Abstract: An exemplary medium or high voltage switch has a first set of contact elements and a second set of contact elements. Each contact element includes an insulating carrier carrying conducting elements. In the closed current-carrying state of the switch, the conducting elements align to form one or more current paths between terminals of the switch along an axial direction. For opening the switch, the contact elements are mutually displaced by through two drives along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The switching arrangement is arranged in a fluid-tight housing in a gas of elevated pressure or in a liquid. The switch has a high voltage withstand capability and fast switching times.

Abstract: A medium or high voltage switch has a switching assembly actuated by two drives. Each drive includes a plunger arranged between two Thomson coils. The coils as well as the plunger are rectangular for reducing the weight and therefore inertia of the drive and thus to increase drive speed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum switchgear comprising an electro-conductive outer vacuum container, a plurality of inner container disposed in the outer vacuum container. The inner containers and the outer container are electrically isolated from each other. The outer container is made of stainless steel plate, for example. One of the inner vacuum containers accommodates a ground switch for keeping the circuit open while the switchgear is opened, having a movable electrode connected to an operating mechanism, and a fixed electrode connected to fixed electrode rod. Another inner vacuum container accommodates a function switch capable of having at least one of functions of a circuit breaker, a disconnector and a load switch. A plurality of electrode shields each surrounds the electrodes of the ground switch and of the function switch. The ground switch and the function switch are disposed in separate vacuum inner containers, respectively.