Vibration analysis for periodic diagnostic testing of circuit-breakers

The present paper focuses on vibration analysis for periodic diagnostic testing of circuit breakers. Initially, the basic ideas and the applied procedures are briefly outlined. Then the features of this method are evaluated with basis in the prevailing failure modes according to the CIGRE surveys. Commercial test equipment has been available for a few years, and in the main section results obtained by applying this method on high-voltage SF₆ circuit breakers are presented. Some measurements illustrating the use of vibration analysis together with conventional methods such as recordings of contact travel, coil current and operating times are also included