The vacuum interrupter provides confined arc switching (in a vacuum) of load, line charging, and transformer magnetizing currents. The vacuum interrupter is capable of interrupting up to 2000 amperes at voltages 7.5kV through 230kV. At the higher voltages this interrupter utilizes vacuum units in series so interconnected that there is simultaneous separation of the contacts. Units are full voltage rated for interrupting duty up to the full continuous current rating of the main switch, with full open circuit voltage across the interrupter.