VACUUM-TYPE CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH IMPROVED ABILITY TO INTERRUPT CAPACITANCE CURRENTS

摘要

A multi-break vacuum circuit breaker comprises a plurality of vacuum-type circuit interrupters electrically connected in series. Closing of the circuit breaker is controlled in such a manner that any prestriking that occurs during closing consistently occurs across the contacts of a preselected one or two of the interrupters and not across the contacts of the remaining interrupters, which constitute a majority of the total number of interrupters. This maintains the contacts of the remaining interrupters in good condition for a subsequent opening operation, thereby improving the ability of the circuit breaker to interrupt capacitance currents on such an opening operation.