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Whipp & Bourne Switchgear

Unrivalled repair, refurbishment and retrofit solutions for owners of heritage Whipp & Bourne switchgear.

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THE EXPERTS IN HERITAGE WHIPP & BOURNE switchgear

Innovative solutions designed to maximise the performance and lifecycle of Whipp & Bourne assets

With the acquisition of the original Whipp & Bourne intellectual property and historic drawings, R&B Switchgear Group has further strengthened its position as a leading specialist in Whipp & Bourne switchgear. Backed by our engineering department’s unrivalled knowledge and first-hand experience of the original Whipp & Bourne engineering process, we are uniquely positioned to support your project with spare parts, repairs, modifications and innovative retrofit solutions.

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Keeping Whipp & Bourne’s heritage alive with our team of experts

For multiple decades, we’ve had a team of specialist engineers dedicated to the repair, refurbishment and upgrade of heritage Whipp & Bourne switchgear. During this time we’ve developed a wide range of solutions and services, which enable companies to maximise the performance and lifespan of their legacy Whipp & Bourne assets. Thereby helping businesses across the globe to avoid unwanted downtime, costly replacements and most importantly, unexpected failures within electrical infrastructures.

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Specialist repairs, refurbishments and retrofit solutions

The quality and reliability of Whipp & Bourne switchgear is second to none. In most cases, owners of this heritage switchgear will find that it reaches up to 50 years in service before it requires any modification or upgrades.

R&B Switchgear Group’s ability to repair, refurbish or upgrade legacy Whipp & Bourne switchgear means that we can return equipment to a ‘new’ condition, with the option of enhancing with new and improved features, to support an extended lifespan of up to an additional 50 years in operation.

We check, test and replace ageing vacuum interrupters before they become a risk

Being a core component of a circuit breaker, it is essential for the operation and condition of the vacuum bottle to remain intact, to ensure it can reliably perform its switching and insulating functions.

As most Whipp & Bourne equipment has been in service for up to 20 years, the condition of vacuum bottles is becoming an increasing issue for owners of this heritage switchgear. Which is why we offer a fast, cost-effective replacement for all vacuum bottles which have reached the end of their life-cycle.

Extensive stock of obsolete spares

Looking for a replacement part for your obsolete Whipp & Bourne equipment? We have a wide range of spare parts and materials available for Whipp & Bourne switchgear. If we don’t have the part you’re looking for, our expert team can offer technical guidance and support to help source a suitable alternative, without jeopardising the integrity of your original equipment.

THE EXPERTS IN HERITAGE WHIPP & BOURNE switchgear

Engineering knowledge You Can Rely On

As the official home of the original intellectual property and historic drawings for the Whipp & Bourne product range, R&B Switchgear Group is fully equipped to provide expert support for this legacy switchgear throughout its entire lifecycle.

Our experienced engineers help extend the life of existing LV and HV switchgear while maintaining the safety, reliability and performance of your power distribution systems through:

Looking to upgrade, maintain or extend the life of your Whipp & Bourne switchgear? Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can help.

Extending the Life of Whipp & Bourne Switchgear

With many Whipp & Bourne units still in service today, refurbishment and retrofit provide practical ways to extend equipment lifecycle, improve performance and maintain long-term reliability.

R&B Switchgear Group offers a range of refurbishment, retrofit and upgrade solutions, helping customers continue to get the most from their existing Whipp & Bourne equipment while introducing modern technology where required.

MM74 HSCB – Single Pole

The Whipp & Bourne MM74 High-Speed DC Circuit Breaker can be supported through both refurbishment and retrofit, helping to extend the service life of existing equipment.

Refurbishment restores the existing MM74, while retrofit can incorporate a GERAPID High-Speed DC Circuit Breaker within the original chassis, retaining compatibility with the existing switchboard, interlocks and winding mechanisms.

We offers both MM74 refurbishment and retrofit services to support these legacy breakers.

Standards

IEC 947-2, EN 20123-2, ANSI C37.14

Specifications

  • Normal Voltage Ratings: 800/1500/3000VDC
  • Normal Current Ratings: 2000A, 3000A and 6000A
  • Impulse Withstand Voltage: 12 kV DC
  • Mechanical Operations: 20,000 cycles
  • Switching Frequency: 60 operations/hour
  • Electromagnetic Trip: Fixed/Adjustable

Applications

  • DC Traction Systems
  • Power Stations
  • Mine Winding
  • Steel Works

Discover how our MM74 HSCB retrofit delivers a cost-effective upgrade for legacy switchgear. Read our case study to see the solution in action on Melbourne’s rail network.

Double Pole -MM74 HSCB

MM74 HSCB – Double Pole

Existing Whipp & Bourne High-Speed DC Circuit Breakers can be refurbished or retrofitted to help extend their operational life.

Where required, two GERAPID HSCBs can be incorporated within the original chassis, ensuring compatibility with the existing Whipp & Bourne switchboard while retaining the existing interlocks and winding mechanisms.

Standards

IEC 947-2, EN 20123-2, ANSI C37.14

Specifications

  • Normal Voltage Ratings: 800/1500/3000VDC
  • Normal Current Ratings: 8000A and 12000A
  • Continuous Current: 4150 A
  • Impulse Withstand Voltage: 12 kV DC
  • Mechanical Operations: 20,000 cycles
  • Switching Frequency: 60 operations/hour
  • Electromagnetic Trip: Fixed/Adjustable

Applications

  • Power Stations
  • Ships
  • Industrial

MM81

The MM81 Semi-High Speed DC Circuit Breaker has been specifically designed to meet the demands of DC substation switchgear, providing reliable control and protection of power supplies for Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems. Engineered for performance and dependability, the MM81 supports the safe and efficient operation of modern rail infrastructure.

To support existing MM81 equipment in service, refurbishment and retrofit solutions are also available, helping to extend operational life and maintain performance.

Standards

NEMA.SG3., BS 4752 & IEC 157-1.

Specifications

  • Rated Voltage: 800V D.C
  • Rated Normal Currents: 000A, 2000A and 3000A
  • Short Circuit Interruption Rating: 80kA Peak, 50kA Steady State, di/dt 15A/u sec @ 900V D.C
  • Rated Duty Cycle: 0-15 sec – CO
  • Momentary Rating: 80kA Peak
  • Short Time Rating (Rectifier Application): 50kA Peak, 32kA Steady State for 0.25 sec
  • Distant Fault Interruption Ratings : 20kA Time Constant = 0.04 sec @ 900V D.C
  • 15kA Time Constant = 0.06 sec @900V D.C
  • 10kA Time Constant = 0.125 sec @ 900V D.C
  • Low Current Switching:12.5A to 500A Time Constant = 0.035 sec @ 900V D.C.

Applications

  • Power Stations
  • Light Rail Transit System

DV40/C/53

With much of the Whipp & Bourne equipment in service for up to 50 years, ageing vacuum bottles are an increasing concern, making continued maintenance and replacement essential for reliable switching and insulation.

We offers vacuum bottle replacement and retrofit solutions for DV40/C/53 equipment. Where a retrofit is required, a Schneider HVX vacuum contactor can be installed within the existing Whipp & Bourne carriage, retaining the main interlocks and avoiding modifications to the switchboard busbars.

Standards

IEC 62271-100/2001, IEC 60056/1987

Specifications

  • Rated Insulation Level: 75kV
  • Rated Operational Voltage: 12kV
  • Rated Service Current: 2000A/3150A
  • Rated Frequency: 50Hz
  • Short Circuit Breaking Capacity: 50kA
  • Short Circuit Withstand Capacity: 50kA for 3 seconds

Applications

  • Power Stations
  • Ships
  • Industrial
AHBH ACB.1

AH/BH ACB

Whipp & Bourne AH/BH Air Circuit Breakers are heritage medium-voltage breakers that have been used in electrical distribution systems for many years.

R&B offers full refurbishment of AH/BH units, providing a cost-effective way to extend their service life, maintain reliable performance and retain compatibility with the switchboard’s existing earthing and interlocking systems

Standards

IEC 62271-100/2001, IEC 60056/1987

Specifications

  • Service Voltage: Up to 6.6kV AC 50/60 Hz
  • Short Circuit Capacity: Up to 350 and 500 MVA
  • Rated Frequency: 50Hz
  • Short Circuit Breaking Capacity: 50kA
  • Short Circuit Withstand Capacity: 50kA for 3 seconds

Applications

  • Power Stations
  • Ships
  • Industrial

AK Contractor

Designed for medium-voltage switching and control, the Whipp & Bourne AK Contactor is a long-established piece of equipment found within electrical distribution systems.

Existing AK Contactors can be fully refurbished or retrofitted, with retrofit options incorporating a Toshiba CV-6HAL Vacuum Contactor within the original carriage while retaining the main interlocks and compatibility with the existing switchboard busbars.

Both options provide a cost-effective way to maintain reliability and extend the service life of existing equipment.

Standards

IEC 60470(2000), JEM1167(1990)

Specifications

  • Service Voltage: 3.3kV AC 50/60 Hz
  • Short circuit capacity: 150 and 250 MVA
  • Rated Frequency: 50Hz
  • Breaking Current (AC4, 25 times): 3200A
  • Making Current (AC4, 100 times): 4000A

Applications

  • Power Stations
  • Ships
  • Industrial
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Talk to us about your next project…

Our friendly team are on hand to discuss any upcoming projects and provide more information on our services and solutions. Get in touch today to explore what options are available to you.

BK Contractor

Designed for 6.6kV medium-voltage switching and control, the Whipp & Bourne BK Contactor has been widely used within electrical distribution systems.

At R&B, we can refurbish original BK units to help restore performance and extend their service life. Alternatively, a retrofit can incorporate an ABB VSC12 Vacuum Contactor within the original carriage, retaining the main interlocks without requiring modifications to the switchboard busbars.

This provides flexible, cost-effective options for maintaining long-term reliability.

Standards

IEC 60470(2000), IEC632-1(1978)

Specifications

  • Service Voltage: 6.6kV AC 50/60 Hz
  • Short circuit capacity: 350 MVA
  • Rated Service Current: 400A
  • Rated Frequency: 50-60Hz
  • Breaking Current: 4000A
  • Making Current: 8000A

Applications

  • Power Stations
  • Ships
  • Industrial

IF6

For operators looking to extend the life of their Whipp & Bourne IF6 equipment, refurbishment provides a cost-effective way to maintain performance and long-term reliability.

The IF6 is a heritage 415V low-voltage Air Circuit Breaker used for switching and protection within electrical distribution systems. R&B offers both full refurbishment and retrofit solutions, designed to retain the original carriage and main interlocks while avoiding modifications to the existing switchboard busbars.

Standards

IEC 60664-1, BSEN 60947-2

Specifications

  • Service Voltage: 690V AC 50/60 Hz
  • Short Circuit Capacity: 80kA
  • Rated Frequency: 50-60Hz
  • Ultimate Breaking Capacity (Icu): 65KA rms
  • Rated Making Capacity (Icm): 143KA peak

Applications

  • Power Stations
  • Ships
  • Industrial

IF2

The Whipp & Bourne IF2 415V Air Circuit Breaker has provided reliable service across electrical distribution systems for many years.

To help extend the life of this equipment, R&B offers both full refurbishment and retrofit solutions. Retrofit options can incorporate a Terasaki AR212S ACB within the original carriage, retaining the main interlocks and avoiding modifications to the existing switchboard busbars.

This allows the existing switchgear to remain in service, while supporting continued performance and reliability.

Standards

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Specifications

  • Rated Service Current: 400A
  • Breaking Time: 0.03 sec max
  • Spring Charging Time: 10 sec max
  • Closing Time: 0.08 sec max
  • Ultimate Breaking Capacity: 690V: 50kA

Rated Making Capacity: 690V: 105kA

Applications

  • Power Stations
  • Ships
  • Industrial

IFA

Designed for long-term service, Whipp & Bourne IFA breakers can continue to be supported through refurbishment and modernisation.

R&B offers full refurbishment and retrofit solutions for IFA units, helping to extend the life and reliability of the existing switchgear. Retrofit options can retain the original Whipp & Bourne carriage, main interlocks and switchboard protection, without requiring modifications to the main switchboard busbars.

Standards

IEC 60664-1, BSEN 60947-2

Specifications

  • Service Voltage: 690V AC 50/60 Hz
  • Short Circuit Capacity: 43.3kA
  • Current Ratings: 800 to 3200A
  • Ultimate Breaking Capacity (Icu): 65kA rms
  • Service Breaking Capacity (Ics): 65kA rms

Applications

  • Power Stations
  • Ships
  • Industrial

IFR

Built for long-term service, the Whipp & Bourne IFR remains part of many legacy switchgear installations.

Keeping these ageing units in service can be achieved through full refurbishment or retrofit, both available through R&B. Retrofit solutions can preserve the existing switchboard protection using either a Non-Automatic ACB or Micrologic Programmable protection relay, helping to improve reliability and extend the life of the switchboard.

Standards

BSEN 60947-2, BSEN 60947-3

Specifications

  • Service Voltage: 690V AC 50/60 Hz
  • Short Circuit Capacity: 65.6kA
  • Current Ratings: 800 to 3200A
  • Ultimate Breaking Capacity (Icu): 65kA rms
  • Service Breaking Capacity (Ics): 65kA rms

Applications

  • Power Stations
  • Ships
  • Industrial
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