Introduction :

Switchgear , either at the highest transmission

voltage or at lower voltages , has two separate
functions. A routing function , to determine the paths
of power flow , and a protective function ,which may
require it to break the fault MVA at the point at which
it is situated whish normally imposes a heavier duty
on the switch than the ability to carry a given
current . And switchgear design technique has been
mainly concerned with the breaking over very heavy
currents at low power factor , and the prevention of
arc restriking on subsequent cycles of voltage once
the circuit has been broken .
Protective gear is generally associated with switchgear ,
since the former initiates the operation of the latter .
Medium and high voltage switchgear include among others
; circuit breakers , isolating switches , potential

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and current transformers , bus bars and lightning arrestors

While the basic theories of design and operation of switchgear
are almost fully understood , the switchgear industry is ever
progressing . Therefore , in this chapter only the outlines of
design features are mentioned and reference is made to text
books and references for detailed theory of design , operation
and calculations of arc interruption and associated
overvoltages . Meanwhile , some data of interest in the
switchgear industry and manufacturing are presented in more
details . This presents basic knowledge for engineers in practice

(10.2)Circuit Breakers :
A circuit breaker is a device which is not designed for
frequent operation , but is capable of making and breaking all
currents including fault currents up to its relative high rated
breaking capacity . A wide variety of closing and tripping
arrangements are available using relays with variable time
delay and a number of operating mechanisms . One great
advantage of circuit breakers is their speedy operation on a
small overload and the considerable control of operating time
under these conditions .

(10.2.1) Types of Circuit Breakers voltage :

(10.2.1.1) Air And Oil Breaking Circuit Breakers :

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The mode of action of all circuit breakers consists in the

breaking of the fault current by the separation of a set of
contacts . An arc is immediately established on separation of the
contacts . The means by which this arc is extinguished enables
distinction of different types of circuit breakers ,. for a voltage
up to 11 (kV) , Minimum oil circuit breakers is widely used to
provide economical units of breaking capacities up to 250
(MVA) . The final break of contact and initiation of the arc is
often accomplished by auxiliary contacts which can be made of
specially arc resistant material . The arcing contacts are only
required to carry the full current at the breaking instant since
the contacts carry the current at all other times . Although the
air-break circuit breakers are in general more expensive than
the equivalent oil break types , their maintenance cost is
generally lower, partly because of the need for changing oil in
the latter . Its also necessary to install more sophisticated
protection equipment with the oil break types . The large range
of control devices which can be used in conjunction with circuit
breakers of both types. The case of fitting auxiliary switches ,
the ability to carry out switching at very high current and rapid
reclosure

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