The ZW32-12 Outdoor Vacuum Circuit Breaker is a compact, lightweight, and maintenance-free switchgear product designed for 12kV medium-voltage three-phase AC 50/60Hz power systems. Widely used in rural grids, substations, and industrial and mining distribution networks, it is engineered to provide fast and reliable protection by breaking and closing load currents, overload currents, and short-circuit currents.
This vacuum circuit Breaker guide is designed to withstand harsh environments and frequent operations. With a built-in recloser controller, it supports advanced features such as remote control, telemetry, and automation. Its silicone rubber-insulated vacuum interrupter ensures high weather resistance and long service life, making it ideal for outdoor grid automation and smart grid applications.
Key Features of ZW32-12 Vacuum Circuit Breaker
- High-Quality Insulation: Silicone rubber casing provides excellent outdoor insulation, UV resistance, and long-term durability.
- Advanced Spring Mechanism: Miniaturized, high-reliability spring operating mechanism with up to 10,000 mechanical operations.
- Smart Grid Ready: Can be integrated with recloser controller, PTs, dual power supply switching, and prepaid metering automation systems.
- Lightweight and Compact: Total weight under 100kg, with simplified installation and minimal maintenance.
- IEC Compliant: Conforms to IEC 62271-100 for high-voltage switchgear and controlgear standards.
Applications
The ZW32-12 Vacuum Circuit Breaker is suitable for:
- Overhead distribution lines in rural and urban power networks
- Industrial and mining enterprise distribution substations
- Pole-mounted automation equipment for fault isolation and reclosing
- Renewable energy tie-in points for load and fault protection
- Power systems requiring frequent switching and smart control integration
Operating Conditions
- Ambient Temperature: -30°C to +40°C
- Altitude: ≤2000 meters
- Wind Pressure: ≤700Pa (equivalent to 34m/s)
- Earthquake Resistance: ≤8 degrees
- Pollution Level: Grade III
- Max Daily Temperature Difference: ≤25°C
Technical Parameters of ZW32-12 Vacuum Circuit Breaker
| Item | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Rated Voltage | kV | 12 |
| Power Frequency Withstand Voltage (1 min) | kV | 42 / 48 |
| Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage (Peak) | kV | 75 / 85 |
| Rated Frequency | Hz | 50 / 60 |
| Rated Current | A | 630, 1250 |
| Short-Circuit Breaking Current | kA | 20 |
| Short-Time Withstand Current (RMS) | kA | 20 |
| Peak Withstand Current | kA | 50 |
| Short-Circuit Closing Current | kA | 50 |
| Capacitor Bank Breaking Current (Single / Back-to-Back) | A | 630 / 400 |
| Short-Circuit Duration | s | 4 |
| Breaking Operations of Short Circuit Current | Times | 50 |
| Main Circuit Resistance | μΩ | ≤80 (≤140 with isolator) |
| Operating Voltage | V | AC/DC 220 |
| Mechanical Life | Times | 10,000 |
| Overcurrent Setting Range ☆ | A | 1–10 |
| Quick-Break Current ☆ | A | 6–20 |
| Delay Time ☆ | ms | 40–850 |
| Remote Control Distance ☆ | m | >30 |
| Reclose Times ☆ | Times | 0–3 |
| Operating Sequence ☆ | – | O-0.3s-CO-180s-CO |
| CT Ratio ※ | A | □/5 |
| CT Capacity | VA | 15 |
| Output Voltage ※ | V | AC 220 |
| Output Capacity ※ | W | 600 |
Structural Overview
The ZW32-12 consists of:
- Upper outlet
- Arc extinguishing chamber
- Insulating cylinder
- Lower outlet
- Conductive clip
- Flexible connection
- Insulated tension pole
- Pressure spring (contact)
- Opening spring
- Drive connecting plate
- Output shaft
- Actuator
- Mechanism case
- Current transformer
It also includes:
- Manual operating handle
- Isolation spindle
- Manual on/off handle
- Energy storage handle
- On-off indicators
- Connection plug
- CT module
- Insulator
- Isolation frame
- Tension pole
Conclusion
The ZW32-12 Outdoor Vacuum Circuit Breaker is a rugged, intelligent, and compact solution for medium-voltage distribution networks. It combines mechanical simplicity with smart automation readiness, making it ideal for smart grid deployment, remote operation, and reliable fault management. Designed for long-term performance in demanding outdoor environments, this vacuum circuit breaker delivers high protection efficiency, user safety, and easy integration into existing systems.