Megger BR-29092 VIDAR Vacuum Interrupter Tester

The Megger VIDAR vacuum interrupter tester enables you to check the integrity of the vacuum interrupter quickly and conveniently by utilising the known relationship between the flashover voltage and the vacuum interrupter.

A suitable test voltage (DC) is applied to the breaker and the result is known immediately. You can select test voltages from 10 to 60 kV DC. Reading the unit is also easy. If the interrupter is approved, a green light is shown, if it is defective, a red light is shown. It requires two-handed control and comes with a warning light that comes on if high voltage is detected, both of which enhance your safety.

The VIDAR vacuum interrupter tester is used to test the ability of the vacuum chamber to inhibit flashovers. It has been developed in close collaboration with leading manufacturers of vacuum circuit breakers. It is rugged, compact, weighs only about 7 kg (15 lbs), and is easy to use since vacuum chambers do not have to be dismounted for testing. This makes the VIDAR ideal for use in the field or shop floor applications.

Key Features

• Tests the integrity of vacuum interrupters quickly, safely, and easily
• User-defined voltage selection
• Extensive voltage range
• Easy to operate. Follows ANSI/IEEE standardised DC test methods
• Lightweight and portable
• High voltage cable
• CANCEL lamp
• HIGH-VOLTAGE warning lamp
• Test voltage selector
• Protective earth
• Large test clip connectors
• TEST Safety control knobs
• ACCEPTABLE green lamp
• DEFECTIVE red lamp
• I / O Power ON/OFF
• Mains inlet
• Slide switch for mains

Megger BR-29092 VIDAR Vacuum Interrupter Tester Legend

1. High voltage cable
   For connection of the test voltage and ground to the vacuum breaking chamber Note! The cable can have another colour than yellow.
2. CANCEL lamp
   Lights up when:
   • the test interval has exceeded one minute.
   • you try to conduct a one-minute test less than two minutes after the latest test.
   • he HIGH-VOLTAGE indicator malfunctions.
3. HIGH-VOLTAGE warning lamp
   Shows that the high voltage is applied.
4. Test voltage selector
   0 to 60 kV DC. One of these voltages is customised and specified by the customer when ordering.
5. Protective earth
   (ground) terminal.
6. Large test clip connectors
   Provides for quicker connection and a more efficient testing process.
7. TEST Safety control knobs
   Both knobs must be turned simultaneously to apply high voltage to the test object.
8. ACCEPTABLE green lamp
   Lights up when the breaking chamber test result is positive.
9. DEFECTIVE red lamp
   Lights up when the breaking chamber test result is negative when the flashover threshold voltage is too low.
10. I/O
    Power ON/OFF.
11. Mains inlet
12. Slide switch
    For mains,115V/230VAC 70VA, 50 -60Hz.

1. High voltage cable
   For connection of the test voltage and ground to the vacuum breaking chamber Note! The cable can have another colour than yellow.
2. CANCEL lamp
   Lights up when:
   • the test interval has exceeded one minute.
   • you try to conduct a one-minute test less than two minutes after the latest test.
   • he HIGH-VOLTAGE indicator malfunctions.
3. HIGH-VOLTAGE warning lamp
   Shows that the high voltage is applied.
4. Test voltage selector
   0 to 60 kV DC. One of these voltages is customised and specified by the customer when ordering.
5. Protective earth
   (ground) terminal.
6. Large test clip connectors
   Provides for quicker connection and a more efficient testing process.
7. TEST Safety control knobs
   Both knobs must be turned simultaneously to apply high voltage to the test object.
8. ACCEPTABLE green lamp
   Lights up when the breaking chamber test result is positive.
9. DEFECTIVE red lamp
   Lights up when the breaking chamber test result is negative when the flashover threshold voltage is too low.
10. I/O
    Power ON/OFF.
11. Mains inlet
12. Slide switch
    For mains,115V/230VAC 70VA, 50 -60Hz.

Applications

The VIDAR vacuum interrupter tester is used to test the ability of the vacuum chamber to inhibit flashovers. The rugged, lightweight, compact, and portable VIDAR is ideal for field work and shop floor applications.

The internal pressure of vacuum chambers does not last forever. Leakage starts after years or decades and the interrupters fill with air making the breaker unreliable. In most cases, the leakage process is rapid once it has started. In addition to leakage, dirt on the poles and the exterior surface of the vacuum chamber can make it unsafe during operation. The mechanics of the breaker can become misaligned so that the distance between the poles no longer is adequate.

Flashover Threshold Voltage

The curve shown in the figure below illustrates the relationship between the internal pressure of the vacuum chamber and its ability to inhibit flashover. This relationship permits the vacuum to be checked indirectly by measuring the voltage threshold. One special advantage of this method is that you do not need to disassemble the circuit breaker to test it. The voltage shall be selected so that test point A is sufficiently far from point B (when the chamber is filled with air). However, the electric stress in the chamber must not be too high. In normal situations, the pressure is less than 10-2 mbar, this is determined by the manufacturer. The breaker manufacturer should usually have a specified AC test voltage. If not specified, AC test voltage levels are described in standards.

The DC voltage applied for an equivalent test is equal in magnitude to the peak of the AC voltage required. The DC method is described in the IEEE C37.20.3 standard.

For guidance on test voltage refer to IEC 62271-1 and IEEE C37.06 standards.

What's Included?

• Vacuum interrupter tester
• Permanently mounted cable set 5 m (16 ft)
• Ground cable
• Transport case