3TL71 Vacuum Contactor –

New perspectives for switching

on the 24-kV level
Innovative and Profitable:
Vacuum contactors for switching
on the 24-kV level

Our proven vacuum contactors are in

operation all around the world switching
transformers, capacitors, reactors,
resistive loads or motor starters up to
the 12-kV mark. They are typically used
in conjunction with overload or short-
circuit devices to control motors in
conveyor and elevator systems, pumping
stations or ventilation systems. Now
designed to operate on the 24-kV level
as well, our vacuum contactors with their
compact, robust design and high number
of operating cycles are handling an even
wider range of applications.

Voltage leap for vacuum contactors

The new 3TL71 vacuum contactor
extends our supply range up to 24-kV.
It was first used in 1998 in the drives of
the Transrapid MAGLEV (magnetic
levitation) transportation system where
switching devices were having to handle
higher operational rated currents and
voltages. It is also available for other
applications, for example the switching
of capacitors.
3TL71 – Features:
• Compact, rugged design
• Reliable switching operations
• Uncomplicated, straightforward
construction
• High reliability and availability
• Ease of integration into existing
switchgear
• Quick commissioning
• Maintenance-free
• Suitable for all switching duties,
particularly capacitors
Up to one million operating cycles
The 3TL71 can handle up to one million
operating cycles, which is why it is so
economical. This high number is made
possible by the new contactor design
which incorporates a special contact
material in the vacuum interrupter. The
24-kV vacuum contactor tubes have a
small contact stroke and can therefore
be built to a very compact design,
resulting in contactors with minimal
overall dimensions.
Electromagnetically operated
mechanism for a large number of
operating cycles
The 3TL71 contactor also has an electro-
magnetically operated mechanism,
enabling it to withstand a substantial
number of operating cycles. This has
resulted in advantages and valuable
feedback for other areas as well.
Innovative technology for new
applications
With its superb technical data, un-
matched by any other supplier, the 3TL71
is plainly the contactor to choose for
particularly high energy-density networks,
for switching capacitor banks used for
reactive-power compensation, for audio-
frequency ripple control systems or for
15-kV motors.
Ease of integration
And the 3TL71 vacuum contactor brings
yet one other bonus for the switchgear
engineer: it is easy to integrate into
existing systems thanks to its plug-and-
play system (fastening to locating device,
central plug-on fitting, connecting lugs).
Technical Data
3TL71 vacuum contactor

Rated operational voltage Ur at nominal frequency 24 kV at 50 Hz to 60 Hz

Rated continuous current Iu to VDE 0660 Part 103 800 A

Rated normal current Ir at ambient temperatures up to +55°C 800 A

Switching capacity (r.m.s. value) Rated making current I 4500 A

Rated breaking current Ig 3600 A

Max. permissible switching capacity 7 kA

Rated short-time current (r.m.s. value) 1  s 8 kA

Switching of Rated capacitor bank breaking current 400 A

capacitors
Max. permissible making current peak 10 kA

Switching frequency (AC and DC operation) 60 operating cycles/h

Mechanical service life of contactor (switching cycles) 1 x 106

Mechanical service life of vacuum interrupter (switching cycles) 1 x 106

Electrical service life of vacuum interrupter (switching cycles) 0.5 x 106

Ambient temperature for contactor and tube in rated operation –5˚C to +55˚C

Dimensions of the 3TL71 vacuum contactor in mm

736
275 275
186
40
227
40
828

537
248

24-pole
plug

300 800

Siemens AG Our online catalog is available at:

Power Transmission
and Distribution www.e.ptd.siemens.com
Medium Voltage Division
Postfach 32 20
91050 Erlangen
Germany
www.ev.siemens.de

Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Subject to change without prior notice Order No. E50001-U229-A189-X-7600
Printed in Germany
Dispo-Stelle 40402
61D6520 Ra/EK 102137 PA 03012.