The influence of switching operations on dielectric strength of vacuum interrupters is described. Detailed experimental procedure and numerical processing of experimental results are presented. The breakdown voltage and emission current before and after switching operations were experimentally determined for closing without current/breaking without current, closing without current/breaking with rated current, and closing without current/breaking of rated short-circuit current. The interconnect gap was varied, and DC lightning impulse voltage (1.2/50 mu s) and AC 50 Hz voltages were applied. Three types of commercially available vacuum interrupter were tested, two with transverse and one with axial magnetic field and all having CuCr contacts. It was found which physical mechanisms determine the influence of switching operations.
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