VACUUM CONTACTORS

ConVac: Reliable and flexible solution for industries, utility, service-providers and marine sectors

The motor and capacitor switching solution

ABB’s medium voltage contactors are suitable for controlling electrical loads of motors, transformers and capacitor banks. Thanks to the breaking technology with vacuum interrupters, ABB’s medium voltage contactors can operate in particularly difficult environments from -30°C up to 55°C.  

ABB’s medium voltage contactors are available for original equipment manufacturers (OEM), panel builders and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPCs) and end users to incorporate in their own installations or for use in repair, retrofit and upgrade projects. 

ABB supports customers and partners in staying ahead of increasing electrification needs, technology, and regulatory changes, providing the power to adapt to a rapidly evolving energy landscape. 

 

 

CUSTOMER BENEFITS

Maximize your result

<ul> <li>Easy to install and customize</li> <li>All electrical connections are plug-and socket with integrated terminal box saving up to 40% of wiring time</li> <li>Plug-in accessories to reduce the customization time up to 80%&nbsp;</li> </ul>

Optimize logistic

<ul> <li>One single freestanding unit conforming to IEC, UL and CSA standards at 7.2 kV 400 A</li> <li>Plug-in accessories to reduce the customization time up to 80%, which are also common for 7.2 and 12 kV units&nbsp;</li> </ul>

Optimize investments

<ul> <li>Freestanding units allow panel design optimization and lower development efforts thanks to:&nbsp;common platform between ConVac 7 400 A and ConVac 12 - same fixing and terminals position&nbsp;&nbsp;flexible installation position&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Draw-out units provided with a full range of accessories, including units self-supplied by an on-board VT&nbsp;</li> </ul>

ABB'S PORTFOLIO FOR VACUUM CONTACTORS

  1. About ConVac

    ConVac is ABB’s medium voltage vacuum contactor platform up to 12 kV. If equipped with the correct fuses, ConVac can also guarantee protection with a fault level up to 50 kA. ConVac is suitable for applications that require a high number of operations and/or a very high switching frequency, such as: 

    • Three-phase motors AC-3 or AC-4 class according to IEC standards and E1 and E2 class according UL/CSA standard (7.2 kV freestanding only)
    • Capacitors: single and back-to-back application according to IEC 62271-106 and IEEE C39.09a 
    • Transformers: small footprint, flexible and user-friendly solution for switching. 

  2. Technical features

    • Rated voltage: up to 12 kV
    • Rated current: up to 400 A
    • Rated short circuit current:
      up to 6 kA unfused;
      50 kA with SCPD (normal fuses)

  3. Benefits

    • Fast answer to customer change in specification
    • Flexible installation and easy connections
    • Easy to customize, reduce up to 80% customization time
    • Reduced engineering needs
    • Optimized panel dimensions and cost
    • Operative in extreme conditions

  4. Applications

    • Industrial facilities (manufacturing, processing plants)
    • Utilities (power generation and distribution)
    • Service-providing sectors (e.g., data centers, hospitals)
    • Shipbuilding and marine applications
    • Renewable energy installations
    • Mining and metallurgy
    • Oil & gas and chemical industries

  5. Learn more

    Leaflet

  6. eConfigure Devices

    Configure your vacuum contactor

Product scope

 

ConVac

 

 

IEC 

 

 

 

UL/CSA standards

 

 

 

Rated voltage 

 

 

up to 12 kV 

 

 

up to 7.2 kV 

 

 

Rated current

 

 

up to 400 A 

 

 

up to 400-800 A 

 

 

Rated short circuit current 

 

 

up to 6 kA unfused; 50 kA with fuses 

 

 

up to 6-12.5 kA unfused; 50 kA with fuses 

 

 

Technology 

 

 

Vacuum 

 

 

Vacuum 

 

 

Operating mechanism 

 

 

Electrical or mechanical latching 

 

 

Electrical or mechanical latching 

 

 

Mechanical operations 

 

 

1 million cycles 

 

 

1 million cycles 

 

 

Standards 

 

 

IEC 62271-106 

 

 

UL 347 and CSA C22.2 

 

 

Industries 

 

 

Industry, utility, service-providers and marine 

 

 

Industry, utility, service-providers 

 

EXPLORE DIGITAL TOOLS & PRODUCT CONFIGURATORS

Partner Hub

Learning

A digital platform that provides training materials, tutorials, and courses to help you build expertise in ABB products and solutions. Accessible resources support continuous learning, professional development, staying current with the latest innovations, and advancing your professional skills.

DOCweb

The ABB online tool for designing electrical MV-LV networks faster and smarter, with real-time calculations, intelligent product selection, automated compliance checks, and instant generation of complete technical documentation, all in just a few clicks.

Product configurators

The online tools that make selecting and customizing ABB Medium Voltage products easier, helping you quickly find the best-fit solution for your technical and application needs, while reducing errors and saving time.

QR Code

Instantly access product details, documentation, and support by scanning a QR code on your delivered good or searching for it on our web portal, making it faster and easier to get the information you need, right when you need it.

The ABB web portal that connects end users, customers, and partners to product information, configuration tools, training, and expert support, all in one place to simplify collaboration and accelerate projects. It provides a complete end-to-end self-service journey, from design to order placement.

 

EXPORE OUR TOOLS

Assignment Application Description
Product information 3D eCatalogue A visual tool that allows you to explore ABB medium-voltage switchgear in immersive 3D, configure solutions visually, and make informed decisions with instant access to technical details and application insights.
Product information Learning A digital platform that provides training materials, tutorials, and courses to help you build expertise in ABB products and solutions. Accessible resources support continuous learning, professional development, staying current with the latest innovations, and advancing your professional skills.
Configure a product MV switchgear configurator The product tool that enables you to create your single-line diagram (SLD), define switchgear configuration details, and instantly access comprehensive technical documentation, making project design and completion faster and more reliable.
Configure a product MV devices configurator The user-friendly online tool for selecting and configuring ABB Medium Voltage devices (circuit breakers, contactors, ...) with ease and accuracy, helping you customize solutions to fit your specific technical needs.
Configure a product Relays Online The digital platform that offers quick access to ABB protection relay tools, product data, technical documentation, and configuration services, streamlining selection, ordering, and support for Medium Voltage solutions.
Design network/BIM DOCweb The ABB online tool for designing electrical MV-LV networks faster and smarter, with real-time calculations, intelligent product selection, automated compliance checks, and instant generation of complete technical documentation, all in just a few clicks.
Design network/BIM BIMagic The design tool that simplifies the creation and management of Building Information Modeling (BIM) objects for ABB medium-voltage switchgear, streamlining project planning, integration, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A vacuum contactor is a mechanical switching component capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal circuit conditions including operating overload conditions. Contactors are not capable of switching and withstanding short-circuit currents and must therefore be adequately protected. ABB ConVac vacuum contactor has a stable hold position (open position). 

Contactors differ from the other switching component categories as they normally have a stable hold position (open position) while the alternative position (closed position) is maintained by an auxiliary power supply or, in certain cases, by a mechanical latch. Since contactors are not meant for short-circuit current interruption, they are able to provide a very high number of mechanical and electrical operating sequences to be engineered. 

Thanks to the optimized structure and the high reliability of our solutions, ABB’s ConVac is characterized by a long service lifetime with limited interventions aiming to ensure trouble-free operation of the apparatus for the longest possible time. During the entire service life, ConVac needs very limited maintenance, and the vacuum interrupters are maintenance free.

ConVac has flexible installation positions. Multiple installations are possible depending on the application needs, such as forward or backward wiring easier for main circuit design and set up, and optimized connection routes to use less material.