Seismic retrofitting of a HV circuit breaker through base isolation with steel cable dampers. Part 2: Shaking table tests validation

This paper addresses the experimental characterization of a base-isolation system for the seismic qualification, of High Voltage (HV) ceramic circuit breakers, in accordance with the European standard CEI EN 62271-207. The adopted solution is based on an innovative application of wire rope isolators. The results of a preliminary investigation of an HV circuit breaker, which was base-isolated with Wire Ropes, were previously illustrated in a companion paper in which the effectiveness of this isolation system was analytically demonstrated. To validate these results, a shake table test campaign has been performed that includes the performance analysis of two optimal isolation system configurations. The results, which are illustrated in this paper, show both the effectiveness of this isolation system and the reliability of the proposed FE model.