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Presentation (Three-phase SF6 device) :

The Rollarc contactor is a three-phase indoor device which uses sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) for insulation and breaking
The basic version is made up of three pole-units installed in the same insulating enclosure.
The insulating enclosure containing the active parts of these pole-units is filled with SF6 gas at a gauge pressure of 2.5
bars.

Field of application
For control and protection of :
medium voltage motors,
capacitor banks,
power transformers.

Main advantages (reliable, proven, dependable device):


high mechanical and electrical endurance (at least 100 000 switching operations),
maintenance-free active parts,
insensitive to the environment,
proven device (xxx0000 rollarc contactors installed throughout the world), modern, proven breaking technique featuring
SF6 safety,
gas pressure may be permanently monitored by a pressure switch.

Schneider Electric - 7/02/00

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Electrical caracteristics
The performance levels achieved meet IEC 60-470
and IEC 60-420 standards.
The rollarc contactor also meets BS, VDE and NEMA standards.
These performance levels apply to both R400 and R400D type contactors.
Reminder of the way each type of contactor works:
R400 : device is held closed by supplying power to electro-magnetic coils.
R400D : device equipped with a mechanical latching device which holds the contactor in the closed position without a
continuous power supply.
N.B.: the performance levels of the contactor are enhanced when it is combined with fuses (see technical
documentation AC0226 3 in French or AC0226 3E in English).

Schneider Electric - 7/02/00

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Rollarc contactors R400 et R400D are available in three versions :


Basic version :
Contactor alone, without the cradle.
Fixed version:
contactor mounted on a fixed cradle and equipped with control auxiliaries and a withdrawable low voltage connector.
Fuse holders are an option.
Withdrawable version :
contactor mounted on a withdrawable cradle and equipped with control auxiliaries and with a withdrawable low voltage
connector. Fuse holders are an option.
N.B. : The rollarc contactor can also be installed in Merlin-Gerin MCset and SM6 type equipment (please refer to these
cubicles' specific offers).

Schneider Electric - 7/02/00

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The rotating arc principle :


Cooling and breaking of the arc is achieved by moving it in the gas.
The rotation of the arc between circular contacts results from the application of Laplace's law: when a current passes
through a conductor placed in a magnetic field, the conductor is subjected to a force which tries to move it.

Advantages :
The rotation of the arc gives even wear across the whole contact surface.
The breaking energy depends on the electrical arc to be broken.
The greater the current to be broken, the greater the force of motion of the arc (and therefore the greater the breaking
energy).
This technique is entirely suited to breaking a motor because it does not cause surging.

Schneider Electric - 7/02/00

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Rollarc operation:
- Rollarc comprises three poles and an electromagnet to control the power section mechanism.
Each pole is composed of :
- a main circuit comprising a fixed and moving contact
- a breaking circuit comprising a fixed arcing contact and a moving arcing contact forming two circular paths
A puffer coil is mounted in series in this circuit.
The main circuit, providing a constant current flow, is distinct from the breaking circuit that is subjected to arcing.
- a cinematic chain transmitting the energy from the control mechanism to the moving contacts.

Electrical endurance
The R400D contactor (with mechanical latching) can perform up to 100000 switching cycles.
The R400 contactor (without mechanical latching) can perform up to 300000 switching cycles.

Schneider Electric - 7/02/00

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