Introduction

In the field of power distribution systems, the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker (also known as the vacuum outdoor circuit breaker) is the key equipment to ensure the safe and stable operation of the power grid. As the core component of circuit protection and control in outdoor environments, its correct operation is not only crucial for maintaining the reliability of the power supply, but also for ensuring the safety of equipment and personnel.

This article will delve into the definition of Chuanli outdoor vacuum circuit breaker, The operation steps, maintenance inspection, and practical application cases help users master the correct operation method, and at the same time, answer common questions such as “how to draw out the vacuum circuit breaker”, and introduce vacuum circuit breaker operation animation and other related resources to provide comprehensive guidance for operators.

What Is an Outdoor Vacuum Circuit Breaker?

Outdoor vacuum circuit breaker is an electrical switch device specially designed for outdoor use, which uses vacuum as the arc extinguishing medium. Compared with traditional circuit breakers, it has many advantages.

Le outdoor vacuum circuit breaker de Chuanli Electric has excellent insulation performance. It adopts a silicon-coated bushing, can withstand 70kV impact voltage, and can operate stably in extreme temperature, humidity, dust, and other harsh outdoor environments. The voltage range of this type of circuit breaker is wide, usually suitable for 10kV- 220kV systems, and has strong interrupting capability, with some models capable of handling short-circuit currents of up to 25kA or more.

In addition, the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker de Chuanli adopts modular design, It is easy to install, maintain, and replace, equipped with advanced intelligent monitoring functions, integrated Internet of Things sensors, and can measure temperature (accuracy ± 0.5 ℃), current and other parameters in real time, providing data support for predictive maintenance and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the power grid.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Operate a Chuanli Outdoor Vacuum Circuit Breaker

Safety Preparations Before Operation

Before operating an outdoor vacuum circuit breaker, thorough safety preparations must be made to eliminate potential risks. The following table lists key safety preparation items:

Understanding the Breaker Positions

Chuanli disjoncteurs à vide extérieurs typically have three main positions: “Connected Position,” “Test Position,” and “Disconnected Position.” Operators must understand the function of each position to ensure accurate operation. Details of each position are as follows:

How to Rack Out a Vacuum Circuit Breaker

Extracting the vacuum circuit breaker is a key operation that requires strict adherence to operating procedures to avoid equipment damage or electric shock accidents.  The steps to remove the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker are as follows:

• First, confirm that the circuit breaker is in the “off” state, the off indicator light is on, and use a tester to verify that the main circuit is off.
• Use special tools to loosen the locking bolt of the circuit breaker pull-out mechanism. Do not apply too much force to avoid damaging the bolt or the mechanism.
• Insert the pull-out handle into the pull-out hole of the mechanism and slowly turn it counterclockwise.  During the rotation, pay attention to the sound of the mechanism and the movement of the circuit breaker. If there is any blockage or abnormal sound, stop the operation immediately and investigate the cause.
• Continue to rotate the pull-out handle until the circuit breaker is completely pulled out to the “off position”, at which time the mechanical interlocking will automatically engage to prevent accidental insertion.
• After extraction, install a safety lock on the circuit breaker to prevent unauthorized operation, and record the extraction time, operator and equipment status in the operation log.

For a more intuitive understanding of the extraction process, you can refer to the official vacuum circuit breaker operation animation released by Chuanli, which demonstrates each step of the operation and precautions in detail.

Closing the Breaker

• Before closing, confirm that the circuit breaker is in the “connected position” and that all safety preparations have been completed;  Check the voltage of the control circuit within the specified range, and set the protection device correctly.
• The closing method of the circuit breaker is divided into manual closing and remote closing.  When manually closing, pull the closing handle or press the closing button according to the operation instructions. When closing the circuit remotely, the operation is carried out through the SCADA system or remote control device to ensure that the remote control signal is stable and reliable.
• Observe the indicator light and instrument readings after the circuit breaker is closed. The circuit breaker indicator light should be on, and the current and voltage instruments should show normal values. Check if the circuit breaker has any abnormal sounds, vibrations, or overheating, and if any abnormalities are found, immediately open the circuit breaker and inspect it.

Opening the Breaker

When the circuit is overloaded, short-circuited, or needs to be shut down for maintenance, the circuit breaker should be operated.  Notify relevant personnel before disconnecting the circuit to ensure that the circuit is not under load.

The opening operation is also divided into manual opening and remote opening operation. When manually opening the gate, press the opening button or pull the opening handle. When the remote circuit breaker is opened, the opening command is sent by the control system.

After disconnecting, confirm that the main contact is completely disconnected, the disconnecting indicator light is on, and the voltage meter shows zero;  Check the status of the arc extinguishing chamber and the contacts to ensure that there are no damage or burning phenomena, and record the time and reason for the opening of the circuit breaker in the operation log.

Operating Intelligent Features (For ZW□-40.5 Series)

Chuanli ZW□-41.5 series outdoor vacuum circuit breaker equipped with advanced intelligent functions, can realize remote monitoring, control, and fault diagnosis. The operation mode is as follows:

• Real-time data monitoring: Through integrated IoT sensors, the circuit breaker can collect real-time data such as temperature, current, voltage, and operating status. Operators can view it locally on the display panel or remotely through the SCADA system to timely discover potential equipment faults.
• Remote control: Under the authorization of the control system, the operator can remotely send closing and opening commands to the circuit breaker, realizing unmanned operation and improving the efficiency of power grid management.
• Fault alarm and diagnosis: When the circuit breaker detects abnormal parameters or faults (such as overheating, insulation aging, mechanical faults, etc.), it will automatically send an alarm signal to the control center. The intelligent system can also analyze the fault data and provide preliminary diagnosis results to assist maintenance personnel in troubleshooting.
• Predictive maintenance reminder: Based on the collected operation data and the pre-set maintenance cycle, the system can send maintenance reminders to the operators, reminding them to carry out daily maintenance work such as lubrication, cleaning, and contactor inspection to ensure the long-term stable operation of the circuit breaker.

Routine Maintenance Checks

Regular maintenance and inspection are crucial for extending the service life of disjoncteurs à vide extérieurs and ensuring their reliable operation.

Safety Tips During Operation

• Strictly abide by the operation procedures and safety regulations, and strictly prohibit unauthorized or illegal operation of circuit breakers.
• Maintain a safe distance from the circuit breaker during operation to avoid arc flash burns or electrical shock injuries.
• Maintenance and repair work must not be carried out when the circuit breaker is energized, and the circuit must be completely de-energized and grounded before maintenance.
• If there is an abnormal situation during the operation (such as abnormal sound, smell, abnormal indicator light, etc.), stop the operation immediately, cut off the power, notify the professional maintenance personnel for inspection and treatment, and do not repair it yourself.
• Operators should be trained regularly to familiarize themselves with the structure, performance, operating procedures, and emergency handling methods of circuit breakers.

Case Insight: Rural Distribution Network Upgrade

The original distribution equipment in a certain rural area of China was old, the power supply was unstable, and power outages occurred frequently, seriously affecting the production and life of local residents. In order to solve this problem, the local power supply department decided to carry out the rural distribution network upgrading project, and selected the Chuanli outdoor vacuum circuit breaker as the core switch equipment.

Before the upgrade, the rural power distribution network used traditional oil-immersed circuit breakers, which had the disadvantages of large size, poor environmental adaptability, and high maintenance costs .After comparing many products, the power supply department chose the compact structure, excellent arc extinguishing performanc,e and intelligent monitoring function of the  outdoor vacuum circuit breaker series of Chuanli, and finally selected this product.

During the project implementation, the technical team of Chuanli provided on-site guidance for the installation and commissioning of circuit breakers, and conducted training for operators on circuit breaker operation methods, safety precautions, and daily maintenance, including how to properly draw out vacuum circuit breakers and other key operations. The intelligent function of the circuit breaker realizes the remote monitoring of the rural power distribution network. The power supply department can grasp the operating state of the circuit breaker in real time through the SCADA system, timely discover and deal with faults, and greatly shorten the time of power outage.

After the upgrade project is completed, the reliability of the rural power distribution network will be significantly improved, the frequency of power outages will be reduced by more than 80%, and the quality of power supply will be greatly improved. The compact design of the Chuanli outdoor vacuum circuit breaker also saves installation space and reduces project investment. This case fully demonstrates the excellent performance and practical value of the Chuanli outdoor vacuum circuit breaker in the upgrading of the rural power distribution network.

Conclusion

The correct operation of disjoncteurs à vide extérieurs is crucial for the safe and stable operation of the distribution system. As a leading manufacturer of electrical equipment, Chuanli Electric provides disjoncteurs à vide extérieurs that meet international standards and integrate advanced technology and intelligent functions. Operators can ensure the reliable operation of the circuit breaker by following the step-by-step operation instructions described in this article, including safety preparation, familiarization with the position of the circuit breaker, correct pulling and pushing operation, and daily maintenance inspection.

If you have any questions about the operation or selection of outdoor vacuum circuit breakers, please feel free to contact our professional team, and we will provide you with comprehensive technical support and solutions.

FAQ

Q1: What is the voltage range of the Chuanli outdoor vacuum circuit breaker?

A1 : Le outdoor vacuum circuit breaker de Chuanli has a wide voltage range, usually 10kV- 220kV, and different series products can meet the needs of various distribution networks.

Q2: How long is the delivery time for the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker from Chuanli?

A2 : The delivery time depends on the product type and order quantity. Standard sample delivery time is 7-15 days (stock products); The delivery time for customized products after DFM approval is 20-35 days.

Q3: What should I do if the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker cannot be pulled out?

A3 : If the circuit breaker cannot be pulled out, first check whether the circuit breaker is in the “open” state and whether the locking bolt is fully loosened. If there is a blockage, do not use too much force. You can check if there are any obstacles in the pull-out path or if the mechanism is worn out and deformed. If the problem cannot be solved, contact the professional maintenance personnel of Chuanli for on-site inspection and handling.

Q4: Where can I find the vacuum circuit breaker operation animation of Chuanli products?
A4 : You can visit the official website of Chuanli to find it, or contact the Chuanli customer service team to obtain relevant resources. The animation will demonstrate the operation steps and precautions in detail.

Q5: How does Chuanli ensure the quality of outdoor vacuum circuit breakers?

A5 : Chuanli guarantees quality through full process quality control: 100% raw material inspection. The production adopts a high-precision automated process, and the finished products are subjected to strict tests, such as high-pressure pressure test and local discharge, which conform to relevant standards. As a high-quality supplier of the National Grid, it participates in many major projects, and the quality is reliable.