ABB VD4/P 12.06.32 Medium Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breaker – 12kV, 630A, 31.5kA

Overview

The ABB VD4/P 12.06.32 Medium Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breaker is a high-performance industrial protection device engineered for modern medium-voltage (MV) distribution systems. Built on ABB’s globally recognized VD4 vacuum technology platform, this breaker is designed to deliver long-term electrical reliability, enhanced protection capability, and extremely low maintenance in the harshest industrial environments.

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This model uses ABB’s advanced vacuum interrupters embedded into resin-moulded poles, a patented construction that reinforces the mechanical strength, insulation integrity, and environmental resistance of the breaker. The encapsulated poles protect the vacuum interrupter from vibration, dust ingress, condensation, humidity, airborne particulates, and mechanical shock—ensuring consistent dielectric strength over decades of operation.

The VD4/P breaker is rated for 12kV, 630A, 31.5kA interrupting capacity, making it suitable for a wide range of MV applications including transformer substations, industrial feeders, oil & gas production sites, desalination plants, refineries, commercial MV rooms, and process-critical facilities requiring high uptime. Its robust characteristics ensure stable operation under full system stress, high short-circuit conditions, and rapid switching duties.

A core component of the breaker is ABB’s EL1 stored-energy spring operating mechanism, engineered for high-speed mechanical performance and repetitive switching without performance degradation. This mechanism delivers fast open/close cycles (O-0.3s-CO-15s-CO) independent of operator speed, ensuring reliable fault clearing under emergency conditions. The mechanism is fully motorized with auxiliary switches, under-voltage release, and 110VDC control supply to support intelligent automation and SCADA integration.

The vacuum interrupter design itself provides superior arc control. When contacts open, arc duration is extremely short and occurs at low voltage, resulting in minimal contact wear, reduced thermal stress, and extended breaker lifespan. Due to the absence of arc byproducts and oxidation (since contact materials are enclosed in vacuum), the interrupter remains clean throughout its service life and requires virtually no routine maintenance.

The VD4/P series is fully compliant with IEC 62271-100, ensuring global compatibility with modern MV switchgear and installation standards. It supports a wide range of ABB switchgear families and can be configured with dedicated accessories such as closing coils, shunt trip units, mechanical indicators, spring charging motors, auxiliary contacts, and interlocking systems.

Technical Performance Summary

• Rated Voltage: 12kV

• Rated Current: 630A

• Rated Breaking Capacity: 31.5kA

• Short-Circuit Making Current: 100kA

• Rated Short-Time Withstand Current: 40kA for 3s

• Operation Sequence: O-0.3s-CO-15s-CO

• Operating Mechanism: EL1 stored-energy spring type

• Control Supply: 110VDC

• Type: VCB (Vacuum Circuit Breaker), 3-Pole

• Part Number: VD4/Z-12.06.32

Construction, Material Engineering & Dielectric Performance

Vacuum Interrupter Technology

• Ultra-high dielectric strength even at small contact gaps

• Vacuum chamber prevents oxidation & contamination

• Low arc energy = significantly reduced contact erosion

• Faster recovery voltage & minimal arcing time

Resin-Embedded Poles

• Enhanced mechanical durability

• Environmental isolation from dust, humidity, condensation

• High insulation stability over full operating life

• Resistant to industrial chemical atmospheres

Contacts & Arc Control

• Specially shaped contact geometry ensures directional arc

• Low voltage arc minimizes thermal stress on pole unit

• Long electrical endurance & extended service cycles

Operating Mechanism – EL1 Stored-Energy System

• Motorized spring charging

• Rapid independent open/close operations

• Free-trip mechanism ensures fail-safe interruption

• Low-speed contact movement reduces wear

• Designed for frequent operations & industrial duty cycles

• Supports a wide variety of custom-fit accessories

The EL1 mechanism is optimized for precision, reliability, and uniform switching characteristics, eliminating user-dependent variations and reducing maintenance downtime.

Application Areas

• Utility substations

• Industrial distribution networks

• Oil & gas production & refining sites

• Chemical & petrochemical plants

• Large commercial buildings

• Water treatment & desalination

• Mining electrical systems

• Motor protection centers

• Capacitor bank / cable feeder protection

Operational Advantages

1. Extremely Long Lifespan

Due to ultra-low arcing energy, vacuum interrupters remain mechanically and electrically stable for decades.

2. Minimal Maintenance

No arc byproducts, no oxidation, no gas refilling, and no complex sealing arrangements.

3. Highest Reliability for MV Networks

The resin-embedded pole system ensures dielectric performance even under challenging industrial conditions.

4. Fast Fault Clearing

High mechanical speed and predictable arc extinction result in fast protective response.

5. Compatibility with Modern Automation Systems

Fully motorized, auxiliary contacts included, UVR, SCADA-ready control interface.

Sequence of Operation

Rated operating sequence:

O-0.3s-CO-15s-CO

Designed for repetitive switching under severe conditions.

Compliance & Certifications

• IEC 62271-100 (circuit-breaker standard)

• High-voltage test compliance

• Internal ABB quality assurance standards

• Mechanical endurance tested on industrial duty cycles

FAQ

Q1: Where is the VD4 typically used?

In MV substations, industrial feeders, motor control centers, capacitor banks, and cable protection.

Q2: What makes vacuum technology superior?

It ensures low arc energy, short arc duration, minimum contact wear, and long-term dielectric integrity.

Q3: Is the VD4 suitable for dusty or humid environments?

Yes — thanks to resin-embedded poles and sealed interrupter chambers.

Q4: What is the expected mechanical life?

Very long; ABB vacuum interrupters are designed for extremely high endurance cycles.

Q5: Does it support SCADA integration?

Yes — through auxiliary switches, UVR, and motorized mechanisms.

Call to Action

For genuine ABB VD4/P vacuum circuit breakers, spare parts, technical support, or project-level MV distribution solutions, contact Seven Star LLC. We supply ABB medium-voltage protection equipment across Oman and the Middle East with full compliance and guaranteed authenticity.