MAC-TS4 Vacuum Interrupter Test Set

Vacuum Interrupters Inc. introduces the MAC-TS4 vacuum interrupter tester, the third-generation test set using its patented technology for determining the condition of vacuum interrupters in the field, shop or laboratory.

Until now, the accepted field service test for vacuum interrupters was a simple go/no-go, AC high-potential test. Today, our Magnetic Atmospheric Condition (MAC) test sets can prevent unnecessary damage to your circuit breakers and contactors by predicting the usable life of the vacuum interrupter.

If you’re looking for a meaningful vacuum interrupter test, take a look at the outstanding capabilities of our new MAC-TS4 vacuum interrupter tester (aka vacuum bottle tester), which can be used in the field, shop or laboratory.

Utilising the Penning Discharge Principle, our MAC-TS4 vacuum interrupter test set can easily determine the pressure inside a vacuum interrupter, along with wear and number of operations, and predict the usable life of the vacuum interrupters in your circuit breakers and contactors. Until now, this type of testing could be done only at the assembly plant.

This video explains the theory and science behind vacuum interrupter testing with the MAC-TS4 test set.

Here is a link to an operational demonstration video showing the setup and testing of vacuum interrupters using the MAC-TS4 test set.

Flexible Magnetic Field Test Coils
Flexible magnetic field test coils are available for testing vacuum interrupters installed in switchgear, and magnetic field coil test fixtures are available for testing when they are removed.

Our unique, patented, flexible magnetic field test coil enables vacuum bottle interrupters to be tested in place, while installed in your circuit breaker or contactor. The flexible magnetic field test coil is available in various lengths to accommodate most applications and is used in conjunction with the MAC-TS4 vacuum bottle-interrupter tester.

Rigid Magnetic Field Test Coil for GE PowerVac Circuit Breakers
The rigid magnetic field test coil for the MAC-TS4 vacuum interrupter test set allows technicians to test vacuum interrupters in GE PowerVac breakers in place without disassembling.

Used in conjunction with the MAC-TS4 test set, the PowerVac rigid magnetic field test coil slides over the PowerVac pole assembly, allowing the technician to determine the interrupter’s remaining life span without removing the vacuum interrupter.

The portable, rigid magnetic field test coil used in testing vacuum interrupters installed in PowerVac circuit breakers is the first of many breaker-specific coils currently being developed.

Magnetic Field Coil Test Fixtures
For testing of individual vacuum interrupters that have been removed from a circuit breaker or contactor, a magnetic field coil test fixture is used in conjunction with the MAC-TS4 vacuum interrupter test set. Magnetic field coil test fixtures are available in various sizes to accommodate most vacuum interrupters.

Completely Self-Contained
Completely self-contained, the MAC-TS4 comes with everything required to test your vacuum interrupters in the field, shop or lab. It incorporates a high-voltage power supply, a backlit LCD display and a built-in thermal printer and is furnished with a complete set of test leads.

Computer Interface and Windows^®-Based Software Provide Additional Capability
USB connection and included Windows^®-based software allow the technician to control operation of the MAC-TS4 with an external PC, download stored test results and generate test reports.

Technical Documents to Download or View Online

• Predicting the Remaining Life of Vacuum Interrupters in the Field
• Vacuum Interrupter Testing Using Magnetron Atmospheric Condition (MAC) Test Equipment
• Bulletin describing MAC-TS4 Vacuum Interrupter Test Set
• Vacuum Interrupters: Pressure vs. Age