Abstract: The invention disclosed is an arc protection system for an electrical switch mounted in an electrical cabinet. The system includes an arc suppression housing pivotally mounted in the electrical cabinet. The housing comprises an arc extinguishing chamber having an opening configured to face separable contacts of an electrical switch mounted in the cabinet when the housing has been rotated about the pivot into a closed position. The arc extinguishing chamber is configured to extinguish an electric arc produced by opening the separable contacts when the housing is in the closed position. The system further includes an interference mechanism mounted on the arc suppression housing. The interference mechanism is configured to prevent closure of an access door of the electrical cabinet, when the housing has been rotated about the pivot into an open position configured to enable operator access to the separable contacts of the electrical switch.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a knife blade switch 2 having copper jaws 10 and a copper blade 4 with a steel end-plate 6 fastened to the free end of the blade, the steel end-plate having a higher resistivity than the resistivity of the copper blade and copper jaws. As the copper blade is withdrawn from the copper jaws, the steel end-plate of the blade remains in contact with a higher resistivity steel jaw-spring mounted on and electrically connected to the copper jaws. The connection of the steel end-plate 6 of the blade with the steel jaw-spring 12 imposes a greater resistance path for the current flowing through the switch than through the copper blade 4 and copper jaws 10, so that an arc formed at the plate and jaw-spring has a diminished current, over what would otherwise occur with a copper blade and jaws, when the contact separation occurs.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a knife blade switch 2 having copper jaws 10 and a copper blade 4 with a steel end-plate 6 fastened to the free end of the blade, the steel end-plate having a higher resistivity than the resistivity of the copper blade and copper jaws. As the copper blade is withdrawn from the copper jaws, the steel end-plate of the blade remains in contact with a higher resistivity steel jaw-spring mounted on and electrically connected to the copper jaws. The connection of the steel end-plate 6 of the blade with the steel jaw-spring 12 imposes a greater resistance path for the current flowing through the switch than through the copper blade 4 and copper jaws 10, so that an arc formed at the plate and jaw-spring has a diminished current, over what would otherwise occur with a copper blade and jaws, when the contact separation occurs.

Abstract: Switch assemblies and electrical distribution devices for making and breaking electrical connections in an electrical circuit are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a switch assembly that includes a pair of electrically conductive jaws attached to a platform. The first jaw is configured to electrically connect to an incoming line of the electrical circuit, whereas the second jaw is configured to electrically connect to an outgoing line. The switch assembly also includes a blade having at least two electrically conductive plates that are attached to and spaced from each other via an electrical insulator. The blade is pivotably coupled to the platform to rotate between a disengaged position, whereat the blade is electrically decoupled from the first and second jaws, and an engaged position, whereat the blade delivers an electrical current from the incoming line through the first and second plates to the outgoing line.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly for making and breaking electrical connections to an electrical circuit. The disconnect assembly includes a pullout assembly and a base assembly. The pullout assembly has downwardly facing extensions with slits in them to receive a blade that is inserted securely through the slits. The exposed portions of the blade are received in corresponding lug-jaw connectors in the base assembly. The lug-jaw connectors have a lug and a half jaw attached to the lug. The half jaw has a curved clip portion that opposes a side surface of the lug such that the exposed portion of the blade is received between the clip portion and the side surface, thereby resulting in minimal use of conductive material for the disconnect assembly.

Abstract: Switch assemblies and electrical distribution devices for making and breaking electrical connections in an electrical circuit are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a switch assembly that includes a pair of electrically conductive jaws attached to a platform. The first jaw is configured to electrically connect to an incoming line of the electrical circuit, whereas the second jaw is configured to electrically connect to an outgoing line. The switch assembly also includes a blade having at least two electrically conductive plates that are attached to and spaced from each other via an electrical insulator. The blade is pivotably coupled to the platform to rotate between a disengaged position, whereat the blade is electrically decoupled from the first and second jaws, and an engaged position, whereat the blade delivers an electrical current from the incoming line through the first and second plates to the outgoing line.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly for making and breaking electrical connections to an electrical circuit. The disconnect assembly includes a pullout assembly and a base assembly. The pullout assembly has downwardly facing extensions with slits in them to receive a blade that is inserted securely through the slits. The exposed portions of the blade are received in corresponding lug-jaw connectors in the base assembly. The lug-jaw connectors have a lug and a half jaw attached to the lug. The half jaw has a curved clip portion that opposes a side surface of the lug such that the exposed portion of the blade is received between the clip portion and the side surface, thereby resulting in minimal use of conductive material for the disconnect assembly.

Abstract: An enclosure and operating handle apparatus for a double throw switch is disclosed. An operating handle support defines two distinct switch compartments within the enclosure and supports an operating handle apparatus configured for selectively operating only one of two switches inside the enclosure at a time.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably securing a plurality of arc plates in an arc extinguishing chamber or arc stack. The arc stack includes a plurality of arc plates separated by an air gap. The arc plates slide into a slot in the arc stack housing. A stop member and a locking tab position and secure the arc plate in the housing. The arc plate engages the spring-like stop member and the locking tab, which restrain the arc plate from moving or vibrating after being locked in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for housing and securing a switch operating mechanism. The switch mechanism housing includes a housing member with an integral pivot bushing, a housing cover, an operating mechanism including a push rod assembly, a rotor cam, and mechanism shaft. The operating mechanism is installed and fixed in the housing member. The housing member holds captive the operating mechanism without requiring that the housing cover be in place, thereby facilitating fabrication and assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for housing and securing a switch operating mechanism. The switch mechanism housing includes a housing member with an integral pivot bushing, a housing cover, an operating mechanism including a push rod assembly, a rotor cam, and mechanism shaft. The operating mechanism is installed and fixed in the housing member. The housing member holds captive the operating mechanism without requiring that the housing cover be in place, thereby facilitating fabrication and assembly.

Abstract: A switch mechanism module for a switch including a first housing member, a second housing member, and an operating mechanism between the first and second housing members. The first housing member has first and second integral stops depending therefrom, and the second housing member has first and second integral legs depending therefrom. The operating mechanism rotates upon rotation of the handle of the switch causing rotation of the rotor of the switch. Movement of the operating mechanism ceases upon engagement of the operator cam with the stop of the first housing member. The integral legs of the second housing member provide reinforcement for the stops to prevent movement of the stops in the direction of the rotating cam.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a circuit having an insulating base, a blade, a blade hinge member that allows for rotation of the blade about a pivot position, a first contact member, identical in construction to the blade hinge member, having opposing sidewalls that electrically engage and disengage the blade in response to pivoting movement of the blade, a rotor member for engaging and rotating the blade, and a second contact member, identical in construction to blade hinge member and the first contact member, for retaining a fuse is provided. The opposing sidewalls of the either the blade hinge member or the first and second contact members, being identical in construction, are adapted to either pivotally support the blade, engage and disengage the blade, or secure the fusible member thereto, depending on their position on the insulating base. Identical spring members are connected to the blade hinge member and contact members for retention force.

Abstract: A weatherproof enclosure 10 with a side hinged cover 36 having a screwless cover latching means 52, which is not defeated by the pressure of expanding internal gases, is disclosed. The enclosure 10 includes a rain channel 76 located immediately adjacent a front edge of the box top 28. The rain channel 76 is generally J-shaped in cross-section and extends across the front of the box 14 and slightly beyond the two side walls 18 and 22 of the box 14 such that any liquid being received within the rain channel 76 will be directed over the side walls 18 and 22 of the box 14. The rain channel 76 cooperates with a downwardly extending flange 40 along the front edge of the box top 28 and an inwardly extending flange 60 along the top of the side hinged cover 36 to prevent the ingress of liquid at the top of the cover 36. Inwardly facing flanges 68 and 72 along the sides of the hinged cover 36 overlap the side walls 18 and 22 of the box 14 to prevent the ingress of liquid along each side of the cover 36.

Abstract: A motorized electronic lock is disclosed including an electric motor, a screw powered by the motor, a nut threadedly engaged with the screw and having two extending arms projecting therefrom, one of which arms is a cam follower arm that rides along a cam surface on a cam bracket, and the other of which is a locking arm that is engageable with a slot in a bolt in order to provide a dead-bolting feature for the bolt, and a relocking spring which is either held out of the way of the bolt by a downwardly extending leg of the cam bracket or is biased to a position behind the bolt, blocking the bolt from being able to retract.