XBRELE VCB RFQ Data Sheet: Mandatory Control-Circuit and Interlocking Fields - product environment

VCB RFQ Data Sheet: Mandatory Control-Circuit and Interlocking Fields

Quick Takeaway

  • Confirm the project duty and applicable requirements for VCB before selection or service work.
  • Use recorded inspection and test evidence instead of unsupported assumptions.
  • Keep the final acceptance, maintenance, and handover documents with the equipment record.

A VCB RFQ data sheet should not treat the control circuit as a generic accessory list. For medium-voltage vacuum circuit breakers, the closing coil, trip coils, auxiliary contacts, anti-pumping function, charging motor, blocking contacts, racking interlocks, and switchgear-side interlocks determine whether the breaker can be safely closed, opened, tested, racked, and integrated into the panel logic.

For a clear **vcb rfq control circuit interlocking** specification, the buyer should require suppliers to identify every control-circuit device, every permissive or blocking contact, and every interface between the breaker and the switchgear. The RFQ should not assume that all VCB brands use identical terminal names or interlock arrangements. ABB documentation for VD4X and SecoVac breakers, Schneider guidance for EvoPacT electrical auxiliaries, and Siemens VCB documentation all show that control and interlocking functions are divided across breaker-mounted auxiliaries, releases, motors, anti-pumping circuits, mechanical locks, truck or racking interfaces, and switchgear-side position logic.

XBRELE VCB RFQ Data Sheet: Mandatory Control-Circuit and Interlocking Fields - engineering anatomy

Mandatory Control-Circuit Identification Fields

The RFQ data sheet should require a dedicated control-circuit schedule for the VCB. At minimum, the supplier should state whether each item is included, how it is identified in the schematic, and where it terminates.

RFQ fieldWhat the supplier must declarePor que isso é importante
Closing release / closing coilDevice tag, terminal references, operating command path, and blocking contacts in seriesABB VD4X and SecoVac documentation identify closing releases or closing coils as central control-circuit elements.
Shunt trip release / trip coilQuantity, device tags, terminal references, and trip command pathABB VD4X distinguishes shunt releases, while SecoVac describes trip coils in the control circuit.
Anti-pumping relay or anti-pump functionDevice tag, logic location, and interaction with close commandABB VD4X and SecoVac reference anti-pumping relays; Schneider warns that wiring choices can defeat mechanical anti-pump behavior.
Charging motorMotor terminals, supply path, protection or control contacts, and spring-charged indication interfaceABB VD4X and SecoVac identify the charging motor as part of the breaker control circuit.
Mechanism auxiliary contactsContact quantity, normal state, function, and terminal referencesABB VD4X distinguishes mechanism auxiliary contacts; SecoVac references the 52 auxiliary switch.
Blocking-magnet contactsWhether used, circuit position, and controlled conditionABB VD4X distinguishes blocking-magnet contacts in the breaker control circuit.
Push-button-interlocking auxiliary contactsWhether supplied, contact function, and interaction with local close/open push buttonsABB VD4X identifies push-button-interlocking auxiliary contacts separately from other auxiliary contacts.
Close-block contactContact tag, operating condition, and whether it blocks electrical closingABB SecoVac describes a close-block contact in the closing/interlocking circuit.
Truck, racking, or withdrawable-position interlocksTest/service/disconnect-related contacts or mechanical interfacesABB SecoVac describes optional truck interlock components and racking-related positive and negative trip interlocks.
Switchgear-side interlocksDisconnector, earthing-switch, or panel interlock interfaceSiemens documents VCB interlocking through switchgear-side disconnector or earthing-switch mechanisms.

The RFQ should ask for the supplier’s actual schematic rather than only a brochure statement such as “standard control circuit.” The data sheet should also require the supplier to mark which contacts are breaker-mounted, which are truck-mounted, and which are switchgear-mounted.

Closing Circuit Fields for the RFQ

The closing circuit is the part of the VCB control scheme where RFQ ambiguity most often creates procurement risk. ABB SecoVac documentation describes a closing/interlocking circuit including a closing coil, anti-pumping relay, close-block contact, 52 auxiliary switch, charging motor, trip coils, and optional block and truck interlock components. ABB VD4X documentation also distinguishes closing release, auxiliary contacts, blocking-magnet contacts, push-button-interlocking auxiliary contacts, charging motor, shunt releases, and anti-pumping relay. Review the vacuum circuit breaker options as a practical starting point for matching the required breaker format to the application.

The RFQ should therefore include these closing-circuit fields:

Closing-circuit fieldRequired RFQ entry
Electrical close command sourceLocal, remote, or both, as required by the project
Closing release / coil tagSupplier’s exact device code and schematic reference
Close command contact pathAll contacts in series with the close command, including permissive and blocking contacts
Anti-pumping deviceRelay or mechanism-based function, with schematic location
Close-block contactIncluded or not included, with operating condition
Spring-charged permissiveWhether closing depends on stored-energy or charged-spring indication
Auxiliary switch interactionHow 52 or mechanism contacts are used in the closing path
Push-button interlockingWhether local push-button interlocking contacts are included
Interface do terminalTerminal numbers for customer close command wiring
Supplier drawing requirementComplete elementary diagram and terminal diagram to be submitted with the offer

The data sheet should avoid specifying an undocumented circuit topology. Instead, it should require the supplier to show the actual topology and identify every permissive or blocking element.

XBRELE VCB RFQ Data Sheet: Mandatory Control-Circuit and Interlocking Fields - test measurement

Anti-Pumping and Auxiliary-Contact Rules

Anti-pumping is not just a relay name on a parts list. It is a functional requirement intended to prevent repeated closing attempts under a maintained close command after a trip or failed close sequence. ABB VD4X and SecoVac documentation reference anti-pumping relays in the breaker control circuit, while Schneider EvoPacT guidance adds an important wiring caution: the breaker’s own auxiliary contacts must not be wired in series with the closing release and close contact in a way that defeats the mechanical anti-pump system. Schneider distinguishes that unsafe arrangement from interlocking through auxiliary contacts of other breakers. The VCB ratings and selection guide helps translate the system duty into the breaker data that must be confirmed.

For the RFQ, this means the buyer should include a specific anti-pumping declaration instead of assuming it is standard.

Anti-pumping RFQ fieldRequired declaration
Anti-pumping methodSupplier to identify the relay, mechanism function, or combined arrangement used
Anti-pumping schematic locationSupplier to show the function in the control drawing
Maintained close command behaviorSupplier to describe how repeated closing is prevented
Own auxiliary contact restrictionSupplier to confirm that the breaker’s own auxiliary contacts are not applied in a manner that defeats anti-pumping
Other-breaker interlockingSupplier to identify any interlocking through auxiliary contacts of other breakers, if required by the project
Test referenceSupplier to include anti-pumping verification in the FAT or functional test procedure, if requested

This is a mandatory **vcb rfq control circuit interlocking** field because a formally included anti-pump relay does not, by itself, prove that the final wiring preserves the intended anti-pump behavior.

Trip, Shunt Release, and Racking-Trip Fields

Trip circuits must be documented separately from the closing circuit. ABB VD4X documentation distinguishes shunt releases, while ABB SecoVac documentation describes trip coils in the breaker control circuit. SecoVac also describes racking-related positive and negative trip interlocks, which means a withdrawable VCB RFQ should not treat racking as only a mechanical panel feature.

The RFQ should request these fields:

Trip and racking fieldRequired RFQ entry
Trip coil quantitySupplier to state quantity and device tags
Trip coil terminal referencesSupplier to provide terminal numbers and schematic references
Shunt release identificationSupplier to identify shunt release devices where applicable
Electrical trip command sourcesLocal, remote, protection relay, or other project-defined command sources
Racking-related trip interlockSupplier to state whether positive or negative trip interlocks are included
Truck interlock componentsSupplier to identify optional block or truck interlock components if applicable
Position dependencySupplier to state whether trip or close permissives depend on service, test, or disconnected position
Procedimento de testeSupplier to include functional checks for trip and racking interlock behavior if requested

The RFQ should not impose unverified trip-coil quantities or terminal numbers. It should require the supplier to declare them and provide the actual elementary and terminal drawings.

Mechanical and Electrical Interlock Fields

Siemens documentation describes both electrical and mechanical interlocks for VCBs, including switchgear-side disconnector or earthing-switch interlocking through magnetic lockout mechanisms and position-dependent prevention of mechanical and electrical closing. This evidence is important because an RFQ that asks only for “electrical interlock included” may miss the boundary between the VCB and the switchgear. For witness planning and records, align the evidence with the VCB factory and site acceptance checklist.

The data sheet should divide interlocks into breaker-mounted, truck-mounted, and switchgear-mounted functions.

Interlock categoryMandatory RFQ fields
Breaker-mounted electrical interlocksBlocking magnets, close-block contacts, push-button interlocking contacts, and auxiliary contacts
Breaker-mounted mechanical interlocksMechanical close prevention, local push-button blocking, or mechanism-based lockout functions
Truck or racking interlocksPosition contacts, truck interlock components, and racking-related trip interlocks
Switchgear-side interlocksDisconnector, earthing-switch, panel door, or magnetic lockout interfaces where required
Position-dependent close preventionSupplier to state which positions allow or prevent mechanical and electrical closing
Terminal responsibilitySupplier to define whether contacts terminate on the breaker, truck, or switchgear terminal block
Coordination responsibilitySupplier to identify which interlocks are included in the VCB supply and which are by the panel builder

For VCB procurement, the safest approach is to require a completed interlock matrix. The supplier should mark each condition as close-permissive, close-blocking, trip-initiating, indication-only, or not applicable.

XBRELE VCB RFQ Data Sheet: Mandatory Control-Circuit and Interlocking Fields - application context

Auxiliary Contacts and Indication Fields

Auxiliary contacts are not interchangeable unless their function, normal state, and timing are defined. ABB VD4X documentation distinguishes mechanism auxiliary contacts, blocking-magnet contacts, and push-button-interlocking auxiliary contacts. ABB SecoVac documentation references the 52 auxiliary switch. Schneider guidance also highlights that the breaker’s own auxiliary contacts require careful treatment when used around the closing release and close contact. The ABB VD4X instruction manual is the primary source for the product-specific requirement stated here.

The RFQ should require a contact schedule with these fields:

Auxiliary-contact fieldRequired RFQ entry
Contact identitySupplier’s tag, such as mechanism auxiliary, 52 auxiliary switch, blocking contact, or push-button interlock contact
FunçãoIndication, permissive, blocking, anti-pumping-related, or interlocking-related
Normal state definitionState to be defined against breaker open/closed and, where relevant, truck position
Quantity availableNumber of spare and used contacts to be declared by supplier
Contact locationBreaker, mechanism, truck, or switchgear
Wiring destinationInternal circuit, customer terminal, or switchgear interface
RestrictionsSupplier to state any restrictions on using the contact in the close circuit
Drawing referenceExact schematic line and terminal reference

The RFQ should not only ask for “NO/NC auxiliary contacts.” It should require function-specific contact mapping so that the control scheme cannot be misunderstood during panel engineering.

Suggested RFQ Data-Sheet Table

A practical RFQ table can combine the mandatory control-circuit and interlocking fields into one supplier-completed schedule. The buyer can issue the table with “supplier to complete” entries instead of inserting assumed values.

Não.Data-sheet fieldSupplier response required
1VCB control schematicSubmit complete elementary diagram
2Terminal diagramSubmit customer terminal references
3Closing release / closing coilIdentify tag, terminals, and circuit path
4Shunt release / trip coilIdentify tag, terminals, and command sources
5Anti-pumping relay or functionIdentify method and schematic location
6Charging motorIdentify terminals and control contacts
7Mechanism auxiliary contactsProvide contact schedule and function
852 auxiliary switchIdentify contacts used in trip, close, indication, or interlock circuits
9Blocking-magnet contactsState whether included and what condition they block
10Push-button interlocking auxiliary contactsState whether included and how local operation is affected
11Close-block contactIdentify contact, operating condition, and circuit position
12Own auxiliary contact in close pathConfirm wiring does not defeat anti-pumping behavior
13Other-breaker auxiliary interlockIdentify if interlocking through other breakers is required
14Truck interlock componentsState whether included and provide schematic references
15Racking-related trip interlocksState positive or negative trip interlock arrangement if applicable
16Position-dependent close preventionDefine service, test, disconnected, and racking behavior as applicable
17Disconnector or earthing-switch interlockDefine switchgear-side electrical or mechanical interface
18Magnetic lockout mechanismState whether used for switchgear-side interlocking
19Mechanical closing preventionDefine conditions that physically prevent closing
20Electrical closing preventionDefine contacts or circuits that prevent electrical closing
21FAT functional checksList checks for close, trip, anti-pump, position interlock, and blocking functions
22Scope boundaryDefine what is supplied with the VCB and what is supplied by the switchgear builder

This table keeps the RFQ factual. It asks the VCB supplier to declare actual devices, functions, and drawings instead of forcing a generic control philosophy onto different breaker designs.

XBRELE VCB RFQ Data Sheet: Mandatory Control-Circuit and Interlocking Fields - supply handover

Common RFQ Wording for Control-Circuit and Interlocking Scope

The RFQ can include the following wording:

“The VCB supplier shall provide a complete control-circuit and interlocking data sheet for the offered breaker. The submission shall identify the closing release or closing coil, shunt release or trip coils, anti-pumping relay or anti-pumping function, charging motor, mechanism auxiliary contacts, blocking-magnet contacts, push-button-interlocking auxiliary contacts, close-block contacts, 52 auxiliary switch contacts, truck or racking interlocks, and any switchgear-side interlock interfaces required for disconnector or earthing-switch coordination. The supplier shall provide elementary diagrams, terminal diagrams, and a contact schedule showing the function, location, normal state, and wiring destination of each control or interlock contact. The supplier shall also confirm that the breaker’s own auxiliary contacts are not wired in a manner that defeats the intended anti-pumping function.” Use the VCB operating-failure troubleshooting to separate control-circuit, coil, interlock, and mechanism causes after a failed operation.

This wording stays within documented VCB control-circuit concepts while forcing the offer to expose the details that matter for engineering review.

Perguntas frequentes

What is a VCB RFQ control circuit interlocking data sheet?

A VCB RFQ control circuit interlocking data sheet is a supplier-completed schedule that identifies the breaker’s closing, tripping, anti-pumping, charging, auxiliary-contact, blocking, racking, and switchgear-interlock functions. It should include schematic references, terminal references, contact functions, and scope boundaries so the buyer can verify how the VCB will be controlled and interlocked in the switchgear.

What is the most important anti-pumping field in a VCB RFQ?

The most important field is the supplier’s declaration of how anti-pumping is achieved and how it is protected from incorrect close-circuit wiring. ABB VCB documentation identifies anti-pumping relays as part of the control circuit, and Schneider guidance warns that the breaker’s own auxiliary contacts must not be wired in series with the closing release and close contact in a way that defeats the mechanical anti-pump system.

What is the difference between breaker auxiliary contacts and interlocking contacts?

Breaker auxiliary contacts generally indicate or follow breaker mechanism status, such as the 52 auxiliary switch or mechanism auxiliary contacts. Interlocking contacts are used to permit, block, or coordinate operations such as closing, tripping, push-button operation, racking, disconnector operation, or earthing-switch coordination. Some contacts may appear in the same control drawing, but the RFQ should require the supplier to state each contact’s actual function.

What is a close-block contact in a VCB control circuit?

A close-block contact is a contact used in the closing or interlocking circuit to prevent electrical closing under defined conditions. ABB SecoVac documentation describes a close-block contact together with the closing coil, anti-pumping relay, 52 auxiliary switch, trip coils, charging motor, and optional block and truck interlock components. The RFQ should require the supplier to identify the contact, its operating condition, and its position in the close circuit.

What is position-dependent closing prevention for a VCB?

Position-dependent closing prevention means the VCB can be mechanically or electrically prevented from closing depending on its position or the position of associated switchgear devices. Siemens documentation describes VCB electrical and mechanical interlocks, including disconnector or earthing-switch interlocking through magnetic lockout mechanisms and position-dependent prevention of mechanical and electrical closing. The RFQ should require the supplier to define which positions permit or block closing.

Hannah Zhu, diretora de marketing da XBRELE
Hannah

Hannah é administradora e coordenadora de conteúdo técnico na XBRELE. Ela supervisiona a estrutura do site, a documentação dos produtos e o conteúdo do blog sobre comutadores MV/HV, disjuntores a vácuo, contatores, interruptores e transformadores. Seu foco é fornecer informações claras, confiáveis e fáceis de entender para engenheiros, a fim de ajudar clientes globais a tomar decisões técnicas e de aquisição com confiança.

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