Vacuum Degree Tester | VS-ZKD
Products Details
Vacuum circuit breakers are widely used in medium-voltage power distribution because the vacuum interrupter provides the arc-extinguishing environment required for reliable switching. Once the vacuum condition deteriorates, the interrupter may lose its breaking capability even if the mechanical parts of the breaker still appear normal. For this reason, periodic vacuum degree testing is an important part of circuit breaker maintenance.
The VS-ZKD Vacuum Degree Tester is developed for direct and quantitative inspection of vacuum interrupters. Compared with traditional power-frequency withstand testing, which can only roughly identify seriously deteriorated interrupters, the VS-ZKD provides a measurable vacuum value. This allows maintenance personnel to compare test records over time and judge whether the vacuum condition is stable or gradually declining.
The instrument uses the magnetron discharge method. During the test, the vacuum interrupter contacts are kept at their normal open distance. The tester applies an electric field pulse voltage and a synchronized magnetic field. Under the combined action of the electric field and magnetic field, ion current generated inside the interrupter is collected and processed. The instrument then converts the ion current into the corresponding vacuum degree value according to the interrupter characteristics.
One practical advantage of the VS-ZKD is that the vacuum interrupter does not need to be removed from the switchgear for field measurement. This reduces workload during substation maintenance and avoids repeated mechanical adjustment after interrupter removal and reinstallation. For maintenance teams working on multiple switchgear panels, this can make routine inspection more efficient while keeping the test process traceable.
The tester is equipped with a color touch screen for operation and result display. Test data can be saved, printed, and reviewed directly on the instrument, which is useful for on-site maintenance records and long-term equipment archives. RS485 and Bluetooth communication provide additional options for data transfer and system connection.
The VS-ZKD is suitable for vacuum circuit breaker production, installation, commissioning, repair, and routine maintenance. It helps users identify vacuum deterioration earlier, plan replacement work during scheduled outages, and reduce the risk of unexpected switching failure caused by poor interrupter vacuum condition.
Specification
| Technical Parameters | |
| Item | Specification |
| Product model | VS-ZKD |
| Product type | Vacuum Degree Tester / Vacuum Interrupter Tester |
| Measurement principle | Magnetron discharge method |
| Applicable object | Vacuum switch interrupter / vacuum circuit breaker interrupter |
| Power supply | AC 220 V +15%, 50 Hz |
| Vacuum measurement range | 10^-5 to 10^-1 Pa |
| Electric field voltage | 20 kV |
| Magnetic field voltage | 1600 V |
| Instrument accuracy | 5% |
| Operating temperature | -10°C to 40°C |
| Display | Color touch screen |
| Data functions | Save, print, and review test data |
| Communication | RS485, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions | 460 mm × 335 mm × 330 mm |
| Main unit weight | 12 kg |
Product Guide
Before testing, the operator should confirm that the vacuum circuit breaker and the tested interrupter are completely de-energized. The vacuum switch should be kept in its normal open state, and the incoming and outgoing disconnectors should be opened. If the vacuum interrupter has not been installed in a cabinet, the moving and fixed contacts should still be maintained at the normal opening distance, and the interrupter should be placed on an insulated support.
Grounding is the first step in the wiring process. Connect the grounding terminal of the VS-ZKD to a reliable earth point before connecting the high-voltage output cable, magnetic field cable, or ion current cable. The magnetic field coil should be installed around the interrupter according to the test requirement, usually near the middle of the vacuum interrupter and slightly toward the moving contact side.
After the magnetic field coil is installed, connect the magnetic field voltage terminals, high-voltage output terminal, and ion current input terminal according to the instrument wiring method. The high-voltage output is connected to the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter, while the ion current input cable is connected to the moving contact. The shielding and wiring condition should be checked carefully because field interference can affect weak current measurement.
When the wiring is complete, the operator can start the test through the color touch screen. The instrument automatically controls the electric field voltage, magnetic field output, ion current sampling, and data processing. After the test is finished, the vacuum degree value is displayed on the screen. The operator can save the result, print a field record, or transmit data through RS485 or Bluetooth.
For maintenance management, it is recommended to record the same interrupter position, test date, environmental condition, and measured vacuum value each time. Comparing several test records over time helps identify whether the interrupter vacuum condition is stable or showing a leakage trend.
Features
- Supports quantitative vacuum measurement of vacuum interrupters used in vacuum circuit breakers.
- Measures vacuum degree without removing the interrupter from the switchgear.
- Provides direct vacuum value display in Pa for clearer condition assessment.
- Uses the magnetron discharge method for vacuum interrupter inspection.
- Automatically controls the testing process through the internal control unit.
- Displays operating menus and test results on a color touch screen.
- Stores test data for historical comparison and maintenance records.
- Includes built-in printing for on-site test reports.
- Provides RS485 communication interface for data connection.
- Includes Bluetooth communication for convenient data transfer.
- Detects vacuum deterioration trends more clearly than qualitative withstand testing.
- Supports field testing for production, installation, commissioning, repair, and maintenance tasks.
Application Scenarios
The VS-ZKD is suitable for routine vacuum circuit breaker inspection in substations and distribution rooms. During scheduled maintenance, technicians can measure the vacuum condition of multiple interrupters and keep records for each breaker panel. This helps the maintenance team identify interrupters that require closer attention before a fault occurs.
In switchgear manufacturing, the tester can be used during production inspection and outgoing quality checks. It helps confirm that vacuum interrupters installed in switchgear meet the required vacuum condition before delivery, reducing uncertainty during site commissioning.
For installation and commissioning projects, the VS-ZKD provides a practical way to verify vacuum interrupter condition after transport, installation, and wiring. This is especially useful when switchgear has been stored for a long time before energization or when a project requires documented pre-operation testing.
For repair and fault diagnosis, the tester helps engineers check whether abnormal breaker performance is related to interrupter vacuum deterioration. When combined with mechanical characteristic testing and insulation testing, it gives a more complete view of breaker condition.
Applications
The VS-ZKD Vacuum Degree Tester is commonly used by power utilities, substation maintenance teams, electrical testing companies, switchgear manufacturers, industrial plants, railway power departments, mining power systems, and electrical laboratories. It is suitable for medium-voltage vacuum circuit breakers and vacuum switching devices where interrupter vacuum condition must be verified.
Typical equipment includes indoor vacuum circuit breakers, switchgear vacuum interrupters, vacuum load switches, and other vacuum switching units used in distribution networks. The instrument is especially useful for customers who need measurable test data rather than only qualitative withstand test results.
For overseas buyers, the VS-ZKD can be positioned as a vacuum interrupter tester, vacuum circuit breaker vacuum tester, vacuum degree testing instrument, or magnetron discharge vacuum tester. These keyword variations match common procurement searches from maintenance contractors, utilities, and switchgear service providers.
Customer Case
A power distribution maintenance contractor was responsible for routine inspection of several medium-voltage switchgear rooms serving an industrial facility. The site had experienced occasional switching instability, but conventional withstand testing did not clearly show which interrupters were beginning to deteriorate. The maintenance team needed a more measurable way to evaluate vacuum interrupter condition.
During the inspection, the team used the VS-ZKD to test the vacuum interrupters without removing them from the switchgear. Each breaker was placed in the normal open position, the magnetic field coil was installed around the interrupter, and the measured vacuum values were saved after testing. The built-in printer was used to create on-site records for the facility’s maintenance archive.
Most interrupters showed stable vacuum values, but one feeder breaker had a noticeably weaker result compared with similar units in the same switchgear room. The team scheduled replacement during a planned shutdown instead of waiting for a failure during operation. After replacement, the new interrupter was tested again and recorded as the new baseline value.
The customer used the VS-ZKD results to support maintenance planning, spare parts preparation, and internal reporting. The measurable vacuum data helped the facility make a clear replacement decision while avoiding unnecessary replacement of interrupters that were still in acceptable condition.
FAQ
- What is the VS-ZKD used for?
The VS-ZKD is used to measure the vacuum degree of vacuum interrupters in vacuum circuit breakers. It helps users evaluate whether the interrupter vacuum condition is still suitable for reliable switching operation. - Can the tester measure the vacuum interrupter without disassembly?
Yes. One of the main advantages of the VS-ZKD is that it supports on-site testing without removing the interrupter from the switchgear. The switch must be de-energized and kept in the required open position before testing. - What is the measurement range of the VS-ZKD?
The vacuum measurement range is 10^-5 to 10^-1 Pa. This range is suitable for evaluating vacuum interrupters used in medium-voltage switching equipment. - What testing principle does the instrument use?
The VS-ZKD uses the magnetron discharge method. It applies an electric field and magnetic field to the vacuum interrupter, measures the generated ion current, and converts the result into a vacuum degree value. - How is it different from power-frequency withstand testing?
Power-frequency withstand testing mainly gives a qualitative pass/fail judgment and may only identify seriously degraded interrupters. The VS-ZKD provides a quantitative vacuum value, which is more useful for trend analysis and planned maintenance. - Does the VS-ZKD have data storage and printing functions?
Yes. The instrument can save, print, and review test data. This is useful for field reports, maintenance records, and long-term comparison of vacuum interrupter condition. - What communication options are available?
The VS-ZKD provides RS485 communication and Bluetooth communication, allowing users to transfer or connect test data according to site requirements. - What power supply is required?
The instrument uses AC 220 V +15%, 50 Hz power input. Users should confirm site power conditions before operation. - Who typically uses this tester?
It is commonly used by power utilities, switchgear factories, substation maintenance teams, electrical testing companies, industrial plants, and laboratories that test vacuum circuit breakers. - What should be recorded during each test?
Users should record the breaker position, interrupter identification, test date, measured vacuum value, and any relevant site condition. Consistent records make future trend comparison more useful.
Weshine Advantages
Weshine Electric provides electrical testing instruments for power utilities, substations, switchgear manufacturers, industrial users, and testing service providers. For the VS-ZKD Vacuum Degree Tester, Weshine supports customers with model selection, operation guidance, application consultation, product documentation, and after-sales service.
Weshine understands that field engineers need instruments that provide clear measurement results and practical operation steps. The VS-ZKD is designed around real maintenance needs: non-disassembly testing, direct value display, data storage, on-site printing, and communication options.
For overseas distributors and project buyers, Weshine can provide product information, technical parameter confirmation, and support for application matching. This helps customers choose suitable electrical test equipment for vacuum circuit breaker maintenance, switchgear production, and substation testing projects.