5 
SECTION 2—Description
 
 
2.1—General 
This section contains a description of the PowerVac
®
 vacuum 
circuit breaker. It also describes the functions of the electrical  
and mechanical systems. 
 
2.2—Summary Description 
The PowerVac
®  
vacuum circuit breaker uses sealed vacuum 
power interrupters to establish and interrupt a primary circuit. 
Primary connections to the associated metalclad switchgear are 
made by horizontal bars and disconnect fingers, electrically and 
mechanically connected to the vacuum interrupters. Molded 
interrupter supports, one per phase on a three-phase circuit 
breaker, provide mountings for the primary bars, interrupters, 
current transfer fingers, and heat dissipation fins (where used). 
The operating mechanism provides direct motion at each phase 
location in order to move the movable contact of the vacuum 
interrupters from an open position to a spring-loaded closed 
position and then back to the open position on command. 
 
The ML-20 mechanism is of the stored-energy type and use a 
gear motor to charge a closing spring. During a closing operation, 
the energy stored in the closing spring is used to close the 
vacuum interrupter contacts, compress the wipe springs which 
load the contacts, charge the opening springs, and overcome 
bearing and other friction forces, The energy then stored in the 
wipe springs and opening springs will open the contacts during an 
opening operation. 
 
Closing and opening operations are controlled electrically by the 
metalclad switchgear or remote relaying. Mechanical control is 
provided by manual close and trip buttons on the circuit breaker. 
The closing spring may be manually charged, and a method for 
slow-closing the primary contacts is available. The mechanism will 
operate at the ac or dc voltage indicated on the circuit breaker 
nameplate. 
 
Mechanical and electrical interlocks are provided and are 
described in para 4.2, Interlocks 
 
SECTION 3—Receiving, Handling and Storage 
 
3.1—Receiving 
A.   Equipment Packages 
Every package leaving the factory is plainly marked with the case 
number, requisition number, and customer’s order number. If the 
equipment has been split for shipment, the section numbers of 
the equipment enclosed in each shipping package are identified. 
 
 
 
 NOTE: To avoid loss of any parts when unpacking, the contents  
of each container should be carefully checked against the packing 
list before discarding the packing material. 
 
Contents of each shipping package are listed on the Master 
Packing List. In addition, this list includes the number of the 
shipping crate in which miscellaneous parts needed to install and 
operate equipment (such as hardware, contact lubricant, touch-up 
paint, breaker closing devices, etc.) are located. Normally, such 
devices are packed in a cardboard carton. 
 
B.   Inspecting for Damage 
All equipment leaving the factory is carefully inspected and 
packed by personnel experienced in the proper handling and 
packing of electrical equipment. Upon receipt of any equipment, 
immediately perform a visual inspection to ascertain if any 
damage has been sustained in shipping or if there are any loose 
parts. 
 
C.   Filing a Claim 
If any damage is evident, or indication of rough handling is 
visible, file a claim for damage at once with the transportation 
company and notify the nearest GE Company Sales Office 
immediately. Information on damaged parts, 
part number, case 
number, requisition number, etc., should accompany the claim. 
 
 
3.2—Handling 
When lifting the breaker, use of the specially designed lift truck is 
recommended. If it is necessary to lift the breaker with a hoist use 
four 1/2 inch diameter hooks rated at least 500 pounds each. 
Lifting holes are provided in the four corners of the frame 
members. (See figure 2) Use a spreader wider than the breaker 
to prevent slings from contacting the interrupter supports. 
 
3.3—Storage 
It is recommended that the breaker be put immediately in its 
permanent location. If this is not possible, the following 
precautions must be taken to assure proper breaker storage. 
 
1.  The breaker should be protected against condensation, 
preferably by storing it in a warm dry room of moderate 
temperature such as 40° - 100°F. Circuit breakers for outdoor 
metalclad switchgear should be stored in the equipment only 
when power is available and the heaters are in operation to 
prevent condensation. 
 
2.  The breaker should be stored in a clean location, free from 
corrosive gases or fumes; particular care, for example, 
should be taken to protect the equipment from moisture and 
cement dust, as this combination is present at construction 
sites and has a very corrosive effect on many parts. 
 
3.  Rollers, latches, etc., of the operating mechanism should 
be coated with 0282A2048P009 grease to prevent 
rusting. 
 
If the breaker is stored for any length of time, it should be 
inspected periodically to see that rusting has not started and 
to ensure good mechanical condition. Should the breaker be 
stored under unfavorable atmospheric conditions, it should be 
cleaned and dried out before being placed in service.