The Watteredge vacuum contact switch is equipped with our proprietary DC Vacuum Contact Module, acting as a high current DC shorting switch that offers safety, reliability and long life.

Our vaccum switch provides superior performance in the harsh environments of electrolytic cell applications, particularly in chlor-alkali and metals refining processes.

The Vacuum Contact Module Advantage

Replacing a conventional contact switch with a Watteredge switch using a custom designed DC vacuum contact module results in a reduction of overall maintenance and energy costs.

Additional savings result from the elimination of lost production time due to emergency shutdowns or reductions in cell current caused by partial or complete failure of conventional air-contact (and other contact switch technologies) in the electrolytic process industry.

 Watteredge Vacuum Contact Module Operating Benefits 

• Longer life than any other configuration available
• Absence of contact corrosion, offering consistently low contact resistance
• No organic seals-the manufacturing process uses high temperature brazed joints
• Elimination of entrapment of foreign material between contacts
• Absence of exposed arcing and flying hot metal
• Operation at higher ambient temperatures without harm to contacts
• Increased facility productivity through near-elimination of downtime or reduced current operation due to faulty switches

Vacuum Contact Module Types

WX-32823 “Standard” Vacuum Contact Module 

This vacuum contact module has been the primary workhorse of Watteredge’s switches, and is normally used in all chlor-alkali mercury cell “fixed” switches, as well as most other non-metals refining applications. Our use of a proprietary alloy in the contact material allows for 6.25kA rating vs. 5.0kA rating for most other VCM designs.

• Rated 6.25kA
• Support Plates constructed of epoxy-coated cold rolled steel

WX-33300 Vacuum Contact Module

Used in metals refining applications where switch will be operated in a ON LOAD below 10 volts. Normally ceramic and diaphragm region is urethane-potted to reduce corrosive activity on metal component.

• Rated 6.25kA
• Uses same contact material as WX-32823
• Constructed of epoxy coated stainless steel support plates

WX-34777 Vacuum Contact Module

Commonly referred to as a “High Energy” vacuum contact module. Contact material utilizes a proprietary alloy to offer good electrical conductivity, but to also limit the effects of high-energy arcing, normally experienced in ON LOAD opening in highly inductive copper-refining bus systems.

• Rated 5.0kA
• Support plates constructed of epoxy-coated stainless steel
• Ceramic and diaphragm region urethane-potted to resist corrosive metal-refining environment

WX-34778 Vacuum Contact Module

This vacuum contact module is solely for use in our matrix portable jumper switch elements. The switch element is water cooled, allowing this VCM to carry between 7.0 and 12.5kA.

The high energy contact material prolongs the life of the VCM as it operates in matrix jumper switch assemblies shorting and opening on currents from 65kA to 170kA.

Our matrix switch designates anywhere from one to four of these VCMs to be in the “sacrificial” position (one of the last contacts to open, taking the brunt of the electrical arc energy).

• Rated 5.0kA
• Support plates are epoxy-coated cold rolled steel
• Normally not potted

Vacuum Contact Modules and Applications

• WX-32823 Chlor-Alkali Cell Switches
• WX-33300 Metals Refining Switches
• WX-34777 Metals Refining Switches
• WX-34778 Matrix Switch Elements