Vaccum Circuit Breaker (VCB) Testing Procedure
1️⃣ Insulation Resistance Test (Megger Test)
🔹 Purpose:
To verify the insulation strength between different parts (Phase-to-Phase, Phase-to-Earth) of the
breaker to prevent leakage current or short circuits.
🔹 Equipment:
Digital/Analog Insulation Tester (Megger) – 5kV
🔹 Procedure:
1. Isolate and discharge the breaker.
2. Disconnect control cables and PTs.
3. Measure insulation resistance:
o Phase to Phase
o Phase to Earth
4. Record results.
🔹 Acceptable Value:
• 100 MΩ (typical for MV breakers)
• Varies by manufacturer and environmental condition
Precautions:
• Ensure no voltage on the breaker.
• Discharge all stored charges before testing.
2️⃣ Contact Resistance Test (Ductor Test)
🔹 Purpose:
To check the quality of contacts by measuring resistance across closed contacts. High resistance
means poor conductivity or pitting.
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Vaccum Circuit Breaker (VCB) Testing Procedure
🔹 Equipment:
Micro-ohmmeter (Ductor)
🔹 Procedure:
1. Close the VCB manually or electrically.
2. Connect test leads to both ends of each phase.
3. Inject current (typically 100A or more).
4. Record resistance in micro-ohms.
🔹 Acceptable Value:
• <100 µΩ (manufacturer-specific)
• Should be equal across all 3 phases
Precautions:
• Clean contact surfaces before testing.
• Avoid testing in open breaker condition.
3️⃣ Vacuum Integrity Test
🔹 Purpose:
To confirm that the vacuum interrupters are intact and not leaking air.
🔹 Methods:
• Power Frequency Test (Preferred)
• Vacuum Interrupter Tester (if available)
🔹 Procedure:
1. Open the breaker (contacts open).
2. Apply high voltage across each interrupter (Phase-Earth and Phase-Phase).
3. Hold voltage for 60 seconds.
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Vaccum Circuit Breaker (VCB) Testing Procedure
🔹 Typical Test Voltage:
• 28 kV AC for 11 kV breakers
🔹 Acceptable Result:
• No flashover or breakdown
Precautions:
• Ensure grounding after test to discharge voltage.
• Keep distance during HV application.
4️⃣ Breaker Timing Test
🔹 Purpose:
To measure opening and closing time of contacts and confirm proper mechanical performance.
🔹 Equipment:
Circuit Breaker Analyzer (e.g., Megger EGIL, Omicron)
🔹 Procedure:
1. Connect analyser clamps to all 3 poles.
2. Give trip/close command via test kit or panel.
3. Measure:
o Opening time
o Closing time
o Bounce time
o Coil current profile
🔹 Acceptable Values:
• Closing Time: 30–70 ms
• Opening Time: 20–50 ms
• Bounce Time: <5 ms
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Vaccum Circuit Breaker (VCB) Testing Procedure
Precautions:
• Disconnect actual trip coil if simulating from analyser.
• Test in dry and safe conditions.
5️⃣ High Voltage Dielectric Test
🔹 Purpose:
To check insulation, withstand capability at high voltage.
🔹 Equipment:
High Voltage AC Test Set
🔹 Procedure:
1. Open the breaker.
2. Apply test voltage Phase-to-Phase and Phase-to-Ground.
3. Maintain voltage for 1 minute.
🔹 Voltage:
• For 11 kV VCB → Test at 28–33 kV AC
🔹 Result:
• No flashover, leakage, or insulation breakdown
Precautions:
• Use full-body PPE and barriers.
• Follow standard test isolation practices.
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Vaccum Circuit Breaker (VCB) Testing Procedure
6️⃣ Coil Resistance Test
🔹 Purpose:
To check the health of trip/close coils for open or short circuits.
🔹 Equipment:
Digital Multi-Meter
🔹 Procedure:
1. Isolate breaker control circuits.
2. Measure resistance across:
o Trip coil
o Close coil
3. Compare readings with OEM values.
🔹 Typical Values:
• 30–200 Ω (varies by voltage & design)
Precautions:
• Ensure no control supply while testing.
• Avoid prolonged Megger on control coils.
7️⃣ Mechanical Operation Test
🔹 Purpose:
To ensure smooth operation of the breaker mechanism under electrical and manual operations.
🔹 Procedure:
1. Perform multiple open/close operations:
o Electrical Trip
o Manual Trip
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Vaccum Circuit Breaker (VCB) Testing Procedure
oSpring charging & release
2. Observation:
o No abnormal noise
o Proper spring charging
o Consistent operation
🔹 Standard:
• 5 Open-Close operations without failure
Precautions:
• Operate with proper tools.
• Stand aside during operation.
8️⃣ Primary Injection Test (Optional)
🔹 Purpose:
To test current path, CTs, and verify relay operation under actual current.
🔹 Equipment:
Primary Injection Kit (500A or 1000A)
🔹 Procedure:
1. Inject primary current into VCB input.
2. Measure output at CT secondary.
3. Check:
o CT polarity
o CT Ratio
o Relay operation time (if connected)
🔹 Expected:
• Relay to trip at set current
• CT to give correct secondary value (e.g., 1A or 5A)
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Vaccum Circuit Breaker (VCB) Testing Procedure
Precautions:
• Ensure tight connections (loose terminals may burn).
• Perform under supervision.
Summary Table
Test Name Purpose Pass Criteria
Insulation Resistance Check insulation health >100 MΩ
Contact Resistance Verify contact quality <100 µΩ
Vacuum Integrity Check vacuum bottle seal No flashover
Timing Test Measure mechanical timings 20–70 ms depending on type
HV Dielectric Test Verify insulation withstand No breakdown at 28–33 kV
Coil Resistance Check trip/close coil condition 30–200 Ω
Mechanical Operation Check mechanism function 5 smooth operations
Primary Injection Test full current path & relay Relay trips at set point
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