GE Industrial Solutions GERAPID 2508, 4008, 5008, 6008 WITH ARC CHUTE 1X2 - Manual (Page 5)

2011-03-14 S47183De rev.01 Design and specifications are subject to change without notice 5
3. Technical information
3.1 Introduction
UL listed type of Gerapid is a DC single pole, high-speed, air
circuit breaker available in either fixed-mounted or drawout
versions. This breaker has been primarily designed for use in
traction applications. The new UL version can be can be used
as a feeder breaker in various other installations, such as
industrial plants (metals industry), as field breakers for motor
and generator field applications, and as disconnects for DC
drives to name a few. Current ratings from 2500 A up to
6000A and voltage ratings up to 800V are available with UL
certification. For different current and voltage ratings please
refer to non UL version of the breaker.
3.1.1 Key features and construction overview.
 UL listed and type tested up to 200 kA acc. ANSI C37.14.
 Fixed and draw-out versions with available OEM cell.
 High speed TRIP with opening delay less 3ms.
 High speed internal, self-powered, direct acting,
instantaneous and adjustable bidirectional OC release .
 High speed electrodynamic impulse release with or without
capacitor and charging unit.
 High speed CLOSE (approx. 150 ms), by means of solenoid
drive with integral control circuit.
 Mechanical forced tripping device for safe withdrawing.
 Shunt trip or zero-voltage release for service opening.
 Up to 8 form C auxiliary contacts.
 Variable main terminal configurations.
 Plug connectors for auxiliary circuits.
 Hand lever for manual actuation.
 Contact Position indication.
 Internal power supply with a wide range of input supply
voltage options.
 2-stage main contact system.
 Compact, enclosed and modular design [Fig. 4] with high
serviceability and extensive accessories.
 Easily accessible control and auxiliary connections
Fig. 4 Modular construction overview
3.2 Components and accessories
3.2.1 Contact system
 All Gerapid breakers are equipped with a two-stage contact
system [Fig. 5], consisting of a main contact and an arcing
contact. With this proven design, the main contact is not
subjected to any appreciable wear or tear.
 The main contact is made of a silver composite material. The
arcing contact and link braid are made of copper and can be
easily replaced.
 The flexible bend is linked to the arcing contact by means of
very tight braid.
Fig. 5 Two -stage contact system
3.2.2 Arc chute
 Compact and modular design of the arc containment system
requires no additional magnetic support and allows small
safety clearances with high breaking capacity up to 200 kA.
 Because of the compact dimensions, these breakers can be
installed in extremely small enclosures (from 500 mm; 1.65 ft)
and offers a cost-effective solution for replacements.
 An arc chute adaptor [Fig.43] is used to mount the various arc
chutes for different operating voltages on the breakers. The
arc chutes consist of a highly durable, arc-proof material, in
which the arc plates have been integrated. The arc plates
split the arc into partial arcs and increase the arcing voltage
by multiplying the anode and cathode voltage drop. Because
of their high heat capacity, the plates and arc chute walls
absorb a large amount of the arc’s energy.
Arcing Contact
Flex
Braid
Flex Band
Arc
Runner
Main Contacts