AIR-INSULATED SWITCHGEAR 01

VISAX
MV Air Insulated Switchgear

Modern electrical power distribution networks need to provide power

PM100901

to our nations industries and consumers both safely and reliably.

Schneider Electric have the experience and know-how to help you make
the right choice of switchgear to satisfy your demands for maximum
reliability, safety and convenience.

To meet the diverse requirements of small and medium sized primary

switchgear applications, VISAX has been developed with a unique cubicle
construction combining a simplified internal layout and direct acting
mechanisms.
With either a fully withdrawable or fixed/demountable circuit breaker,
VISAX is available with ratings up to 24 kV, 2500 A, 25kA.

Unique design

PM100887
Simplifying the relationship between the main
components within the switchgear, VISAX
CUSTOMER BENEFITS combines the vacuum circuit breaker and isolator
functions in a rotary circuit breaker module.
Innovative design concept for simplicity and
improved reliability This module which is directly in-line with
the busbars and the circuit connections,
Withdrawable or Fixed/Demountable circuit
when rotated through 90 isolates the circuit
breaker designs
and closes the metallic busbar shutter.
Combined operating points and visual

PM100888
indicators for safer operation
All operations are performed in complete
Latest vacuum switching technology
safety from the front panel with the doors and
Maximum space savings with back-to-wall covers closed. Information on the status of all
installation switching elements within the switchboard are
Compact dimensions ergonomically grouped together on a dedicated
Reduced lifetime costs control panels.
Proven reliability The clear information display, using status
indicators that are an integral part of the circuit
Rear cable box option
breaker and the earthing switch, eliminates
any risk of error. VISAX, an innovative concept

International and local standards

VISAX meets and exceed many international standards including:
IEC 62271-200, GOST, CSA, GB.
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In addition VISAX also meets many local and Customer standards including
Energy Networks Association Technical Standard ENA TS 41-36 (UK);
Network Rail (UK); London Underground (UK); Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity
Authority (ADWEA)...

Proven performance to our customers

Main users: Abu Dhabi Distribution Company; Al Ain Distribution Company;
Western Power Distribution (UK); Northern Ireland Electricity...
 AIR-INSULATED SWITCHGEAR VISAX 02

Operator safety is the Maximum safety at all times

highest consideration
when selecting MV
Internal Arc Classification
switchgear, and VISAX
is well equipped to Further highlighting the safe design of VISAX is the performance of the cubicle
match this important in the unlikely event of an internal arc. VISAX is tested in accordance with
criteria. Complying IEC 62271-200 and with a Internal Arc Classification (IAC) AFL 25 kA for 1 s.
with the international The rigid construction of VISAX incorporates a unique exhaust duct located
standard IEC 62271-200 at the rear of the cubicle. In the even of an internal arc fault in the cable,
VISAX provides superior circuit breaker or busbar compartment, independent exhaust flaps on each
performance with many compartment open into the duct, which channels all gases to the top rear of
innovative features. the switchboard away from the operator!
Simplifying the This design also ensures that other compartments are unaffected by the fault,
equipment interface therefore minimising down time of the switchboard.
points provide Front doors/covers are attached using a multi-interlocking design ensuring
the operator with the highest levels of operator protection, but also allowing easy access to
confidence of correct the compartment when required.
operation at all times.
All operations are Reliable visual displays
carried out from the
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The vertical in-line layout of all elements in the main circuit allows the position
front of the cubicle
of the circuit breaker and earthing switch to be easily viewed directly from
with the door/covers
the front of the cubicle.
closed by directly driven
With visible isolating positions of the circuit breaker and earthing switch,
operating devices.
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there can be absolutely no doubt whether the devices are in the Service,
Opening and closing
Isolated or Earthed positions, ensuring intrinsically safe operation.
of the circuit breaker in
The two single line mimic diagrams on the front of the cubicle precisely match
the service position is
the internal circuit layout. The first directly integrates the position indicators
carried out directly by
to give a clear visual display of the circuit breaker's status: open, closed,
push buttons located
isolated, in service.
on the front cover, while
The second gives positive indication of the status of the earthing switch,
circuit breaker isolation
eliminating any possibility of error, as the status indicator is an integral part of
is achieved by using an
the earthing switch mechanism. Both mimic diagrams are entirely mechanical,
operating crank handle,
and therefore operate even in the event of a power loss of the unit.
inserted through
In addition, the circuit breaker's rating plate, the operations counter
the cover.
and the status of the spring mechanism are all clearly visible from the front.
The dedicated fully fault
rated earthing switch is
operated from the front. Latest Vacuum switching technology and compact circuit
Direct visual indication breaker module
of the status and The reduced space requirement, the small contact movement and the low
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position of the circuit operating energy required by our state-of the- art vacuum interrupters enable
breaker and earthing the circuit breaker and the disconnector functions to be combined in a single
switch can be seen compact module.
through windows in This circuit breaker module BLV, is optimised for ease of handling and
the front covers. access, and when combined in the VISAX cubicle offers a unique compact
Optionally, all operations switchgear design.
can be carried out
electrically from
Multi-Functional bushing
a remote position, via
motorised isolation and Continuing with the unique design features of VISAX, the ring type current
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circuit earthing switch. transformer are installed in single-pole multi-functional bushing, specially
developed for VISAX. This synthetic resin moulding incorporates
the connection between the circuit breaker and cables together with capacitive
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voltage sensing. Generous current transformer accommodation is sufficient to

meet the most demanding protection and metering specifications.

Busbar configuration
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VISAX uses a simplified busbar configuration mounted in a separate metal

enclosed compartment. The busbar phases are mounted front to rear,
in dedicated support mouldings which also form the busbar spout within
" Optionally all operations can the circuit breaker compartment. The busbar itself forms the isolating fixed
be carried out electrically..." contact, which helps in reducing the number of connections within the cubicle.
 AIR-INSULATED SWITCHGEAR VISAX 03

Each application Flexible solutions

of medium voltage
switchgear is
Cable connections
different,
so VISAX has been VISAX is equipped with front access cabling from below, as standard,

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designed with a range allowing a space saving back to wall installation.
of optional feature The phase arrangement is from front to rear.
and functions.
These increase An optional rear cable box allows main cable connections from the rear,
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the flexibility of either from above or below. This is particularly suited to substations where
the design even there is a cable trench at the rear of the switchgear.
further and allow The phase arrangement is from side to side.
for customised
solutions to precisely Single or three core cables can be accommodated in either design.
match your needs.

Withdrawable or Fixed/Demountable Circuit Breakers

VISAX is available in two unique designs, with either fully withdrawable
or fixed/demountable circuit breaker. Depending on the application,
VISAX rear cable box installation and service requirements, VISAX provides the solution.

The first design incorporates a fully withdrawable BLV circuit breaker

module. The cubicle is metal enclosed with 4 separate compartments,
Busbar, Circuit Breaker, Cable and Low Voltage.
Access to the BLV is via a fully interlocked front door and uses a removable
insulating partition between the isolated circuit breaker and the fixed circuit
connections.
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This ensures a Loss of Service Continuity of LSC 2B PI. Interlocking

prevents the withdrawal of the BLV on to the transport trolley, unless
this partition is in place.
A directly driven metallic busbar shutter is automatically closed whenever
the circuit breaker is isolated.

The second design is a simplified fixed version called VISAX-S.

The BLV is fixed within the cubicle behind a bolted front cover.
Loss of Service Continuity is LSC 2A PM as there is no circuit partition
(the metallic busbar shutter is retained). VISAX-S offers the convenience
of a fixed pattern switchgear, but with a major advantage - the BLV circuit
breaker module can be quickly removed (typically in under 5 minutes!)
VISAX front view after following isolation and earthing procedures.

Busbar Earthing
Enhanced flexibility is a key feature of VISAX, and this also applies to
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the function of busbar earthing.

Depending on the switchboard configuration, VISAX can be fitted with
conventional, fully fault rated busbar earthing switches. These are located
either in the busbar section (when fitted) or as function with the busbar
metering cubicle. These busbar earthing switches can be fitted with various
padlocking or interlocking devices to match your requirements.

If space is restricted, or if operational procedures prefer, a transfer busbar

earthing facility can be fitted in place of the standard busbar earthing
switches.
This allows the earthing of busbars at designated incoming or feeder cubicles.
Modified interlocking allows the circuit breaker to be placed in the Service
position with the circuit earth switch closed. Closing the circuit breaker then
earths the corresponding busbar. This facility is normally padlocked,
only allowing the earthing of the circuit when the circuit breaker module is in
the Isolated position.
 AIR-INSULATED SWITCHGEAR VISAX 04

Technical characteristics

Rated voltage (kV) 12 17.5 24

Rated withstand voltage
50/60 Hz - 1 min kV rms 28 38 50
Full wave impulse kV peak 75 95 125
Maximum rated current
Cubicle A 2500* 2500* 2500*
Busbar A 2500* 2500* 2500*
Rated short time withstand current
Rms Value kA3s 16/25 16/25 16/25
Peak Value kAp 40/63 40/63 40/63
Breaking capacity kA 16/25 16/25 16/25
Internal Arc Classification kA1s 25 25 25
Degree of housing protection kA1s IP3X IP3X IP3X
Approximate weight of a cubicle without voltage transformer (kg) kg 500 550 600
Loss of Service Continuity
VISAX LSC 2B PI
VISAX-S LSC 2A PM
Dimensions 12 17.5 24
Width mm
Feeder ( 1250A) 650 650 800
Bus coupler (1250A/2500A) 1300/1550 1300/1550 1600/1900
Height mm 2150 2150 2450
Depth (16-25kA) mm 1260 1420 1550

Products-VISAX_EN 2011 Schneider Electric. All rights reserved.

Schneider Electric Industries SAS

Head Office As standards, specifications and designs change from time to time, please ask for confirmation
35, rue Joseph Monier of the information given in this publication.
CS 30323
92506 Rueil-Malmaison This document has been
www.schneider-electric.com printed on ecological paper.

Publishing: SYNTHESEECA, Schneider Electric.

Photos: Schneider Electric
NRJED311035EN
09/2011