A state-of-the-art medium voltage SF/sub 6/ breaker for today's distribution requirements

Abstract

In recent years, much has been documented on vacuum interrupter improvements. This paper focuses on alternative technology in the form of arc quenching in SF/sub 6/ gas by means of a rotating arc and thermal expansion. These parallel developments in SF/sub 6/ circuit breakers make possible choices between vacuum and SF/sub 6/ breakers. User identified criteria in evaluating the emergent and competing technologies are offered in an effort to provide an understanding of the differences in medium voltage switchgear technologies.