Switching an unloaded transmission line can lead to overvoltages almost twice the normal voltage across the contact of the breaker, due to insufficient insulation causing a restrike. This overvoltage, resulting from trapped charge and arc discharge, can reach up to 3.5 times normal voltage, risking shattering of arc control devices. Preventive measures include using an earthed neutral, installing lightning arrestors, and applying switching resistors to manage these voltages and reduce the risk of equipment damage .

Current chopping is predominantly observed in Vacuum Circuit Breakers and Air Blast Circuit Breakers owing to their rapid deionization characteristics and effectiveness in environments with negligible fault path reactance, such as an infinite bus. These breakers tend to interrupt currents before reaching a natural zero crossing. Oil Circuit Breakers do not generally exhibit current chopping due to the damping effect of oil on arc deionization. The occurrence is most prevalent when interrupting low inductive currents found in transformers and shunt reactors .

Resistance switching involves connecting a resistor in parallel with the contact space of a circuit breaker, particularly effective for devices with high post-zero resistance, such as Air Blast Circuit Breakers. This process achieves multiple objectives: it reduces or eliminates the frequency of restriking voltage, maintains the Rate of Rise of Restriking Voltage (RRRV) within acceptable limits, diverts the arc current, and damps the Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV). Resistance switching works by opening set resistors that are in parallel with the main breaker, allowing for controlled current flow through the auxiliary resistance switch prior to the complete opening of the main contacts .

Switching of a capacitor bank can cause reignition and restriking in an interrupter due to the small order of current involved, which can typically be interrupted at the first current zero. This process creates a transient recovery voltage across the capacitor bank, which will be approximately twice the maximum expected due to phase differences. This poses significant risks as a restrike may occur, potentially causing damage to the connected system .

Current chopping occurs when low inductive currents, such as those in transformers or shunt reactors, are interrupted by the circuit breaker before reaching a natural zero current crossing. This mainly occurs in Vacuum Circuit Breakers and Air Blast Circuit Breakers. The aftereffect of current chopping includes a high Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV), exacerbating the risk of further chops should a restrike occur, potentially causing CB failure. If no restrike occurs, significant voltage stress may be imposed on the circuit breaker contacts and system. To mitigate these effects, resistance switching can be employed to handle the resultant overvoltage .

The voltage across a circuit breaker contact during current interruption can be calculated using the energy balance equation: 1/2 LI^2 = 1/2 CV^2, where L is inductance, I is the current, C is capacitance, and V is the voltage across the contacts. In the example with a system of 132 kV, 0.01 μF capacitance, and 6 H inductance, interrupting a 10 A magnetizing current, the voltage can be calculated ensuring full energy transfer from inductance to capacitance results. To manage overvoltage and eliminate restriking transients, resistance switching can be employed, where an appropriately calculated resistor (r = (1/2) sqrt(L/C)) is used in parallel with the contact gap .

The resistance value in a resistance switching setup directly affects the Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV) and Rate of Rise of Restriking Voltage (RRRV). Critical damping resistance is the specific value at which the frequency of TRV becomes zero, optimizing the mitigation of restrike risks by controlling overvoltage characteristics. Using an opening resistance aligned with critical damping helps ensure that the arc is successfully quenched without causing subsequent voltage spikes or allowing multiple re-strikes. Thus, critical damping resistance becomes imperative to balance, reducing the chances of circuit breaker failure under stress .

During capacitor bank switching, a restrike occurs when the contact insulation fails to hold the recovery voltage, causing arc reignition. This can subject the system to heightened overvoltage and additional mechanical stress. Consequences include potential damage to insulation and neighboring equipment. Viable mitigation strategies involve employing adequate contact insulation, installing protective devices such as surge arrestors, and utilizing controlled switching sequences where applicable to mitigate these effects and prevent equipment damage .

One viable solution to counteract the high Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV) experienced after current chopping is the use of resistance switching. By introducing a resistance in parallel with the circuit breaker contacts, the generated overvoltage is managed by dispersing energies across the system. For effective application, the resistance should be selected to balance TRV management without significant energy loss. The key consideration involves accurately sizing the resistor to match system specifications, potentially requiring calculations based on system inductance (L) and capacitance (C).

Opening resistors, also referred to as switching resistors, are crucial in assisting the arc extinction process by providing a parallel conduction path for arc current, thereby reducing the severity of transient recovery voltage and facilitating smoother current interruption. Timing is critical; auxiliary contacts must remain closed before and during the arc extinction process to allow full current transfer through the resistor. They should open with a calculated delay post-main contact opening to ensure all energies are safely dissipated, optimizing resistance switching efficacy and minimizing restrike risks .