Abstract: An underarm gang operated vacuum break switch (underarm switch) has an electrically live portion under a mounting arm, which provides advantages over the standard vacuum break switch, which have the electrically live portion above the mounting arm. Because the non-electrified mounting arm is above the electrified portion, the underarm switch is safer for perching birds and other wildlife. The nature of the underarm switch also provides other benefits including a disconnect blade that when opened creates a visual gap to ensure electrical discontinuity along with a safety locking arm tied to deactivating the underarm switch. Adding to the safety measures is a visual indicator that shows an electrician when the switch is live and safe to open the disconnect blade. Other safety measures include a shock absorber assembly and inertia slowing mass protecting electrical contacts within the vacuum break switch from failing.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 6, 2023
Date of Patent:
September 12, 2023
Assignee:
nertial Engineering and Machine Works, Inc.
Inventors:
Dean Carnell Sanders, Elliott James Gist