Abstract: An electric switch, for use as a high-voltage circuit breaker, having a plurality of quenching chambers per switch pole, with each of the quenching chambers radially disposed in a common actuator shaft. The quenching chambers disposed in the common actuator shaft are then placed in a closed vessel having a toroidal shape.

Abstract: A circuit breaker assembly is provided with a pair of contact elements defining therebetween an arc site across which an arc is struck upon separation of the contacts to break the circuit within which the breaker is connected. A compressed gas contained within a quenching chamber is caused to flow across the quenching site to quench the arc upon breaking of the contact. A pair of electrodes located within an auxilliary gas chamber operate to strike a second arc simultaneously with the circuit breaking operation in order to increase pressure in the auxiliary chamber thereby providing auxiliary power to enhance the circuit breaking operation and quenching of the main arc.