Advances in material development for high power, vacuum interrupter contacts

Author

Slade, Paul G.

Author_Institution

Eaton Cutler-Hammer Corp., Horseheads, NY, USA

Volume

17

Issue

1

fYear

1994

fDate

3/1/1994 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

96

Lastpage

106

Abstract

This paper reviews the development of contact materials for vacuum interrupters. During the past 15 years, chromium-copper (Cr-Cu) has gradually become the dominant contact material for use in medium-voltage, high-current vacuum interrupters. The manufacturing methods for this material are discussed. Other materials such a tungsten-copper (W-Cu), tungsten carbide-silver (WC-Ag), and copper alloys are briefly described. The performance of the vacuum interrupter contacts under operating conditions is reviewed. This review shows that Cr-Cu continues to be the best contact material for vacuum interrupters used in vacuum circuit breakers

Keywords

chromium; circuit breakers; copper; electrical contacts; powder metallurgy; vacuum insulation; Cr-Cu contact materials; CrCu; manufacturing methods; operating conditions; vacuum circuit breakers; vacuum interrupter contacts; Bellows; Circuit breakers; Contacts; Dielectrics and electrical insulation; Interrupters; Medium voltage; Seals; Sulfur hexafluoride; Surface contamination; Surface resistance;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Components, Packaging, and Manufacturing Technology, Part A, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1070-9886

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/95.296374

Filename

296374