VES-M 15-69kV Reactor and Capacitor Switches

Ideally suited for reactor and capacitor switching on 15kV to 69kV systems.

Vesco VES-M® Reactor and Capacitor Switches

  • System ranges from 15kV–69kV, providing excellent solutions for substation or pole mounted installations
  • Vacuum interruption and solid dielectric insulation provide a completely oil and gas free design
  • Delivering up to 100,000 maintenance-free operations, depending on operating mechanism and control voltage selection
  • Factory-assembled and tested for fast, easy, low-cost installation
  • Solenoid or motor operating mechanisms with AC or DC control voltages
  • Compact and lightweight design requiring no special foundations or supports
  • Completely sealed construction provides safe interruptions with no external arcing and quiet yet high-speed operation
  • Optional system controls available to mitigate the overvoltage and high inrush currents typically associated with bringing capacitor banks online, preventing resulting customer equipment damage and stress on capacitors
  • Direct replacement for Joslyn Hi-Voltage VBM Varmaster and VBT Transmaster style switches
  • Replacement parts are readily available for existing installations including full mechanisms, controls, interrupter modules, cables, solenoids, motor operators and others.

Vesco VES-M® Reactor and Capacitor Switches are completely sealed, breaker-class devices using proven vacuum interrupter designs.  VES-M switches offer higher reliability than traditional circuit breakers with little or no maintenance.  They are quiet and offer safe interruption with no external arcing.

VES-M switches are manufactured for system voltages ranging from 15kV to 69kV and are electrically connected in series to provide the necessary characteristics of recovery voltages for the specific installation scenarios.  The VES-M may also be electrically connected in a parallel topology for high continuous or momentary current requirements.

Each switch ships completely factory-assembled, tested, and ready for fast and easy field installation.  With their compact and lightweight design, the VES-M design does not require special foundations or supports for installation.

The VES-M vacuum interrupter is enclosed in a cast, shatterproof, high-dielectric housing to form a module designed with all solid insulation.  The interrupter is surrounded by Vesco’s high-dielectric insulation that is moisture resistant, eliminates condensation, and increases the impulse level on the outside of the vacuum interrupter.   There is no oil, gas, or other material incorporated in the module assembly.

For the VES-M configurations, either one or two vacuum modules are mounted on each line-to-ground insulator and connected to the operating mechanism by a high-strength fiberglass pull rod. The operating mechanism is completely sealed in a cast aluminum housing that supports the line-to-ground insulators and the modules.  The entire assembly is designed specifically to withstand a force of several G’s without incurring damage.  The Vesco VES-M’s stored-energy operating mechanisms, which can be operated manually or electrically, move the vacuum interrupter contacts at high speeds.  This system is unaffected by control voltage fluctuations or manual operating speed.  Each switch also features an operation counter and an environmental protection system in the housing, consisting of a breather chamber and desiccant, prevents moisture and contaminated air from entering the switch operator.  An “Open/Closed” position indicator is directly coupled to the mechanism as well, for visual confirmation of the current position of the switch. 

Additionally, Vesco offers a wide range of AC and DC voltage control package options that pair with our switches.  All electrical control connections to the operating mechanism are made through a single environmental-control cable connector, which are available in multiple configurations and lengths.

For more information on our various vacuum switch offerings, please visit or Products page HERE.