ABB VD4 medium-voltage vacuum circuit breakers provide switching and short-circuit protection for 12, 17.5, 24 and 40.5 kV distribution systems. The range covers 630–4000 A with short-circuit breaking capacities of 25–50 kA, including fixed, withdrawable and high-altitude configurations.
The ABB VD4 HE 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 applications. Covering rated current options from 630 A to 4,000 A and short-circuit breaking capacities from 25 kA to 40 kA, the series is designed for integration with ABB UniSafe metal-enclosed switchgear. Featuring ABB vacuum interrupters, PT cast-insulated poles and an EL spring-operated mechanism, the VD4 HE combines robust construction with flexible electrical configurations. Selected HE models are designed to meet 1.1 times rated-current temperature-rise requirements, supporting applications that require additional continuous current-carrying margin.
The VD4 HE series uses ABB vacuum interrupters to extinguish electrical arcs during circuit interruption. The PT cast-insulated pole structure provides mechanical protection and electrical insulation for the interrupter, helping reduce the effects of dust, moisture and external mechanical impacts. Its sealed pole construction supports stable insulation performance and reliable operation in indoor medium-voltage switchgear environments.
The VD4 HE range offers multiple rated current and short-circuit breaking capacity configurations to accommodate different distribution requirements. Selected HE configurations support a 1.1 × Ir temperature-rise requirement, providing additional thermal design margin under specified operating conditions. Rated voltage, continuous current and breaking capacity should be matched to the switchgear design and electrical system parameters.
Equipped with an EL modular spring-operated mechanism, the VD4 HE supports reliable electrical and manual switching operations. The mechanism incorporates stored-energy operation, anti-pumping protection and mechanical status indication. Compatible auxiliary contacts, closing and opening releases, spring-charging motors and electrical interlocks support different control and protection arrangements. Mechanical and electrical interlocking devices help prevent incorrect switching and racking operations.
The VD4 HE is designed for withdrawable installation in ABB UniSafe metal-enclosed switchgear. Its truck-mounted structure supports racking between service and isolated positions, while compatible secondary connectors and interlocking arrangements facilitate integration with the switchgear control system. The design allows circuit breaker insertion and withdrawal with the switchgear door closed, supporting safer inspection and maintenance procedures.
The ABB VD4 HE Vacuum Circuit Breaker is suitable for indoor medium-voltage power distribution and protection applications, including:
Industrial Power Distribution: Incoming and outgoing feeder protection in manufacturing facilities.
Utility Substations: Switching and protection in medium-voltage distribution networks.
Transformer Protection: Circuit switching and fault interruption on transformer feeders.
Motor Protection: Switching and protection of medium-voltage motor circuits.
Generator Systems: Circuit protection in power generation and auxiliary distribution systems.
Infrastructure Projects: Electrical distribution in transportation, public facilities and large buildings.
Rated Voltage: 12 kV.
Rated Current: 630–4,000 A across the product range.
Short-Circuit Breaking Capacity: 25 kA, 31.5 kA and 40 kA, depending on model.
Temperature-Rise Configuration: Selected models support 1.1 × Ir requirements.
Interruption Technology: Vacuum interrupter.
Insulation Structure: PT cast-insulated pole.
Operating Mechanism: EL modular spring-operated mechanism.
Installation Type: Withdrawable configuration for UniSafe switchgear.
Mechanical Endurance: Up to 40,000 operating cycles, according to the specified product configuration.
Standards: GB/T 1984 and applicable medium-voltage switchgear standards.
| Parameter | Specification |
| Rated voltage | 12 / 17.5 / 24 / 40.5 kV |
| Rated current | 630–4000 A (depending on version) |
| Short-circuit breaking capacity | 25 / 31.5 / 40 / 50 kA (depending on version) |
| Operating mechanism | EL / CL spring-operated |
| Mounting | Fixed / withdrawable |
| Rated frequency | 50 / 60 Hz (40.5 kV configurations) |
| 40.5 kV insulation withstand | 95 kV / 1 min; 185 kV lightning impulse |
| Series | Mechanism / poles | Voltage (kV) | Current (A) | Isc (kA) |
| VD4/P (IEC) | EL / PT cast-resin | 12 / 17.5 | 630–4000 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 |
| VD4 (GB/IEC) | CL / epoxy | 12 / 17.5 | 1250–4000 | 50 |
| VD4/Z | EL / epoxy | 24 | 630–3150 | 25 / 31.5 |
| VD4/P (high altitude) | EL / epoxy | 12 | 630–2500 | 25 / 31.5 |
| VD4 (GB) | EL / PT | 12 | 630–4000 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 |
| VD4 (40.5 kV) | CL | 40.5 | 1250–3150 | 25 / 31.5 |
| Rated current (A) | 12 kV — Isc (kA) | 17.5 kV — Isc (kA) |
| 630 | 25 / 31.5 | 25 / 31.5 |
| 1250 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 |
| 1600 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 |
| 2000 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 |
| 2500 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 |
| 3150 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 |
| 4000 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 | 25 / 31.5 / 40 |
| Model | Rated current (A) | Isc (kA) | Making current (kA) |
| VD4 4012-25 | 1250 | 25 | 63 |
| VD4 4016-25 | 1600 | 25 | 63 |
| VD4 4020-25 | 2000 | 25 | 63 |
| VD4 4025-25 | 2500 | 25 | 63 |
| VD4 4031-25 | 3150 | 25 | 63 |
| VD4 4012-31 | 1250 | 31.5 | 80 |
| VD4 4016-31 | 1600 | 31.5 | 80 |
| VD4 4020-31 | 2000 | 31.5 | 80 |
| VD4 4025-31 | 2500 | 31.5 | 80 |
| VD4 4031-31 | 3150 | 31.5 | 80 |
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