Real-life applications of circuit breakers in Russia, modernization of electrical grids, operation in extremely cold conditions, industrial, nuclear and military applications, impact on combat operations
1. Main electrical networks: mass replacement of obsolete switches (2025–2026)
1.1 Replacement of old oil circuit breakers with 110 kV SF6 circuit breakers at substations (end 2024 – 2025)
At the Promzona-1 substation in the Leningrad regionRosseti Lenenergocarried out a complete replacement of Soviet oil switches with domestic SF6 switchesVGT-110.
Benefits: faster shutdown, fire safety, long service life, low noise, no maintenance required.
Result: The reliability of power supply to settlements and industrial zones of the Gatchina region has been significantly increased.
All-Russian trend:
- Vacuum circuit breakers 10–35 kV and SF6 circuit breakers 110 kV are becomingstandard equipment.
- Old oil and low oil circuit breakers must bemandatory replacementas part of the modernization program for 2026–2030.
1.2 Introduction of 750 kV ultra-high-voltage circuit breakers into main networks (successful tests, April 2026)
All-Russian Research Institute of Electrical EngineeringVEIcompleted high-voltage tests of the first domestic 750 kV circuit breaker in dry mode.
Future Application: use in ultra-high-voltage backbone networks of 750 kV in Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Ural industrial region to increase the stability of power supply to large cities.