PKV/M17 and PKV/M17M — new developments for high-voltage circuit breaker diagnostics

16 october 2026

SKB EP announces PKV/M17 and PKV/M17M — modern devices for diagnostics of the technical parameters of high-voltage switching devices. The new devices combine extended measuring capabilities, high accuracy, and ease of use in a single solution.

PKV/M17 and PKV/M17M are designed for monitoring oil, vacuum, SF6, air-blast, and electromagnetic circuit breakers rated from 6 to 500 kV, as well as isolators and short-circuiters. They provide diagnostics simultaneously across 3 poles (up to two breaks per pole) or across 1 pole (up to 6 breaks per pole), which significantly speeds up the diagnostic process.

Both devices provide:

monitoring of time parameters from 0.01 to 200 s;
monitoring of speed parameters up to 20 m/s;
measurement of travel parameters up to 900 mm;

They work with linear, angular, and rheostat displacement transducers. They can be equipped with attachment devices for installing the transducers on circuit breakers of various manufacturers, including ABB, AREVA, ALSTOM, SIEMENS, and others.

recording of closing and tripping coil currents up to 30 A;
recording of the switching times of contacts with pre-insertion resistors (PIR).

The PIR function allows accurate detection of timing discrepancies and other deviations that affect equipment reliability.

When working with PKV/M17 and PKV/M17M, all settings, graphs, and measurement results are shown on the built-in display. In addition, data can be transferred to a computer or a USB flash drive.

PKV/M17M is the flagship of the PKV line, with an extended set of diagnostic functions:

First Trip mode* — assesses the operating condition of a high-voltage circuit breaker after a long period of inactivity;
Trip-free mechanism testing* — evaluates the circuit breaker’s ability to reliably open at any point during the closing process, including emergency situations;
Anti-pumping mechanism testing — verifies that the protection prevents repeated reclosing attempts when a steady closing signal is present;
Endurance tests — repetitive testing of the switching device with automatic recording of its characteristics after a specified number of cycles.

*Some PKV/M17M features are currently under development. For devices purchased in 2026, they can be activated remotely via a software update without returning the device to the manufacturer.

Purchase and pre-order requests for PKV/M17 and PKV/M17M are already being accepted. For ordering information or questions about operation, please visit our contact page.