Abstract: A contact spring assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a movable contact assembly and a stationary contact assembly having stationary electrical contacts. The movable contact assembly includes a carrier assembly, and movable contact arms pivotably coupled to the carrier assembly and carrying movable electrical contacts. The contact spring assembly includes a first contact spring housing member, a second contact spring housing member coupled to and disposed opposite from the first contact spring housing member, a spring guide disposed between and coupled to at least one of the first and second contact spring housing members and including spring holes, springs received in the spring holes, and sliders coupled to the springs. The springs and sliders individually bias the movable contact arms and movable electrical contacts toward engagement with corresponding stationary electrical contacts. A movable contact assembly and an electrical switching apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An actuator for a switch, the actuator being movable between on and off positions against an adjustable resilient bias to provide a first signal when said actuator is in said on position and a second signal when said actuator is in said off position.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes an operating member carrying moving contacts which face, in opposite directions, two rows of fixed contacts. The operating member moves the moving contacts into and out of contact with the fixed contacts. Each moving contact may have opposite ends for contacting two adjacent fixed contacts on a corresponding side of the operating member. Springs provided between the moving contacts and corresponding side of the operating member bias the contact ends into contact with the corresponding rows of fixed contacts.

Abstract: A switching electrical receptacle includes a fixed set of female contacts mounted to be connected to electric power lines. A housing supports a plurality of sliding contacts of substantially cylindrical symmetry disposed parallel to an axis. The housing can be slid axially into and out of electrical contact with the female contacts to make or break a circuit. The sliding contacts are in permanent sliding contact with another set of female contacts that are connected to load terminals that are adapted to receive an electric plug. Each sliding contact is split along its axis and is spring-loaded from within to exert radial forces that assure good electrical connections between the sliding contact and each set of female contacts. Seals are readily installed in the housing to make the receptacle explosion-proof and also appropriate for outdoor use.

Abstract: An electrical snap acting switch is calibrated by deforming an unsupported part of a terminal strip which carries a fixed contact after assembly of the switch device, to predetermine the operating point of the switch contacts. Deformation of the fixed contact support strip is facilitated by apertures in the strip on opposite sides of the fixed contact. These apertures also serve to ventilate the make and break zone of the contacts to assist in ozone dispersal from this zone, minimizing arcing.