ABB has produced a new kind of medium voltage V-contact vacuum contactor interruptor switch for medium voltage applications. It is designed for protecting transformers, power factor correction banks and switchings systems and has the capacity for remote operation and integration in computerised control systems. According to ABB it is ideal for installation in prefabricated substations and switchboards.

It has been designed specifically to stand up to applications requiring a high number of operations. The contactors are based around a moulded resin monobloc which houses the vacuum interruptors, the moving contacts, the control electromagnet, the control feeder and the auxiliary accessories.

When fitted with suitable fuses the device can be used in circuits with fault levels up to 1000 MVA. They are rated for a normal current of 400 A at 40°C and spikes of 6000 A for one second, 2500A for 3 seconds. Electrical life is defined in the A3 category, ie 100 000 closing and opening operations.