Outdoor distribution · 12 kV switching

ZW32-12Outdoor vacuum circuit breaker

Three-quarter view of the ZW32-12 integral-disconnector arrangement. — Images show an integral-disconnector arrangement. Check the selected equipment layout against the approved order drawing.

Front view of the ZW32-12 integral-disconnector arrangement. — Images show an integral-disconnector arrangement. Check the selected equipment layout against the approved order drawing.

An outdoor vacuum circuit breaker for 12 kV, three-phase 50 Hz distribution networks. Choose manual or motor operation, an optional integral disconnector, or a ZW32Z arrangement with the required controller and operating mechanism.

Rated voltage: 12 kV
Current options: 630 / 1,250 A
Short-circuit duty: 20 kA
Rated frequency: 50 Hz
Operation: Manual / motor
Integral disconnector: Optional

Detailed ratings below cover the 630 A / 20 kA breaker. Confirm the rating schedule for 1250 A arrangements and the controller package for intelligent models.

View ratings and model options

Discuss a ZW32-12 configuration Open product manual

ZW32-12 technical specifications.

Choose the current, operation, mechanism and integral disconnector, then specify the complete model code and control supply. All model combinations listed below are rated 12 kV / 20 kA.

Model combinations

12 kV / 20 kA order options
Model code	Rated voltage	Current / breaking duty	Operation / mechanism	Integral disconnector
ZW32-12/630-20	12 kV	630 A / 20 kA	Manual · Spring	Without
ZW32-12G/630-20	12 kV	630 A / 20 kA	Manual · Spring	With
ZW32-12/630-20	12 kV	630 A / 20 kA	Electric · Spring	Without
ZW32-12G/630-20	12 kV	630 A / 20 kA	Electric · Spring	With
ZW32-12/1250-20	12 kV	1250 A / 20 kA	Manual · Spring	Without
ZW32-12G/1250-20	12 kV	1250 A / 20 kA	Manual · Spring	With
ZW32-12/1250-20	12 kV	1250 A / 20 kA	Electric · Spring	Without
ZW32-12G/1250-20	12 kV	1250 A / 20 kA	Electric · Spring	With
ZW32Z-12/630-20	12 kV	630 A / 20 kA	Intelligent · Spring	Without
ZW32Z-12G/630-20	12 kV	630 A / 20 kA	Intelligent · Spring	With
ZW32Z-12/630-20Y	12 kV	630 A / 20 kA	Intelligent · Permanent magnet	Without
ZW32Z-12G/630-20Y	12 kV	630 A / 20 kA	Intelligent · Permanent magnet	With

The Y suffix identifies a permanent-magnet mechanism. Intelligent ZW32Z arrangements require a matching controller and protection specification.

Electrical ratings

Breaker ratings — 630 A / 20 kA
No.	Item	Unit	Value
01	Rated voltage	kV	12
02	Rated frequency	Hz	50
03	Rated current	A	630
04	Rated short-circuit breaking current	kA	20
05	Rated short-circuit making current, peak	kA	50
06	Rated peak withstand current	kA	50
07	4 s rated short-time withstand current	kA	20
08	1 min power-frequency withstand voltage	kV	42 phase-to-earth / phase-to-phase; 48 across open contacts
09	Lightning-impulse withstand voltage, peak	kV	75 phase-to-earth / phase-to-phase; 85 across open contacts
10	Rated operating sequence	—	O–0.3 s–CO–180 s–CO
11	Short-circuit breaking operations	operations	30
12	Mechanical endurance	operations	10,000
13	Secondary circuit 1 min withstand voltage	V	2,000
14	Closing time	ms	30–60
15	Opening time	ms	20–40

Detailed values cover the 630 A / 20 kA breaker. For G arrangements, use the separate integral-disconnector schedule below and confirm the complete assembly insulation ratings. Confirm a separate schedule for 1250 A, intelligent or permanent-magnet variants.

Mechanical characteristics

Breaker mechanical characteristics
No.	Item	Unit	Value
01	Contact opening distance	mm	9 ± 1
02	Contact overtravel	mm	2 ± 0.5
03	Phase-center distance	mm	340 ± 1.5
04	Contact closing bounce	ms	≤ 2
05	Three-phase opening/closing synchronism	ms	≤ 2
06	Average opening speed	m/s	1.2 ± 0.3
07	Average closing speed	m/s	0.6 ± 0.2
08	Per-phase conductive-circuit resistance	µΩ	≤ 80 without isolator; ≤ 150 with isolator

Control supply and mass

Motor, operating supply and assembly mass
No.	Item	Unit	Value
01	Energy-storage motor rated power	W	40
02	Energy-storage motor rated voltage	V	DC 110 / 220
03	Closing and opening operation voltage	V	DC 110 / 220; AC 220
04	Motor energy-storage time	s	≤ 8
05	Mass	kg	85 without isolator; 125 with isolator

Select motor and opening/closing supply together with the final control circuit.

Integral-disconnector arrangement

G arrangement — 630 A / 20 kA
No.	Item	Unit	Value
01	Rated voltage (G model)	kV	12
02	Rated current (G model)	A	630
03	Rated frequency (G model)	Hz	50
04	4 s rated short-time withstand current (G model)	kA	20
05	Rated peak withstand current (G model)	kA	50
06	Power-frequency withstand, phase-to-earth / phase-to-phase / breaker open contacts (G model)	kV	42
07	Power-frequency withstand voltage across open isolator gap (G model)	kV	48
08	Circuit resistance from breaker terminal to isolator incoming terminal (G model)	µΩ	≤ 150
09	Three-phase closing-position deviation (G model)	mm	≤ 2
10	Three-phase opening/closing synchronism deviation (G model)	mm	≤ 2
11	Live-part-to-earth clearance (G model)	mm	≥ 160
12	Integral-isolator open distance (G model)	mm	≥ 200
13	Mass with integral isolator (G model)	kg	125

The 42 kV value covers the listed phase-to-earth, phase-to-phase and breaker-contact insulation duties; 48 kV applies across the open isolator gap. Confirm the selected assembly insulation schedule and mechanical clearances before installation.

Service conditions

Normal service conditions
No.	Item	Unit	Value
01	Ambient temperature	°C	−40 to +40
02	Pollution class	class	IV or lower
03	Altitude	m	≤ 1,000
04	Wind pressure	Pa	≤ 700 (approx. 34 m/s)
05	Seismic intensity	—	≤ 8
06	Excluded service conditions	—	Fire, explosion, chemically corrosive environments, or frequent severe vibration

Installations outside these conditions require an agreed specification.

Mounting and control options.

Choose the installation layout, operating mechanism and control package. Specify the complete model code, CT/PT arrangement and supply for the equipment ordered.

Installation interfaces

Arrangement	Mechanical / primary	Control / interlock
Pole support	No mounting bracket is standard. Choose a single-pole or double-pole bracket when required and specify pole spacing.	Check bracket spacing and conductor positions against the installation drawing.
Integrated isolator	Standard: none. Choose single; intelligent models can use double for dual supply or one-in/two-out. The G model includes an isolator.	State circuit layout and isolator count; confirm switching sequence and interlocks on the schematic.
Insulating covers	None or inlet/outlet insulating covers; add the isolator cover when fitted.	Specify the cover set and verify clearances on the final drawing.

Operation and control

Operating method: Manual, electric, or manual closing/electric opening. Manual is standard for manual/electric models.
Operating voltage: Manual/electric control: 110 V, 220 V or another specified voltage, with the required AC/DC circuit. The charging motor uses DC 110 / 220 V. Electric supply is not applicable to manual-only operation.
Mechanism: Spring is standard for manual/electric models. Permanent-magnet models are separate variants; confirm the mechanism and manual closing provision for the selected assembly.
Controller and enclosure: Manual/electric: standard inrush-current controller with overcurrent/short-circuit trip protection, or no controller.
Intelligent: stainless-steel enclosure or an insulating bell-type enclosure; mounting bracket optional.
Protection and communications: Zero-sequence protection: independent or synthesized from 3 CTs; synthesized protection is standard for intelligent models. Communications: none as standard, or SMS/GSM, GPRS or remote access with software. A backup battery is optional and omitted as standard. Confirm protection functions and communications compatibility for the selected controller.

Sensing and auxiliary options

Current transformers: Manual/electric: 0 CTs (no protection) or 2 CTs, usually phases A/C.
Intelligent: 2 CTs (no B-phase CT or synthesized zero-sequence current) or 3 CTs (standard; supports synthesized zero-sequence current).
CT ratio and accuracy: 200/5, 400/5 or 600/5; accuracy 10P10.
Voltage transformers (PT): Manual/electric: none as standard or one single-phase PT.
Intelligent: none, one or two single-phase PTs, or one three-phase five-column combined PT. The standard selection is one single-phase PT, 10 kV / 220 V. Confirm the actual supply and PT arrangement with the selected controller.
Additional functions: Optional prepayment trip, CT secondary open-circuit protection, metering, zero-sequence voltage or SOG. These functions are omitted as standard; specify the required function and confirm its controller and terminal behavior.

For a quotation, include the model code/rating, pole support and spacing, isolator layout, operating supply, CT/PT choices and required control functions. Confirm final dimensions and wiring on approved drawings.

Outline and secondary circuits.

Check the standalone breaker dimensions and the standard manual or electric secondary circuits. Match the complete assembly, pole bracket, isolator and control package to the approved order drawings.

Choose a drawing

Outline and dimensionsStandalone breaker without integral isolator Secondary circuitsManual and electric operation examples

Standalone breaker dimensions

Without an integral isolator. Dimensions are in mm; confirm bracket and isolator clearances for the complete installation.

ZW32-12 standalone breaker without integral isolator: side and front outlines, dimensions in mm, and numbered component callouts 1–14. — 700 mm height; 920 mm overall length; 392 mm side width; 340 mm phase spacing; 160 mm marked base span.
Open full-size drawing Open manual at PDF page 7

Numbered components

Upper terminal
Vacuum interrupter
Insulating tube
Lower terminal
Conductive clamp
Flexible connector
Insulating pull rod
Contact-pressure spring
Opening spring
Drive connecting plate
Mechanism output shaft
Operating mechanism
Mechanism box
Current transformer

Secondary circuits

Standard manual or electric arrangements. Intelligent, permanent-magnet and capacitor-powered models require their own terminal schedules.

Secondary circuit drawing

Electric · operating principleElectric · terminal connectionsManual · terminal connectionsManual · circuit principle

Electric operation · circuit principle

Current protection, trip, closing, spring charging, auxiliary signals and stored-energy signals for electric operation.

ZW32-12 electric secondary circuit principle, with component codes, terminal numbers and CT protection connections. — Use the selected model’s approved terminal schedule and control supply before making connections.
Open full-size drawing Open manual at PDF page 11

Electric operation · terminal connections

Terminal board and A-phase/C-phase CT taps. Factory connections use the lowest CT ratio; confirm the required ratio and jumper positions on the approved wiring schedule.

ZW32-12 electric secondary terminal connections, with component codes, terminal numbers and CT protection connections. — Use the selected model’s approved terminal schedule and control supply before making connections.
Open full-size drawing Open manual at PDF page 12

Manual operation · terminal connections

A-phase/C-phase CTs, the overcurrent coil and the inrush-current suppressor for manual operation.

ZW32-12 manual secondary terminal connections, with component codes, terminal numbers and CT protection connections. — Use the selected model’s approved terminal schedule and control supply before making connections.
Open full-size drawing Open manual at PDF page 13

Manual operation · circuit principle

Manual-operation terminal schedule and CT ratio links. Confirm terminal assignments and jumper positions for the selected CT ratio.

ZW32-12 manual secondary circuit principle, with component codes, terminal numbers and CT protection connections. — Use the selected model’s approved terminal schedule and control supply before making connections.
Open full-size drawing Open manual at PDF page 14

Confirm the operating supply, CT ratio and terminal schedule for the ordered assembly. Separate CAD files are not included in these downloads.

Manual, selection forms and test reports.

Use the manual and the appropriate selection form to specify the assembly. Test reports identify the sample and control package tested.

Available · PDF · 16 pages

ZW32(Z)-12(G) installation and operation manual

Model coding, ratings, service conditions, operation, dimensions and standard secondary circuits. Match the selected model and assembly before installation.

Open manual PDF

Available · DOC

Standard manual / electric selection form

Specify the pole bracket, isolator, mechanism, CT/PT arrangement, operating supply and inrush-current controller for standard ZW32-12 models.

Download form

Available · DOC

Intelligent ZW32Z-12 selection form

Specify CT/PT arrangement, zero-sequence protection, controller enclosure, communications, optional functions and backup battery for intelligent models.

Download form

Available · PDF · 259 pages

ZW32-12(G)/630-25 type-test report · 2022

Report 22133K40631, dated 28 June 2022, lists 19 test categories for two ZW32-12(G)/630-25 samples, including insulation, short-time withstand, interruption, endurance, temperature rise, ingress protection and EMC. The 630 A / 25 kA sample arrangement must be matched separately to a 20 kA or 1250 A assembly. Laboratory accreditation appendices describe the laboratory, rather than a separate product certification.

Open test report

Available · PDF · 182 pages

ZW32-12/630-25 capacitor-powered type-test report · 2024

Report 24133K41374, dated 12 November 2024, lists 23 test categories for two 630 A / 25 kA capacitor-powered primary/secondary integrated samples, including the specified power-supply conditions, IP67, insulation, interruption and 12000-operation breaker mechanical tests. The scope applies to that control and power-supply arrangement, rather than every ZW32 configuration.

Open test report

Restricted access · 2024

ZW32-12(G)/630-25 + WY-STC3300 system test report

Commissioned report CEPRI-SY4-2024-808, dated 15 October 2024, addresses the named ZW32-12(G)/630-25 breaker and WY-STC3300 feeder terminal together. It is available for eligible power-industry procurement or qualification review, subject to the report’s use conditions. Specify the project, complete assembly and controller when requesting access.

Request report access

See Liqiang manufacturing and inspection activities. Model reports and factory inspection records serve different purposes; match the required documents to the proposed equipment.

Price & quotation.

Configuration · ZW32-12G/630-20

ZW32-12G/630-20 outdoor vacuum circuit breaker

Price reference for the specified ZW32-12G/630-20 configuration. Controller, PT/CT, communications and mounting accessories must be specified in the quotation; no complete automation package is implied.

Rated voltage: 12 kV
Rated current: 630 A
Short-circuit breaking current: 20 kA
Arrangement: G disconnector version

View configuration image

Price range

USD 690–695 / set

USD per complete three-phase set. Minimum order: 1 set. USD 695 per set for 1–9 sets; USD 690 per set for 10+ sets. Shipping and taxes are excluded. Other configurations and accessories require a separate quotation. Confirm the specification and final quotation before ordering.

The range reflects order-quantity tiers for this configuration; it does not cover every option in the series.

Discuss a ZW32-12 configuration

Quantity pricing

Published quantity tiers for this configuration
Quantity (sets)	Price per set
1–9	USD 695
10+	USD 690

ZW32-12 selection questions.

Answers about ratings, control supplies, isolators, wiring and product files.

01Which ratings and mechanisms can I specify?

The model matrix includes 630 A and 1250 A manual/electric spring versions and 630 A intelligent spring or permanent-magnet versions, at 12 kV / 20 kA. The detailed electrical table covers 630 A / 20 kA; confirm the complete rating schedule for another assembly. See the model codes and ratings.

02Which control and motor voltages should I specify?

The standard operating schedule lists DC 110/220 V or AC 220 V for opening/closing, and DC 110/220 V for the charging motor. Confirm any other supply against the approved order circuit. Match both circuits to the selected mechanism; intelligent and permanent-magnet packages require their own agreed supply and wiring schedule. See the mechanism and control options.

03Which CT arrangement should I select?

Standard manual/electric versions offer no CTs or two CTs, usually on phases A/C. Intelligent versions offer two CTs without B-phase measurement or synthesized zero-sequence current, or the standard three-CT arrangement with synthesized zero-sequence current. Listed ratios are 200/5, 400/5 and 600/5, class 10P10. Match PTs and protection functions in the configuration requirements.

04Does the G suffix identify an integral isolator?

Yes. The G suffix identifies the isolator-equipped code. The outline shown is the breaker without an integral isolator. Confirm the complete dimensions, pole support and operating access against the approved drawing for your selected assembly. See the outline and circuit drawings.

05Which wiring information is needed for a ZW32-12 controller?

Provide the breaker and controller designations, operating supply, CT/PT connections and required control and indication signals. For an existing installation, include both nameplates and the terminal schedule. Match the controller package to its order-specific schematic, using the secondary-circuit references as a starting point.

06What should I specify for remote control and automatic reclosing?

List the required protection functions, reclosing sequence, lockout behaviour, remote commands and communication interface. Specify the CT/PT arrangement and operating-power requirements with the controller. Select these as a coordinated breaker-and-controller package in the control options, with settings matched to the feeder protection scheme.

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