Abstract: The invention solves the problem of loss of contact between jaws of a stationary contact with a switchblade of a knife switch when the switchblade undergoes lateral motion, as for example, under the influence of electromagnetic forces during short circuit conditions. A jaw for a switch has a base, a pair of electrically conducting jaws for accepting a blade of a switch between the jaws, a pin mounted in a hole passing through the base; retention springs mounted on the pin and producing force against the jaws so as to maintain electrical contact between the jaws and the switchblade, wherein the pin may slide in the hole in the base so that the jaws may follow lateral motion of the switchblade.

Abstract: The electromagnetic forces tending to force open the contacts of an electromagnetic contactor are reduced by providing a current flow path having a geometry that tends to minimize the magnetically produced forces acting upon the movable contact of an electromagnetic contactor. A contactor has a frame, a stationary contact attached to the frame, a first conductor supplying the stationary contact, an armature rotatably mounted in the frame, a movable contact attached to the armature, and a second conductor supplying the movable contact. An arm has a first arm end supporting the movable contact and a second arm end attached to the armature.