Abstract: An enclosure and method of fabrication thereof is provided for metal-enclosed switchgear. The enclosure includes at least one access opening and is assembled from a plurality of generally planar panels. The enclosure includes at least three vertical wall panels and a roof panel. The three vertical wall panels each include turned edges so as to define first flanges along at least a substantial portion of each edge thereof. Each of the three vertical wall panels can be formed and painted prior to assembly of the enclosure. The three vertical wall panels when assembled define three sides of the enclosure. At least one panel at each of the abutting edges of the three vertical wall panels includes a second turned edge that forms a second flange which extends substantially perpendicularly to the first flange. The enclosure is assembled by a plurality of fasteners that clamp or affix the first flange of a vertical wall panel to the second flange of the abutting vertical wall panel.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement is provided that includes a resilient seal member that is disposed generally parallel to the pivot axis of an access door of an enclosure. The seal member includes a first leg proximate the hinge axis and extending away from the enclosure. When the door is pivoted from an open position toward the closed position, the first leg is displaced toward the enclosure. As the door is further moved toward the closed position, the first leg is additionally displaced, deformed and compressed to provide sealing of the door with respect to the enclosure. The proximity of the seal member to the hinge axis and the arrangement of the first extending leg is such that relative wiping action occurs between the door and the first extending leg. In a preferred arrangement, the seal member also includes a second leg extending from the enclosure.

Abstract: A door interlock is provided for an electrical equipment enclosure which includes a drive/latch member carried by the door and a locking member carried by the enclosure. The drive/latch member is biased to a first position and movable into a second position. When the door is closed and latched, the drive/latch member is moved from the first position into the second position. During movement between the first and second positions, the drive/latch member engages the locking member and moves the locking member from a first position wherein a switch is prevented from being closed into a second position wherein the switch is permitted to be closed. When the switch is closed, the locking member is retained in the second position; the drive/latch member being retained in the second position by the locking member. With the drive/latch member in the second position, the door is prevented from being opened by cooperation with facilities carried by the enclosure.

Abstract: A barrier system is provided for electrical switchgear having an enclosure and one or more access openings. The barrier system comprises a plurality of barriers, each of which is a generally planar member. The barrier system further includes manually operable provisions for releasably securing each barrier in respective predetermined positions, and a guide and support member carried by the enclosure and engaged by the lower edge of the rear portion of each barrier during insertion and also when the barriers are in a predetermined inserted operating position. The guide and support member directs the barrier into the appropriate position when the barrier is within a predetermined range of position with respect to the guide and support member. In a specific embodiment, the manually operable provisions include a fastening device which is retained by the barrier and a cooperating receptacle retained by the enclosure. The fastening device is preferably is a fractional-turn wing-head stud.

Abstract: A latch for a door or cover associated with a wall or enclosure. A movable latch arm on the door or cover is spring biased to engage a projection on the wall or enclosure when the door or cover is closed. A blocking member on the door or cover is biased for movement into the path of movement of the arm to prevent its engagement of the projection. With the door or cover closed, the projection holds the blocking member out of the arm's path. Movement of the arm to disengage the projection and coupled with opening of the door or cover to separate the projection and the blocking member, results in the blocking member blocking the arm. Reclosure of the door or cover results in the blocking member being held out of the path of the arm which automatically re-engages the projection. The arm and the blocking member may be on the wall or enclosure and the projection may be on the door or cover. The latching system may include two or more projections, blocking members and arms, and the latter may be commonly movable.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for electrical switching elements oppositely mounts together the switching elements in a pair. Each switching element, which may be a high-voltage fuse, a disconnect blade, or the like, has a first and a second support point. A central support, which may be dihedral, mounts two insulators, the free ends of which extend away from each other. The free ends are attachable to the first support point on respective switching elements. A third insulator is mounted to the support opposite from the other two insulators so that a free end thereof is generally oppositely directed from the other insulators, producing a "Y" configuration. The end of the third insulator is attachable to the second support point on both switching elements. The assembly permits both compact, opposed mounting of a pair of switching elements, as well as one less insulator than used in typical mounting assemblies.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant enclosure for electrical equipment is disclosed. The enclosure includes a housing having generally upstanding and planar side walls which define a top opening. The top opening is closed by a generally horizontal and planar roof which is coextensive and congruent with the opening. Selected walls of the housing have formed at their upper edges a C-shaped structure, the open part of the C facing outwardly. The roof is formed to have a C-shaped structure around its periphery, the open part of the C facing inwardly. Facilities mount the roof to the housing so that the lower leg of the C on the roof is intermediate the legs of the C on the walls. Moreover, the upper leg of the C on the walls is intermediate the legs of the C on the roof. In this way, a labyrinth from the exterior of the enclosure to the interior is formed. Water entry through the labyrinth into the enclosure is prevented thereby, as is the insertion of wires or the like.