- Maintenance-Free Operations: Classified as M2 mechanical endurance — 10,000 maintenance-free operations, significantly reducing TCO compared to Class M1 alternatives.
- High Mechanical & Electrical Endurance: Mechanical life ≥10,000 operations; electrical endurance ≥10,000 operations at rated current.
- Digital Ready with FTU: Built-in intelligent controller enables high-speed fault isolation and remote reclosing, reducing SAIDI by up to 45%.
- Compact & Lightweight: 270kg (360kg with isolation switch) for easy pole-mounted installation.
- Outdoor Durability: IP67 dual-sealed control box with thermostat-controlled heaters to prevent internal condensation.
- High-Altitude & High-Salt-Fog Ready: Standard design up to 1000m; customizable for up to 3000m with altitude derating correction per IEC 62271-1.
Main Technical Parameters
Electrical Parameters
| # | Item | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rated Voltage | kV | 40.5 |
| 2 | Rated Current | A | 630 / 1250 |
| 3 | Rated Frequency | Hz | 50 or 60 |
| 4 | Power-frequency Withstand Voltage (1min) Phase-to-phase / Phase-to-ground / Across open contact | kV | 80 / 95 / 95 |
| 5 | Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage (Peak) — Phase-to-phase / Phase-to-ground / Across open contact | kV | 185 |
| 6 | Rated Short-circuit Breaking Current | kA | 20 / 25 / 31.5 |
| 7 | Rated Short-circuit Making Current (Peak) | kA | 63 / 80 |
| 8 | Rated Peak Withstand Current | kA | 63 / 80 |
| 9 | 4s Short-time Withstand Current | kA | 25 / 31.5 |
| 10 | Rated Operating Cycle | — | O - 0.3s - CO - 180s - CO |
| 11 | Rated Short-circuit Breaking Operations | times | 30 |
| 12 | Mechanical Life | times | 10,000 |
| 13 | Rated supply voltage | V | AC/DC 220 |
| 14 | Secondary Circuit 1min Power-frequency Withstand Voltage | kV | 2 |
Mechanical Parameters
| # | Parameter | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Contact Opening Distance | mm | 22±2 |
| 2 | Contact Overtravel | mm | 3±0.5 |
| 3 | Opening Speed | m/s | 1.4 – 1.8 |
| 4 | Closing Speed | m/s | 0.4 – 0.8 |
| 5 | Contact Closing Bounce Time | ms | ≤5 |
| 6 | Phase-to-phase Center Distance | mm | 560±2 |
| 7 | Three-phase Closing Asynchronism | ms | ≤2 |
| 8 | Conduction Resistance (per phase) | μΩ | <80 (<150 with isolation switch) |
| 9 | Closing Time | ms | ≤100 |
| 10 | Opening Time | ms | ≤50 |
| 11 | Weight | kg | 270 (360 with isolation switch) |
Current Transformer
Equipped with built-in CTs featuring clear polarity markers (P1/P2) to ensure precise differential protection and fault recording. Available in protection class and metering class configurations for both relay protection and current monitoring applications.
Structural Features
Vacuum Interrupter & Insulation Core
- Vacuum arc extinguishing medium — zero SF6, environmentally sustainable
- Solid encapsulated pole (epoxy resin + fluorosilicone rubber outer layer): anti-pollution, anti-aging, compact and lightweight
- Porcelain bushing insulation: high mechanical strength, excellent insulation performance for harsh environments
Spring Operating Mechanism
- Maintenance-free spring mechanism with motor-charged energy storage for auto-reclosing
- Supports AC/DC multi-specification control power
- Anti-pumping lockout, manual operation capability, status indication for open/close and spring charge
Frame & Connection Structure
- High-strength steel frame supporting all components, expandable for CTs and other accessories
- Synchronized three-phase pole operation, standard wiring terminals, customizable interfaces
Environmental Protection
- IP67 dual-sealed control box with integrated thermostat-controlled heaters to prevent internal condensation under high-humidity conditions
- Anti-corrosion coating available for high-salt-fog coastal environments
Application Scenarios
- Medium-Voltage Overhead Power Grids: 35kV/40.5kV urban and rural overhead distribution lines
- Power Substations: Distribution substation circuit protection and load switching
- Industrial & Mining Enterprises: Medium-voltage power system protection
- Renewable Energy Integration: Wind farm collector circuits and solar PV plant switching
- Railway Traction Power Supply: Suitable for railway power distribution systems
- High-Altitude Regions: Customizable for up to 3000m with Ka altitude derating correction per IEC 62271-1
Altitude Adaptation
Optimized for extreme altitudes, the recloser implements a specific Altitude Derating (Ka) Correction according to IEC 62271-1. Its external insulation and creepage distance are reinforced to handle up to 3000m without dielectric breakdown under Pollution Class IV.
Trust & Track Record
Successfully deployed in utility and industrial projects across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Type test reports and project references are available upon request for specific use cases.
Solutions for Vacuum Circuit Breaker
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Distribution Automation — The Evolution from Reactive Repair to Active Self-Healing Smart Grids1. Industry Challenge: The "Physical Blind Spots" of Traditional Distribution Networks1.1 The "Manual Search" Era of Fault LocationIn traditional distribution networks, when a 10kV feeder trips, maintenance crews must patrolkilometers of line pole-by-poleto visually locate the fault point. This outdated operational model directly results in three critical consequences:Degraded SAIDI Metrics: Average outage durations typically exceed 120 minutes.Wildfire Risk: High-impedance ground faults (e.g., -
Recloser Controllers Communication Upgrade: Enhanced Protocol Compatibility and Stability for Faster GridAs distribution grid automation matures, recloser controllers must "communicate" seamlessly with master stations, FTU terminals, and ring main units (RMUs) to quickly isolate faults and restore power automatically. However, many legacy controllers suffer from "communication barriers" or "unstable connections," hindering grid automation. Based on a real-world county-level grid case, we have developed this communication upgrade solution to eliminate these hurdles.I. Pain Points: Protocol Incompati -
Frequent malfunctions and failures to trip in rural grid recloser controllers? A radical reliability solution achieves zero faults year-round.Technical Solution: Upgrading Recloser Controllers to Meet New Energy Integration and Grid Automation RequirementsAs renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind power) become increasingly prevalent, older recloser controllers—with their simplistic functions—are failing to meet the demands of modern power grids. This often leads to frequent malfunctions and power supply instability. Based on real-world applications, we have developed this comprehensive solution to resolve these adaptation ch -
Technical Solution: Enhancing Recloser Controllers Reliability for 10-35kV Mid-Voltage GridsThe recloser controller serves as the "protective brain" of 10-35kV medium-voltage distribution networks. Its reliability directly determines whether a line trips unnecessarily, fails to trip when needed, or causes large-scale blackouts. Currently, many devices suffer from poor material quality and oversimplified designs, leading to frequent malfunctions (nuisance tripping) or failure to operate, which severely compromises power safety. Based on a real-world rural grid case, we present a special -
Full-Lifecycle Management of Distribution Grid recloser controllers: A Five-Stage Synergistic Solution to Five Core Pain PointsThe recloser controller is the "chief steward" of 10-35kV medium-voltage distribution networks. Standardized management across every phase—from model selection and manufacturing to installation, daily O&M, and final decommissioning—directly determines whether the power supply remains stable and if the grid can achieve rapid self-healing.This solution focuses on the "lifespan" of the controller, providing simple, actionable, and cost-effective measures for each stage. It achieves efficient fu -
Smart O&M for Recloser Controllers: Reducing Troubleshooting Time from 6 Hours to 30 MinutesMany recloser controllers currently in operation suffer from low intelligence; they lack real-time status monitoring, diagnostic traceability, and often have cumbersome user interfaces. This makes troubleshooting slow and labor-intensive, driving up O&M costs. Based on a real-world urban distribution case, we have developed a specialized solution to resolve these operational bottlenecks.I. Pain Points: High Costs and Slow Response TimesCore Issues No Status Monitoring: Inability to track tem -
Distribution automation systems solutionsWhat are the difficulties in overhead line operation and maintenance?Difficulty one:Overhead lines of distribution network have wide coverage,complicatedterrain,many radiation branches and distributed power supply,resultingin "many line faults and difficulty in fault troubleshooting".Difficulty Two:Manual troubleshooting is time-consuming and laborious.Meanwhile,therunning current,voltage and switching state of the line cannot be graspedin real time,because of the lack of intelligent technical m -
Remote OM Technical Solution for South Africa Distribution Lines - RWZ-1000 Cloud-Based MonitoringTechnical Framework for Digitally Reimagining Power Grid OM in South AfricaShifting from "post-fault repair" to "predictive maintenance," reshaping the operation and maintenance processes of the distribution network through digital means.Applications: Unmanned substations, cross-regional long-distance transmission lines, and high-risk operational zones.Product Portfolio: RWZ-1000 intelligent monitoring system and RW8000 cloud management platform.Standards: IEC 60870-5-104, IEEE 1547, and NRS 048
Reference Projects for Vacuum Circuit Breaker
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RW Energy Multi Country SMS Based Auto Recloser Controller Case StudyBreaking the communication bottlenecks in remote areas worldwide, this solution takes SMS communication as its core innovation and develops recloser controllers adaptable to multiple countries and diverse climates. Free from reliance on 4G networks, it enables rapid fault early warning and remote operation & maintenance management, helping various regions resolve distribution network operation challenges in remote areas and inject intelligent momentum into global rural power grid upgrading.0 -
420 Units of 11 kV Automatic Reclosers for Dhaka Grid Upgrade01 General Overview: Dhaka 11 kV Distribution Grid Upgrade1.1 Project BackgroundBangladesh is currently undergoing a period of rapid economic and industrial development, and the growing demand for electricity has placed immense pressure on the local distribution networks. However, the country's existing 11 kV backbone distribution lines are facing severe equipment aging issues. The original switchgear suffers from serious mechanical wear, resulting in not only high failure rates but also sluggis -
RW Energy Bangladesh 230 Units 11 kV Vacuum Circuit Breaker Intelligence Retrofit Case StudyFocusing on Bangladesh’s distribution network automation upgrade demands, the intelligent retrofitting of 230 sets of 11kV VCBs integrates intelligent control and anti-corrosion technologies. Adopting a cost-effective renewal model for legacy grids, it enables equipment reuse and efficiency improvement, advances regional distribution network digital transformation, and sets a benchmark for the intelligent upgrading of aging switchgear in South Asia.01 Project Overview1.1 Project BackgroundIn Dec -
RW Energy Tanzania 325 Units 33 kV Auto Recloser Project Case StudyFocusing on the medium‑voltage distribution network upgrading demands in Tanzania, this solution adopts 325 sets of high‑reliability 33kV auto-reclosers integrated with FTU intelligent control and high environmental adaptability technologies to isolate faults and restore power supply rapidly, consolidating the stable foundation of regional power grids.01 Project Overview1.1 Project BackgroundIn 2025, 325 units of 33 kV auto reclosers were officially supplied and applied to the Tanzania medium-vo -
RW Energy Colombia PV Plant 35 kV Recloser Controller Project Case StudyFacing the frequency fluctuation and grid connection challenges of Colombia’s low-inertia photovoltaic power grid, this solution leverages customized recloser control and optimized frequency protection technologies to precisely adapt to the local 60Hz grid standard. It effectively addresses grid fluctuation issues under complex grid connection conditions, delivering a highly reliable and strong anti-interference grid protection solution for photovoltaic power plants and ensuring their stable and
FAQ for Vacuum Circuit Breaker
Q: What is the maintenance cycle for the operating mechanism?
A:
The is classified as Class M2 for mechanical endurance. It is designed for 10,000 maintenance-free operations, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to Class M1 alternatives.
Q: Can the vacuum circuit breaker be used at altitudes above 3000 meters?
A:
Yes. While standard insulation rating applies up to 1000m, the RCW-40.5 can be customized with reinforced external insulation using the Ka Altitude Derating factor (per IEC 62271-1), ensuring full dielectric strength at altitudes up to 3000m.
