Download our 2025 Product Catalog for detailed drawings and technical parameters of all switchgear components.
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XBRELE designs and manufactures outdoor ZW20 vacuum circuit breakers for 12 kV medium-voltage power systems, providing reliable protection and automation for overhead distribution networks. ZW20 series can be configured as automatic reclosers for feeder and transformer protection.
The ZW20 vacuum circuit breaker is an outdoor 12 kV switching device for medium-voltage overhead distribution networks. Each ZW20 unit integrates the vacuum interrupter, solid-insulated embedded pole, operating mechanism and current transformers into a compact, fully enclosed body suitable for long-term field operation.
With the embedded pole design, the ZW20 vacuum circuit breaker achieves high insulation level and protects the interrupter from moisture, dust and pollution. Together with a stable spring operating mechanism, it delivers reliable opening and closing performance under frequent switching conditions on distribution feeders.
In standard configuration the ZW20 works as a pole-mounted vacuum circuit breaker. When it is equipped with a suitable controller and sensors, the same ZW20 vacuum circuit breaker can be configured as an automatic recloser for feeder protection and distribution automation on 12 kV networks.
For a broader view of XBRELE’s outdoor vacuum circuit breakers, please visit the vacuum circuit breaker pillar page .
Select the voltage level below to view the corresponding product photo, key electrical ratings, and outline & mounting dimensions for engineering design and selection.
ZW20-12F is an outdoor vacuum recloser for 12kV overhead distribution networks, designed to provide reliable protection and automation. The unit features solid insulation and an embedded pole for enhanced durability and protection.
This recloser integrates a vacuum interrupter and spring operating mechanism, ensuring long-term performance under frequent operations in challenging outdoor environments.
The table below lists the main electrical ratings for ZW20-12F.
Key electrical ratings — ZW20-12F
Values according to the ZW20-12F technical parameter sheet.
| No. | Item | Unit | ZW20-12F |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rated voltage | kV | 12 |
| 2 | Rated current | A | 630 / 1250 |
| 3 | Rated frequency | Hz | 50 |
| 4 | Rated short-circuit breaking current | kA | 20 / 25 |
| 5 | Rated short-circuit closing current (peak) | kA | 50 / 63 |
| 6 | Mechanical life | operations | 10,000 |
| 7 | Rated operating voltage | V | AC/DC220 |
| 8 | Power-frequency withstand voltage (1 min, phase-to-phase) | kV | 34 |
| 9 | Lightning impulse withstand voltage (phase-to-phase) | kV | 75 / 85 |
| 10 | Weight | kg | ≈ 140 |
| 11 | Rated current cut-off times | times | 10,000 |
| 12 | Rated short-circuit breaking times | times | 30 |
| 13 | Power frequency withstand voltage 1 min | kV | 34 |
| 14 | Lightning impulse withstand voltage | kV | 75/85 |
| 15 | Contact spacing | mm | 9 |
| 16 | Contact stroke of contact | mm | 3 |
| 17 | Average opening speed | m/s | 1.2±0.2 |
| 18 | Average closing speed | m/s | 0.6±0.2 |
| 19 | Rated operating voltage | V | AC/DC220 |
| 20 | SF6 gas rated pressure | MPa | 0 |
Outline & mounting dimensions — ZW20-12F
Outline and mounting dimensions for typical ZW20-12F pole-mounted installation.
| Item | Symbol | Value (mm) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall height | H | — | Overall height of breaker assembly |
| Overall width | W | — | Including phase spacing |
| Mounting hole spacing (horizontal) | L1 | — | Base horizontal bolt distance |
| Mounting hole spacing (vertical) | L2 | — | To match cross-arm or steel structure |
| Mounting hole size | Φ | — | Oval or round hole diameter |
ZW20 outdoor vacuum reclosers can be combined with protection relays, CTs/VTs and communication devices to form complete pole-mounted switching and automation solutions for distribution networks.
Build a complete protection scheme around the ZW20 using your preferred relays and instrument transformers.
Flexible operating configurations to match manual, local and remote control requirements.
When combined with suitable controllers, ZW20 breakers can be used in automated distribution systems and smart grid projects.
Behind every ZW20 unit there is a controlled manufacturing flow – from embedded pole casting to routine testing – designed to ensure long-term reliability on harsh outdoor lines.
XBRELE manufactures the vacuum interrupter pole assemblies, operating mechanism and housing in a coordinated process. Each step is monitored and recorded for traceability of every ZW20 unit.
Vacuum interrupters are checked for stroke, over-travel and resistance, then built into the solid pole.
Epoxy insulation is degassed, poured and cured to form a compact embedded pole resistant to tracking.
The spring mechanism is assembled, lubricated and tuned so speeds, timing and bounce meet ZW20 limits.
Poles, CTs, terminals and enclosure parts are combined into a sealed outdoor body with anti-corrosion coating.
Each breaker passes electrical, mechanical and dielectric tests before packing and shipment.
Electrical routine tests verify insulation level and switching performance.
Routine-test records can be supplied with the shipment if required.
FAT / QAP / ITP witness testing can be arranged for utility or EPC projects.
XBRELE supplies ZW20-12F outdoor vacuum reclosers and sectionalizers for utility and EPC projects worldwide, with export-ready packing, flexible lead times and technical support for tender and execution stages.
Standard ZW20-12F configurations can usually be produced within a few weeks after order confirmation and technical clarification.
ZW20-12F reclosers are packed for long-distance sea or land transport, with protection against vibration, moisture and corrosion.
XBRELE can assist panel builders, OEMs and utilities during selection, tender preparation and project execution for ZW20-12F applications.
Below are typical questions from utilities, EPC contractors and distributors when selecting the ZW20 vacuum circuit breaker for 12 kV overhead distribution networks and recloser projects.