Abstract: An operation counter arrangement is provided for a circuit interrupter for opening a high-voltage circuit-isolating device. The operation counter arrangement responds to actual operations via response to a moving contact arrangement of the circuit interrupter. The operation counter arrangement is capable of retrofit to existing circuit interrupters via replacement of an exhaust control device of the circuit interrupter. In a preferred arrangement, a count of both the total number of operations and the number of operations since the most recent maintenance is provided.

Abstract: A low-exhaust composite drop-out assembly is provided that is utilizable in a standard cutout mounting in electrical power distribution systems. The composite drop-out assembly includes current-limiting and low-current clearing sections and is easily removable from mounting for servicing. The sections are efficiently arranged in a side by side configuration.. The low-current clearing section includes a fuse-robe assembly having a replaceable fuse cartridge. Accordingly, the low-current clearing section is simply and economically renewable for reuse whether or not the current-limiting section has operated. Further, the current-limiting section need not be replaced if only the low-current clearing section operated in response to overcurrent in a low range. Additionally, the sections are separable so that the low-current clearing section can be reused after simple refusing even when the current-limiting section has operated.

Abstract: A low-exhaust composite drop-out assembly is provided that is utilizable in a standard cutout mounting in electrical power distribution systems. The composite drop-out assembly includes current-limiting and low-current clearing sections and is easily removable from the mounting for servicing. The sections are efficiently arranged in a side by side configuration. The low-current clearing section includes a fuse-tube assembly having a replaceable fuse cartridge. Accordingly, the low-current clearing section is simply and economically renewable for reuse whether or not the current-limiting section has operated. Further, the current-limiting section need not be replaced if only the low-current clearing section operated in response to overcurrent in a low range. Additionally, the sections are separable so that the low-current clearing section can be reused after simple refusing even when the current-limiting section has operated.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for selectively associating and connecting an electrical device such as a fuse with a mounting therefor. The arrangement includes an efficient connection device that is clamped at each end of the electrical device to end studs protruding from the ends of the electrical device. In a specific embodiment, the efficient connection device includes a contact bar fabricated from wrought copper that is directly clamped to the end studs and that directly connects to the contacts of the mounting. The connection device also includes provisions to prevent the assembly of distinct electrical devices with different predetermined ratings or characteristics into connection devices other than the connection device corresponding to the appropriate electrical device.

Abstract: A pull-ring for an electrical device, such as a high-voltage fuse, which may be placed in a mounting. The pull-ring operates a latch, which is capable of holding the fuse closed in the mounting, only when it is reciprocated. The pull-ring is pivotable independently of its reciprocation without affecting the condition of the latch. Accordingly, when a trunnion on the device is in a hinge of the mounting and a pushing force is applied to the pull-ring with a tool to close the device, the natural decrease in the interior angle between the tool and the device can rotate the pull-ring without preventing the latch from holding the device closed. Further, whether the pushing force or a pulling (opening) force is applied to the pull-ring, the direction of application of the force may be adjusted or may naturally change before, during,or after such force application with affecting the ability of the latch to hold the device closed.

Abstract: An improved cutout which accepts a fuse tube of standard length, which is less costly to manufacture and which exhibits improved performance, has an offset, rather than a straight, recoil bar. The offset positions the end of the recoil bar closer to the short leg of a J Spring, and positions a hole in the end of the recoil bar, through which freely passes a pin interconnecting the legs of the J, closer to a convexity in the short leg. Operation of the cutout causes a fuse tube, one end of which is in the concavity, to experience random longitudinal and transverse thrust forces. The offset limits the transverse motion the short J leg and the fuse tube can experience to (a) limit bending forces on the tube and breakage thereof, and (b) prevent the fuse tube from disengaging the concavity before the longitudinal thrust thereof subsides.

Abstract: A fuse link and a method of manufacturing same are disclosed. The fuse link comprises a fusible element extending between an upper terminal and a lower terminal. The lower terminal includes a compressed segment of a multi-strand cable to which the fusible element is attached. In practicing the method of the present invention, a segment of the multi-strand cable is first radially compressed, as by cold-forming, to produce a longitudinal receiving region or pocket indentation for receiving an end of the fusible element. Thereafter, an end of the fusible element is placed into the receiving region. The region is then further compressed and collapsed to secure the fusible element therein by crimping a compressible sleeve previously placed around the fusible element and the cable-segment.

Abstract: A lead weight or other mass is crimped to the contact button assembly of the arcing rod of a high-voltage alternating-current power fuse thereby increasing the mass of the arcing rod without increasing the diameter of the rod. The increased mass of the arcing rod decreases the velocity with which the arcing rod moves upon fusing of the fusible member thereby decreasing the rate of elongation of the arc drawn between the end of the arcing rod and the stationary ferrule at the other end of the fuse. Under high current conditions, the shorter arc length drawn in the fuse reduces the pressure of the arc-extinguishing gas generated by the arc, thereby reducing the risk that an economically constructed fuse will burst in those situations when the arc is not interrupted at the first current zero. This result is accomplished without adversely affecting operation of the fuse and interruption of the arc at low current levels.