Abstract: A manually operable, three-pole disconnect switch has a contact structure for each pole that comprises a line-side contact module and a load-side contact module that carry the stationary contacts for that pole, these contacts being vertically spaced and positioned for engagement by one of three movable contact assemblies carried on a horizontally disposed, pivotable crossbar. Each line-side contact module extends upwardly from the crossbar and each load-side contact module extends downwardly from the crossbar and its corresponding line-side contact module. The line-side contact module has two integrally formed housing parts and a bar-shaped conductor that is sandwiched therebetween and positioned in a substantially vertical plane. The housing forms both an insulating base and an insulating portion of an arc chute which partially encloses the conductor that forms a stationary contact within a housing cavity.

Abstract: A disconnect switch includes a crossbar assembly having an arm at each of its ends which rotatably fastens the assembly to a frame for swinging motion around a pivot axis. Three movable contact assemblies are carried by the crossbar between a closed position in which their line side ends engage stationary contacts and an opened position in which their line side ends are disengaged. Stationary connectors aligned along the pivot axis engage the load side ends of the movable contact assemblies at all positions of the crossbar.

Abstract: A molded plastic cover fastens to the front of a disconnect switch and encloses elements of each switch pole. The cover includes a cap section which is hinged to swing downward and allow access to the input line terminals of the switch, and it includes a panel section which is hinged to swing downward and allow access to the switch contacts and modular arc chutes.

Abstract: A trip mechanism mounts to either side of a disconnect switch to couple the rotatable crossbar thereon to a manually operable handle. The trip mechanism is symmetrical about a vertical plane with the result that it may be mounted to the disconnect switch for either left hand or right hand operation with little modification. A unique coupling arrangement between the trip mechanism and the manually operable handle facilitates installation and connection of the disconnect switch in enclosures of various types and sizes.

Abstract: A three-pole disconnect switch includes a crossbar which is rotatably mounted to a housing and pivots three movable contact blades between opened and closed positions. Each movable contact blade is removably mounted to the cross-bar and makes slidable electric contact with a connector. When in its closed position, each movable contact blade makes electrical connection with a stationary line contact. Modular arc chutes are slidably received in mating cavities formed in the housing above each set of contacts and a pair of auxiliary contact cartridges are received in chambers formed in the housing between the main contacts. A trip mechanism is mounted to the side of the housing and couples one end of the crossbar to a manually operated handle.