Abstract: A contact assembly for a vacuum switching apparatus includes a contact member and a reinforcing member adapted to structurally reinforce the contact member. The contact member includes first and second opposing sides, and a contact thickness. The reinforcing member has a reinforcement thickness, which is less than the contact thickness. The contact member is made from a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and the reinforcing member is made from a second different material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The first coefficient of thermal expansion is substantially the same as the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A contact assembly for a vacuum switching apparatus includes a contact member and a reinforcing member adapted to structurally reinforce the contact member. The contact member includes first and second opposing sides, and a contact thickness. The reinforcing member has a reinforcement thickness, which is less than the contact thickness. The contact member is made from a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and the reinforcing member is made from a second different material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The first coefficient of thermal expansion is substantially the same as the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A contact assembly for a vacuum switching apparatus includes a contact member and a reinforcing member adapted to structurally reinforce the contact member. The contact member includes first and second opposing sides, and a contact thickness. The reinforcing member has a reinforcement thickness, which is less than the contact thickness. The contact member is made from a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and the reinforcing member is made from a second different material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The first coefficient of thermal expansion is substantially the same as the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A contact assembly for a vacuum switching apparatus includes a contact member and a reinforcing member adapted to structurally reinforce the contact member. The contact member includes first and second opposing sides, and a contact thickness. The reinforcing member has a reinforcement thickness, which is less than the contact thickness The contact member is made from a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and the reinforcing member is made from a second different material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The first coefficient of thermal expansion is substantially the same as the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A triggered arc flash arrester includes an envelope structured to operate at: a pressure less than about 1.33 Pa; or a pressure greater than 0.10857 MPa; a plurality of conductors partially disposed within the envelope; a number of gaps disposed between the plurality of conductors within the envelope; and a shorting structure selected from the group consisting of a triggered gap and a fuse. The shorting structure is operatively associated with the number of gaps. The shorting structure is structured to electrically short the plurality of conductors either together or to ground, in order to create an arc within the envelope which is electrically in parallel to an arc fault causing the arc fault internal to switchgear to be extinguished.

Abstract: A triggered arc flash arrester includes an envelope structured to operate at: a pressure less than about 1.33 Pa; or a pressure greater than 0.10857 MPa; a plurality of conductors partially disposed within the envelope; a number of gaps disposed between the plurality of conductors within the envelope; and a shorting structure selected from the group consisting of a triggered gap and a fuse. The shorting structure is operatively associated with the number of gaps. The shorting structure is structured to electrically short the plurality of conductors either together or to ground, in order to create an arc within the envelope which is electrically in parallel to an arc fault causing the arc fault internal to switchgear to be extinguished.

Abstract: A vacuum switch includes a vacuum envelope; a fixed contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope; and a movable contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope and movable between a closed position in electrical contact with the fixed contact assembly and an open position spaced apart from the fixed contact assembly. The vacuum envelope includes an insulating body having a number of transparent portions made of a single crystal alumina for viewing the fixed contact assembly and the movable contact assembly within the vacuum envelope.

Abstract: A vacuum switch includes a vacuum envelope; a fixed contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope; and a movable contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope and movable between a closed position in electrical contact with the fixed contact assembly and an open position spaced apart from the fixed contact assembly. The vacuum envelope includes an insulating body having a number of transparent portions made of a single crystal alumina for viewing the fixed contact assembly and the movable contact assembly within the vacuum envelope.

Abstract: A vacuum interrupter includes a number of insulative tubes having a first open end and a second open end; a first end member secured to the first open end; a second end member secured to the second open end; a fixed contact mounted on a fixed electrode extending through the second end member; a retainer; and a movable contact. The retainer includes a rigid retainer having a plurality of legs and an opening, and an insulative bushing having a smaller opening. The insulative bushing is molded over a portion of the rigid retainer. The smaller opening is within the opening of the rigid retainer and is structured to receive a movable electrode. The movable contact is mounted on the movable electrode extending through the first end member and through the smaller opening. The movable contact is capable of axially reciprocating into and out of contact with the fixed contact.

Abstract: A vacuum interrupter includes a number of insulative tubes having a first open end and a second open end; a first end member secured to the first open end; a second end member secured to the second open end; a fixed contact mounted on a fixed electrode extending through the second end member; a retainer; and a movable contact. The retainer includes a rigid retainer having a plurality of legs and an opening, and an insulative bushing having a smaller opening. The insulative bushing is molded over a portion of the rigid retainer. The smaller opening is within the opening of the rigid retainer and is structured to receive a movable electrode. The movable contact is mounted on the movable electrode extending through the first end member and through the smaller opening. The movable contact is capable of axially reciprocating into and out of contact with the fixed contact.

Abstract: A retaining ring is provided for holding a bellows and a vapor shield on a stem of a vacuum circuit breaker prior to brazing. The retaining ring includes a ring shaped body defining an opening. The body has a plurality of tabs that extend into the opening. The body has an inner diameter larger than the stem while the area defined by the tabs has a diameter that is about the same size as, or smaller than, said stem nominal diameter. The body and tabs are made from a harder material than the stem. In use, the shield and bellows are placed on the stem and brought to rest on a ledge. The retaining ring is then placed on the stem. As the retaining ring is placed on the stem, one or more of the tabs will flex and bend, slightly, away from the shield and bellows. The retaining ring is then slid down the stem until the retaining ring contacts the shield and/or bellows.