Power and ElectricalVacuum and SF6 Circuit Breakers
Vacuum and sulphur hexafluoride are the two interrupting technologies in general medium and high voltage service, and each fails and is maintained quite differently. This course covers both. Delegates work through the interruption physics of each, construction and operating mechanisms, and the specific maintenance each demands: vacuum integrity testing and contact erosion assessment for one, gas density, moisture and decomposition product handling for the other. The environmental obligations attaching to sulphur hexafluoride receive detailed treatment, including leak management, recovery and reporting. The course closes on condition assessment, life expectancy and the alternatives now entering service.
Course objectives
- Explain the interruption physics of vacuum and gas breakers
- Describe construction and operating mechanisms of each
- Test vacuum integrity and assess contact erosion
- Manage gas density, moisture and decomposition products
- Meet environmental obligations for sulphur hexafluoride handling
- Assess condition and estimate remaining life
- Evaluate the alternative interrupting technologies entering service
Who should attend
- Substation and electrical maintenance engineers
- Testing technicians
- Asset managers in utilities and heavy industry
- Environmental staff managing gas inventories
- Commissioning engineers
Course outline
- 01Interruption physics: vacuum and gas
- 02Construction and operating mechanisms
- 03Vacuum integrity testing and contact erosion
- 04Gas density, moisture and decomposition products
- 05Environmental obligations and gas handling
- 06Leak management, recovery and reporting
- 07Condition assessment and life expectancy
- 08Alternative technologies entering service
Scheduled sessions
| Dates | Venue | Format | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 to 6 November 2026 | Durban, South Africa | Classroom | R14,950 per delegate | |
| 4 to 6 January 2027 | Kampala, Uganda | Classroom | USD 995 per delegate | |
| 20 to 22 January 2027 | Pretoria, South Africa | Classroom | R14,950 per delegate | |
| 15 to 17 February 2027 | Nairobi, Kenya | Classroom | USD 995 per delegate | |
| 17 to 19 March 2027 | Online | Online | R6,500 per delegate |
Vacuum and SF6 Circuit Breakers
From R6,500