Interchangeability of GE Magnablast 15KV Circuit Breakers with an ML-11 Mechanism and an ML-13 Motor Operated, Spring Charged Mechanism
Electric Control is currently offering an alternate solution for customers needing to rebuild their old MS-11breaker, with purchase of similar interchangeable breakers with updated ML-13 mechanisms you can upgrade your system with a more reliable part.
Benefits and Justification for an ML-13 Operating Mechanism Upgrade
The GE Magnablast circuit breaker was the main air circuit breaker produced by GE for their 5kv and 15kv medium voltage switchgear line. As the country’s largest supplier of switchgear, these breakers were made from approximately 1950-1980. The breaker underwent several model changes as technology advanced.
The original breaker had a solenoid closing mechanism that was very reliable and made for about 10 years. While very stable, the mechanism tended to close very “hard’ and caused wear and tear on the operating mechanisms and other internal parts. As technology advanced this operating mechanism was later improved and replaced by the stored energy motor operated mechanism, which would become a standard in all medium voltage breakers throughout the industry. Introduced approximately in 1960 the ML-11 mechanism was revolutionary at the time, but soon became very unreliable, with most of the problems centering on a clutch mechanism, which when not working, was mostly replaced rather than rebuilt. GE, realizing problems quickly, halted production on this mech type, and learning from earlier mistakes produced the MS-13 mechanism. (It should be noted that the short production run on the ML-11 mech type, made parts very rare and thus costly)
The ML-13 spring charged /motor operated mechanism became the main stay for GE breakers for over 15 years. This breaker was part of a huge increase in our countries manufacturing capabilities -1965-1980. It is reliable, easily repairable, with parts very available. Some would say it is the best breaker that GE ever made.
Electric Control is offering to provide completely interchangeable GE ML-13 circuit breakers in lieu of repairing ML -11 breakers. We feel this will standardize on the ML-13 mechanism for these magnablast circuit breakers, and be an upgrade in reliability and life extension to this equipment.