Abstract: The electrical switch according to the present invention has first and second electrical contacts each of which functions as both male and female contacts. More specifically, the first electrical contact includes a first electrical contact member having outer and inner perimeters. The second electrical contact includes a second electrical contact member also having outer and inner perimeters. A contact probe is secured to the second electrical contact member within the inner perimeter thereof. Thus, when the first electrical contact is in electrical contact with the second electrical contact, the inner perimeter of the second electrical contact member electrically contacts the outer perimeter of the first electrical contact member and the contact probe electrically contacts the inner perimeter of the first electrical contact member.

Abstract: A high voltage switch having a snap-action switching mechanism for effecting opening and closing of relatively movable switch contacts, and having mechanical time delay trip release mechanism operatively associated with the switching mechanism to effect a selected time delayed opening of the switch contacts in response to a predetermined event such as a current overload. The time delay trip release may also be manually actuated to open the switch contacts from a closed condition.

Abstract: A spring contact assembly for an electrical switch is disclosed which permits the spring contacts and switch to withstand high close-into-fault current levels without adversely affecting the switch's continuous current rating during normal operation. The spring contact assembly includes a pair of spring contacts supported in opposed relation on a support fork, each spring contact having a symmetrical corrugated surface presenting a plurality of line contact surfaces to a contact bar when the spring contacts are brought into operative engagement with the contact bar, each spring contact further being supported in a manner to bias the corrugated contact surfaces against the contact bar. A protective shield may be provided for each spring contact to protect it from arc erosion.