Same Principle, Different Packaging
Both use vacuum interrupters to switch current. What changes is how the breaker is housed and insulated for its environment.
Indoor VCBs
- Designed for installation inside switchgear panels or substations.
- Often withdrawable, mounted on a truck that racks in and out of the panel.
- Protected from weather, so enclosure and insulation are optimised for compact panel use.
Outdoor VCBs
- Built to withstand rain, sun, dust, and temperature swings.
- Use weatherproof housings and insulators with longer creepage distance to handle pollution and moisture.
- Common in outdoor substations and on pole-mounted or structure-mounted installations.
Why It Matters for Spares
Mechanisms, coils, and interrupters are model-specific, and indoor and outdoor versions of a breaker family are not interchangeable. Always quote the full breaker type from the nameplate. See how to find the right part number.
Compare with other technologies in ACB vs VCB vs MCCB. Browse VCB spares or request a quote.