Vacuum Circuit Breakers vs. Traditional Air & Oil Breakers: Why Degatech Electric Leads the Market

But how does the vacuum circuit breaker compare to older technologies like oil circuit breakers (OCB) and air circuit breakers (ACB)? And why are companies around the world increasingly choosing vacuum-based solutions from manufacturers like Degatech Electric?

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, advantages, and use cases of vacuum circuit breakers, and explain why Degatech Electric is your ideal partner for high-performance MV protection equipment.

What is a Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB)?

A vacuum circuit breaker is an electrical switching device that uses a vacuum-sealed interrupter chamber to extinguish electrical arcs when breaking the circuit. Inside the chamber, the lack of air or other mediums allows the arc to be extinguished almost instantly, making VCBs incredibly fast, reliable, and durable.

Key features of VCBs include:

Arc quenching in a high dielectric vacuum environment
Minimal wear and tear on contacts
Compact and lightweight design
Safe operation with no risk of fire or explosion
Environmentally friendly (no gases or oils used)

Vacuum Circuit Breakers vs. Traditional Technologies

Feature	Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB)	Air Circuit Breaker (ACB)	Oil Circuit Breaker (OCB)
Arc Quenching Medium	Vacuum	Air	Insulating Oil
Maintenance Requirement	Very Low	Moderate	High
Fire/Explosion Risk	None	Possible	High
Environmental Impact	Minimal	Moderate	High (oil contamination)
Lifespan & Durability	Long (20,000+ operations)	Moderate	Shorter
Footprint	Compact	Large	Bulky
Typical Use Case	Medium Voltage (1–36kV)	Low & Medium Voltage	Legacy/Industrial Systems

As shown in the table, vacuum circuit breakers outperform traditional technologies in nearly every category — especially in terms of safety, maintenance, environmental impact, and longevity.

Why Choose Degatech Electric for Your VCB Needs?

Degatech Electric is a professional medium voltage switchgear and vacuum circuit breaker manufacturer based in China, with years of experience designing and exporting high-reliability electrical equipment for global markets.

Here’s why they are a preferred supplier:

✅ High-Quality Manufacturing

All VCBs are built using premium materials, precision engineering, and strict quality control processes in compliance with IEC 62271-100, GB 1984, and other international standards.

✅ Customization Options

Degatech Electric provides bespoke VCB solutions including different rated currents, breaking capacities, control mechanisms, and mounting configurations to match project requirements.

✅ Global Export Experience

With a strong presence in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, Degatech Electric offers reliable logistics, multilingual support, and after-sales services tailored to international clients.

✅ Eco-Friendly & Safe

Since VCBs use no oil or SF₆, they are inherently safer for both personnel and the planet — aligning with modern ESG and sustainability goals.

? View Degatech Electric’s full vacuum circuit breaker catalog here

Applications of Vacuum Circuit Breakers

Vacuum circuit breakers are widely used in:

Industrial power distribution systems
Utility substations & renewable energy plants
Mining & heavy-duty electrical networks
Commercial buildings & infrastructure projects
Smart grid & automation-enabled switchgear

Their versatility, reliability, and low total cost of ownership make them the first choice for engineers and project developers worldwide.

Final Thoughts: Upgrade to Vacuum Technology with Confidence

The choice of circuit breaker technology has a profound impact on the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of your MV electrical system. With their superior performance, minimal maintenance, and environmental benefits, vacuum circuit breakers are the clear winner over legacy oil and air-based systems.

When you’re ready to make the upgrade, trust a manufacturer with proven expertise, global reach, and a commitment to quality — Degatech Electric.

? Explore Degatech Electric’s vacuum circuit breakers now

? Get in touch or request a quote via our official website