XIAOPAI VCB Catalogue
XIAOPAI supplies indoor medium-voltage vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs) for global industrial and utility customers, covering rated voltages of 12 kV, 24 kV and 40.5 kV, with both withdrawable and fixed mounting options. Our VCBs are designed and type-tested to IEC 62271-100, with parallel certification to IEEE C37.04 available for North American projects and to GB 1984 for the China market. This page is the entry point for buyers comparing VCB families; the printable PDF at the bottom contains the full parameter matrix and order code structure.
## What is a vacuum circuit breaker
A vacuum circuit breaker uses a vacuum interrupter as the arc-quenching medium. When the contacts open, the metal vapour arc is extinguished at the first current zero because the vacuum has no ionisable medium to sustain it. The result is a compact, low-maintenance breaker with a long electrical life, no fire risk from oil or SF6, and very fast arc extinction. VCBs are the dominant technology for indoor medium-voltage applications between 12 kV and 40.5 kV, replacing older oil and air-magnetic breakers in most new installations.
## Why choose XIAOPAI VCB
Our VCBs are designed for the export market first. Every rating we offer has been type-tested at an international laboratory to IEC 62271-100, and the routine test on every shipped unit covers mechanical operation, contact resistance, insulation and partial discharge. We supply the full type-test report and routine test report with the unit. Because we also integrate switchgear and substations, our VCBs are pre-matched to our KYN and XGN switchgear panels — you do not have to verify the dimensional and electrical compatibility yourself.
## VCB product line
The standard product line covers three voltage classes: 12 kV (the most common for industrial and commercial switchgear), 24 kV (common in some European and Asian grids), and 40.5 kV (for primary distribution and traction). Within each voltage class we offer two mounting options: withdrawable (for use in metal-clad switchgear panels, with a truck that can be racked in and out for maintenance) and fixed (for use in fixed-mount panels, typically lower cost and smaller footprint). Pole options include single-pole, two-pole and three-pole assemblies; mechanism options include motor-operated spring charge and manual spring charge.
For special applications we supply VCBs matched to our packaged substations, VCBs with synchronising check relays for generator switching, and VCBs with extended creepage housings for high-humidity sites. Each variant is documented in the catalogue PDF; the standard variants are listed in the family summary below.
## Key parameters to specify
The parameters that drive VCB selection, in order of impact, are: rated voltage (12 / 24 / 40.5 kV), rated normal current (typically 630 A to 4000 A), short-circuit breaking capacity (typically 25 kA to 40 kA), short-circuit making current, mechanical life (number of no-load operations), electrical life (number of full-load operations), and the applicable standard. For most export markets the default is IEC 62271-100; for North American projects IEEE C37.04 applies; for the China market GB 1984 applies. We routinely supply dual-standard test reports when the project crosses regions.
Operating sequence, control voltage, type of operating mechanism, and the auxiliary contact count are options that can be added or modified without affecting the type-test scope. The catalogue PDF option list covers each of these.
## Typical applications
Our VCBs are used in industrial plant main distribution, substation primary and secondary switchgear, mining and quarrying feeders, data centre medium-voltage distribution, traction power supply, wind farm collector switchgear, and large infrastructure (airports, hospitals, water treatment). The withdrawable 12 kV VCB is the most common variant — it accounts for the majority of our VCB shipments — and the fixed 40.5 kV VCB is the second most common.
## How to read the catalogue
The catalogue PDF groups VCBs by voltage class, then by rated current and breaking capacity, then by mounting option. Each entry lists the standard scope (type test, routine test, mechanism, secondary wiring, packing for export) and the option list (PT, synchronising relay, special paint, extended creepage). Order codes combine voltage, current, breaking capacity and mounting tags; the order code structure is on the second page of the PDF.
## How to request a quotation
Send us the rated voltage, rated current, short-circuit breaking capacity, mounting option and applicable standard. For a switchgear panel quotation include the panel type (KYN28, XGN, etc.) and the number of panels so we can match the VCB and truck to the panel. We return a first-round quotation within two working days.
## Download the full VCB catalogue
A printable PDF version of the VCB catalogue is available below. The version date is printed on the cover. If you need a revision older than the current one, request it from your account manager.
## Frequently asked questions
**Q: What is the difference between withdrawable and fixed VCB?**
A: A withdrawable VCB is mounted on a truck that can be racked in and out of the switchgear panel for maintenance without opening the panel. A fixed VCB is bolted into the panel and is serviced in place. Withdrawable is the default for most industrial switchgear because maintenance is faster and safer; fixed is used where cost or footprint is the priority.
**Q: Can your VCB be used in generator switching applications?**
A: Yes. We supply VCBs with synchronising check relays and rated for generator switching duty. The type test scope is the same as for utility applications; the option list is what changes. Ask for the generator switching variant when requesting a quotation.
**Q: What is the typical delivery time for a 12 kV VCB?**
A: For a standard 12 kV withdrawable VCB with a 25 kA or 31.5 kA breaking capacity, 15 to 25 days from order confirmation. For 40.5 kV units, non-standard options, or larger quantities, 30 to 45 days. The PDF catalogue lists the standard lead time per family.
RELATED GUIDES --------------- 1. How Does a Vacuum Circuit Breaker Work? 2. VCB Selection Guide 3. Vacuum Circuit Breaker Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right VCB (2026)
