ABB VD4/CX is a 12 kV medium-voltage vacuum circuit breaker for electrical distribution and switchgear applications. The range covers 630–4000 A, with 25, 31.5 and 40 kA short-circuit breaking ratings and fixed or withdrawable configurations.
The ABB VD4/CX Vacuum Circuit Breaker is designed for 12 kV indoor medium-voltage power distribution systems, providing reliable switching and short-circuit protection for industrial and utility networks. Covering rated current options from 630 A to 4,000 A and breaking capacities from 25 kA to 40 kA, the series offers multiple electrical ratings and installation configurations. Featuring ABB vacuum interrupters, PT cast-insulated poles and a modular EL spring-operated mechanism, VD4/CX combines compact construction with dependable switching performance. Designed in accordance with GB/T 1984 and applicable national standards, it is suitable for public utilities, industrial facilities, transportation infrastructure and commercial buildings.
The VD4/CX series uses ABB vacuum interruption technology to extinguish electrical arcs during switching and short-circuit fault interruption. Its PT cast-insulated pole structure integrates the vacuum interrupter into a protective insulation assembly, providing mechanical strength and electrical insulation. The poles use recyclable thermoplastic materials and an optimized casting process, helping improve mechanical and low-temperature performance. Compared with traditional epoxy casting processes, the PT pole manufacturing process can reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 50% under the specified production comparison conditions.
The VD4/CX features a modular EL spring-operated mechanism with an integrated manual spring-charging handle. Its stored-energy operating principle supports controlled opening and closing operations, while the free-trip design allows the circuit breaker to open independently of the closing operation. The mechanism also incorporates anti-pumping protection, mechanical position indication and an operation counter. Compatible electrical accessories support motorized spring charging, remote opening and closing, and auxiliary status signaling.
Available in fixed and withdrawable configurations, the VD4/CX series supports different indoor medium-voltage switchgear designs. The front-mounted operating mechanism and modular structure facilitate installation, operation and maintenance. Withdrawable versions feature a truck-mounted arrangement for racking between service and isolated positions. Mechanical and electrical interlocks, auxiliary connectors and compatible switchgear accessories help prevent incorrect operations and support safe equipment maintenance.
The ABB VD4/CX 12 kV Vacuum Circuit Breaker is suitable for medium-voltage switching and protection across a wide range of electrical distribution applications, including:
Power Distribution Systems: Incoming and outgoing feeder protection in medium-voltage networks.
Cable and Overhead Line Protection: Switching and protection of distribution circuits.
Transformer Protection: Circuit switching and fault interruption for transformer feeders.
Motor Protection: Switching and protection of medium-voltage motor circuits.
Generator Systems: Circuit protection in industrial power generation installations.
Capacitor Bank Switching: Switching and protection of capacitor bank circuits according to the applicable switching requirements.
Industrial Facilities: Medium-voltage distribution in manufacturing plants, processing facilities and infrastructure projects.
Rated Voltage: 12 kV.
Rated Current: 630–4,000 A.
Short-Circuit Breaking Capacity: 25 kA, 31.5 kA and 40 kA, depending on model.
Rated Frequency: 50 Hz.
Rated Power-Frequency Withstand Voltage: 42 kV for 1 minute.
Rated Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage: 75 kV.
Rated Short-Time Withstand Current: Up to 40 kA for 4 seconds, depending on configuration.
Interruption Technology: Vacuum interrupter.
Insulation Structure: PT cast-insulated pole.
Operating Mechanism: Modular EL spring-operated mechanism.
Installation Type: Fixed and withdrawable versions.
Mechanical Endurance: Up to 30,000 operating cycles.
Standards: GB/T 1984 and applicable medium-voltage circuit breaker standards.
| Parameter | Specification |
| Rated voltage (Ur) | 12 kV |
| Rated current (Ir) | 630–4000 A |
| Short-circuit breaking current (Isc) | 25 / 31.5 / 40 kA |
| Short-time withstand current (4 s) | 25 / 31.5 / 40 kA |
| Power-frequency withstand voltage (1 min) | 42 kV |
| Lightning impulse withstand voltage | 75 kV |
| Rated peak withstand current | 63 / 80 / 100 kA |
| Operating mechanism | EL modular spring-stored-energy |
| Mechanical endurance | 30,000 operations |
| Execution | Fixed / withdrawable |
| Phase spacing | 150 / 210 / 275 mm |
| Ambient temperature | −15 to +40 °C (−25 °C optional) |
| Standard | GB/T 1984 |
| Series | Voltage | Rated Current | Breaking Ratings | Version |
| VD4/CX | 12 kV | 630 A | 25 / 31.5 kA | Fixed / withdrawable |
| VD4/CX | 12 kV | 1250 A | 25 / 31.5 / 40 kA | Fixed / withdrawable |
| VD4/CX | 12 kV | 1600 A | 25 / 31.5 / 40 kA | Fixed / withdrawable |
| VD4/CX | 12 kV | 2000 A | 25 / 31.5 / 40 kA | Fixed / withdrawable |
| VD4/CX | 12 kV | 2500 A | 25 / 31.5 / 40 kA | Fixed / withdrawable |
| VD4/CX | 12 kV | 3150 A | 31.5 / 40 kA | Fixed / withdrawable |
| VD4/CX | 12 kV | 4000 A | 31.5 / 40 kA | Fixed / withdrawable |
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