VISAX – Medium Voltage Metal-clad Switchgear

Wherever electrical power must be distributed and used with maximum availability and reliability, we have the experience and the know-how to offer you the equipment which best meets these needs. To meet today’s demands for quality products, Schneider Electric has developed VISAX, an original switchgear concept. VISAX is available in a range of designs to meet the diverse needs of small and medium sized installations in the fields of primary power distribution, industry and infrastructure. VISAX perfectly meets users’ key requirements of simplicity, reliability and safety.

A New Generation of MV Switchgear

VISAX combines the proven benefits of air insulation and vacuum switching technology with an innovative rotating disconnector-circuit breaker module in a new simple architecture.

VISAX is available with ratings up to 24 kV, 2500 A, 25 kA and is a metal enclosed switchgear in accordance with IEC 62271-200.

The rotary circuit breaker — which is directly in line with the busbars and cable connections –also performs the isolating function. All operations can be performed in complete safety from the front panel with the doors closed. Information on the state of all switching elements of the switchboard is ergonomically grouped together on a dedicated control panel. The clear information display, using status indicators that are an integral part of the circuit breaker and the earthing switch, eliminates any risk of error.

VISAX meets IEC standards as well as GOST, CSA and GB specifications.

Internal ARC Withstanding

The rigid construction of the VISAX structure, incorporating independent exhaust flaps on each compartment, ensures full internal arc withstand. In the event of an internal arc fault in the cable, circuit breaker or busbar compartment, a unique exhaust duct, located at the rear of the cubicle, channels and evacuates the hot gases emanating from that compartment, without affecting any other compartments.

Reliable Visual Displays

The vertical in-line layout of all elements in the main circuit allows the position of the circuit breaker and earthing switch to be viewed directly from the front of the cubicle.

With visible isolating distances on the circuit breaker and earthing switch, there can be absolutely no doubt whether the devices are in the “service”, “isolated” or “earthed” positions, ensuring intrinsically safe operation.

There are two single line mimic diagrams on the front of the cubicle. The first directly integrates the position indicators to give a clear visual display of the circuit breaker’s status: open, closed, isolated, in service. The second gives positive indication of the status of the earthing switch, eliminating any possibility of error, as the position indicator is an integral part of the earthing switch mechanism. Both mimic diagrams are entirely mechanical, and therefore operate even in the event of a power loss of the unit.

In addition, the circuit breaker’s rating plate, the operations counter and the status of the spring mechanism are all clearly visible from the front, with the door closed.

Circuit Breaker Disconnector Module

The reduced space requirement, the small contact movement and the reduced operating energy required by our vacuum interrupters enable the circuit breaker and the disconnector functions to be combined in a single compact module.

Multi-Functional Bushing

The single-pole multi-functional bushing, especially developed for VISAX, is a synthetic resin moulding that incorporates the connection between the circuit breaker and cables together with capacitive voltage sensing. In addition, it has generous current transformer accommodation to meet the most demanding protection and metering specifications.

Technical Characteristics