The vacuum interrupter market is a dynamic and integral sector of the global distribution and transmission of electricity. The market contains a wide range of businesses that offer high-performance circuit breakers and load switches to consumers. From power transmission systems to industrial plants and power generation units, this multifaceted industry caters to diverse application needs around the globe. As a critical component in several electric systems, the vacuum interrupter plays a pivotal role in efficient and safe power transmission and distribution, driving market demand.
How is the Versatility of Vacuum Interrupters Profiling the Market?
A vacuum interrupter (VI), vacuum circuit breaker, or vacuum switch tube, is a key component in medium- and high-voltage circuit breakers, contactors, and switches. It plays a vital role in stopping the flow of current in electrical circuits, thereby preventing damage from electrical faults. The increasing demand for reliable, efficient, and safe power distribution and transmission systems is driving market growth for these interrupters.
According to Extrapolate, the vacuum interrupter market was valued at around $2.67 billion in 2022. It is expected to reach around $3.98 billion by 2030, indicating a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of around 5.12% for 2023–2030. As industries and infrastructure continue to expand, the need for advanced power equipment with superior interruption capabilities increases. Additionally, the adoption of renewable energy sources further boosts the demand for vacuum interrupters in modern power systems.
Top 10 Vacuum Interrupter Manufacturers in 2024
The market is served by several key players, offering a range of products and solutions. Below is an overview of the top 10 key players fueling the industry:
1. Siemens AG
Siemens AG is a major supplier of vacuum switch tubes, catering to industry needs. These interrupters offer sustainable and maintenance-free switching characteristics. Siemens' special contact materials ensure top performance, even under harsh environmental conditions. These reliable interrupters can perform up to 30,000 operating cycles in circuit breakers and three million for contractors, ensuring reliable switching.
2. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a Japanese multinational electronics and electrical equipment manufacturing company that is well-known for its robust vacuum interrupters. Its interrupters, equipped with spiral and axial magnetic-field contacts, offer high performance in compact devices. In 2022, CMPmay introduced its 72 kV vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) with dry-air insulation to its portfolio. The VCB offers a cost-effective, environmentally responsible, zero-global warming potential alternative to SF6 gas and other gas-insulating mediums.
3. ABB
ABB is a key player in the Vacuum Interrupter market, known for its wide regional presence and a variety of products and solutions in this sector. In April 2023, ABB provided a retrofit solution for Kemijoki Oy in Finland. This customized vacuum switch tubes with a 12-kV version of the MV VD4G to address the concern of rapid downtime to hours, ensuring power was kept on without disruption.
4. Eaton
Eaton Corporation plc, an Irish-American multinational power management company, shows active involvement in the vacuum interrupter market. In 2020, Eaton introduced its robust Power Xpert UX, a high-voltage switchgear system specially designed for critical industrial applications. This development focuses on the latest power distribution and protection technologies to optimize performance while securing personnel and equipment.
5. General Electric
General Electric (GE) is a prominent player in the vacuum interrupter market, offering a range of products and solutions in this sector. In 2016, the company expanded its global vacuum circuit breakers (MV) portfolio with an introduction to three new IEEE solutions: SecoBloc, SecoVac R, and SecoGear. These products serve customers in North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and Pacific Asia.
6. Meidensha Corporation
Meidensha Corporation, a leading vacuum interrupter manufacturer, has been working since 1965 to develop robust and high-performance VIs. Its vacuum circuit breaker has a power range of 3.3 kV to 145 kV, with features such as a high-quality vacuum valve design, long operating life, compact design, high reliability, and ceramic coating.
7. Toshiba
Toshiba is a significant player in the vacuum interrupter market, offering products and solutions related to vacuum interrupters. Its circuit breakers, contactors, and load break switches come in various types and ratings, with compact interrupters and low-surge characteristics. The company ensures safety through vacuum arc extinction, ensuring reliability and stable performance over three million productions.
8. LSIS Co., Ltd.
LSIS Co., Ltd. is involved in the vacuum interrupter market, offering products and solutions that have low consumption and high-quality spiral contact. These interrupters meet IEC, ANSI, and NEMA performance standards, offering high performance, reliability, and longevity. With over 20 years of vacuum-related expertise, the company offers VIs with a simplified arc extinguishing system, wide-rated coverage, and high-speed interruption.
9. Shaanxi Baoguang Vacuum Electric Device Co., Ltd.
Shaanxi Baoguang Vacuum Electric Device Co., Ltd. is a key player that offers a wide range of vacuum interrupters for sale. Its VIs offer several benefits, such as energy-saving, material-saving, fire prevention, explosion-proof, small volume, long life, low maintenance cost, reliable operation, and non-pollution. They can be divided into circuit breakers and load switches, which are mainly used in substations and power grid facilities.
10. Kirloskar Electric Company
Kirloskar Electric Company is one of the major global vacuum interrupter companies and showcases a wide portfolio of innovative VI products used in various industries. Its VI offers a maintenance-free design and features horizontal draw out, isolation, positive racking mechanism, and interlocks, and can only operate in test or service positions. They are fully interchangeable and easily retrofitted with the cassette system.
What the Future Holds for the Vacuum Interrupter Market?
The future of the vacuum interrupter market appears promising, with significant growth expected in the coming years. The circuit breaker segment is projected to hold the largest share of the market, driven by the anticipated massive advance of existing electrical infrastructure, leading to increased circuit breaker installations. This trend is expected to boost the VI market. Furthermore, the increasing demand for safe and secure electrical distribution, coupled with the upgradation of outdated infrastructure, is likely to drive market demand for vacuum interrupters. Overall, the market is expected to drive significant profits in the upcoming years.
