Tyhjiökatkaisija

Tyhjiökatkaisija, known in English as a vacuum circuit breaker, is a type of electrical switch designed to interrupt fault currents in medium-voltage and high-voltage power systems. Its primary function is to safely break the flow of electricity when a short circuit or other abnormal condition occurs. The key component of a tyhjiökatkaisija is the vacuum interrupter, a sealed bottle typically made of glass or ceramic. Inside this bottle are two contacts, one stationary and one movable, which are separated in a vacuum. When the circuit breaker is activated to interrupt a fault, the movable contact withdraws from the stationary contact, creating an arc. The high vacuum inside the interrupter is crucial because it allows the arc to extinguish very rapidly, preventing damage to the equipment and ensuring safety. As the arc is drawn, the vaporized metal from the contacts condenses quickly on the internal shield surfaces, leaving the contacts clean and ready for subsequent operations. Tyhjiökatkaisijat are known for their long operational life, high reliability, and minimal maintenance requirements. They are widely used in various applications, including industrial facilities, power substations, and railway systems, due to their efficient arc-quenching capabilities and environmental friendliness, as they do not use insulating gases that can be harmful. The design offers a compact solution compared to some other types of circuit breakers.