Switch Information
Vacuum Breaker Up-right Switch
| MODULES | BIL kV (T:T-T:G) |
VOLTAGE RATING kV |
CURRENT RATING A |
OPERATING MECHANISM TYPE |
CONTROL VOLTAGE |
| 2 | 200 | 34 | 2000 | SOLENOID | 120VAC |
| 2 | 200 | 34 | 3000 | SOLENOID | 120VAC |
| 4 | 350 | 72 | 600 | SOLENOID | 120VAC |
| 7 | 550 | 121 | 600 | SOLENOID | 120VAC |
| 8 | 750 | 145 | 600 | SOLENOID | 120VDC |
This switch is typically used for both arc furnace and capacitor switching and is generally known by the Joslyn Hi-Voltage* trademark VBU*, or vacuum breaker up-right switch, because there is no other widely known generic name for this switch design. Discontinued from the original manufacturer over 10 years ago, VESCO offers both completely new switches as well as replacement parts and controls for existing VBU installations. The VESCO designation is VES-U.
In addition to the traditional product range, VESCO has a version with 2000 and 3000A modules that are an original product design of VESCO and are used for very large arc furnaces at 34kV. At 69kV and above, this switch may be the only switch available with a practical operating life for switching arc furnaces.
A mechanical operating life of up to 200,000 operations is practical, between module and switch mechanism rebuilds over time. VESCO manufactures replacement parts for Joslyn’s VBU* modules and switch operating mechanisms as well.
VESCO builds a special control for switching VBU* switches for both capacitor and arc furnace switching applications. Controls are available that can switch six poles in parallel or a total of eighteen switches. Replacement modules and switch mechanisms are shown here. The controls offered for this product can be viewed here.