Abstract: A circuit-interrupting device for electrical power distribution and transmission systems is provided having improved handling provisions for removal and installation with respect to conventional mountings. The handling provisions permit the circuit-interrupting device to pivot about the lower hinge of the mounting before the circuit-interrupting device is lifted out of the mounting via a handling tool. This permits the dimensions of the circuit-interrupting device to be greater than conventional circuit-interrupting devices. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the circuit-interrupting device includes exhaust diverter structure which directs exhaust away from the mounting, the exhaust diverter structure extending beyond the maximum dimensions which allow the circuit-interrupting device to be directly lifted out of the mounting hinge, i.e. the exhaust diverter structure interferes with the mounting if the circuit-interrupting device is lifted in a direction out of the mounting.

Abstract: A handling-tool fitting is provided for use in the removal and installation of overhead mounted devices in power distribution and transmission circuits, the handling-tool fitting including a curled prong having a first, substantially straight portion and a second, cured portion that is inclined upwardly with respect to the first portion. The handling-tool fitting is inserted through a loop of the device, the loop being supposed in a stable manner on the first portion of the handling-tool fitting and the second portion preventing any movement of the loop of the device away from the first portion.

Abstract: A low-exhaust composite drop-out assembly is provided that is utilizable in a standard cutout mounting in electrical power distribution systems. The composite drop-out assembly includes current-limiting and low-current clearing sections and is easily removable from mounting for servicing. The sections are efficiently arranged in a side by side configuration.. The low-current clearing section includes a fuse-robe assembly having a replaceable fuse cartridge. Accordingly, the low-current clearing section is simply and economically renewable for reuse whether or not the current-limiting section has operated. Further, the current-limiting section need not be replaced if only the low-current clearing section operated in response to overcurrent in a low range. Additionally, the sections are separable so that the low-current clearing section can be reused after simple refusing even when the current-limiting section has operated.

Abstract: A low-exhaust composite drop-out assembly is provided that is utilizable in a standard cutout mounting in electrical power distribution systems. The composite drop-out assembly includes current-limiting and low-current clearing sections and is easily removable from the mounting for servicing. The sections are efficiently arranged in a side by side configuration. The low-current clearing section includes a fuse-tube assembly having a replaceable fuse cartridge. Accordingly, the low-current clearing section is simply and economically renewable for reuse whether or not the current-limiting section has operated. Further, the current-limiting section need not be replaced if only the low-current clearing section operated in response to overcurrent in a low range. Additionally, the sections are separable so that the low-current clearing section can be reused after simple refusing even when the current-limiting section has operated.

Abstract: A support arrangement is provided for an electrical device that is embedded within a support body or housing. The support arrangement responds to volumetric changes in the material of the support body during the molding of the support body. In a specific arrangement, the support arrangement accurately positions the electrical device with respect to the exterior of the support body and includes provisions for yieldingly supporting the electrical device.

Abstract: An arrangement for associating an electrical device with a mounting is provided that includes cooperating structure to prevent the association of inappropriate electrical devices and mountings. Specifically, cooperating support structures that are provided on the mounting and carried by the electrical device cooperate to provide the supporting of the electrical device within the mounting; the cooperating support structures being dimensioned so as to interfere with and prevent the association and support of an electrical device in a mounting that is inappropriate therefor. In a specific arrangement, either the electrical device or the mounting carries receiving structure with defined openings, and the other of the electrical device or mounting carries interfitting protuberances.

Abstract: A rain shield for a circuit-interrupting device is provided that includes a housing for attachment to the circuit interrupter adjacent an exhaust outlet of the circuit interrupter. The rain shield prevents the ingress of moisture while providing a path for the exhaust gases of the circuit interrupter. The rain shield is selectively attachable to the circuit interrupter and is reusable. In one arrangement, the rain shield includes a housing which is generally cylindrical and has an inlet opening at a first end for cooperation with the exhaust outlet of the circuit interrupter. At a second opposite end of the housing, an outlet is defined that includes a predetermined pattern of openings. A centrally disposed plate is provided adjacent the outlet and functions as a drip cap such that moisture in the form of precipitation that enters the outlet of the rain shield is prevented from entering the inlet opening adjacent the circuit interrupter.

Abstract: An improved switch for a high-voltage device in which ignition of a power cartridge moves an insulative piston located in a conductive member, into a passageway in an insulative liner, said piston moving a contact through the passageway and away from the conductive member to break an electrical interconnection between the conductive member and the movable contact, the switch including an insulative housing,an annular groove formed in the outside of the conductive member;an annular groove formed in the inside of the housing; and a split ring partially residing in both of the grooves when axially aligned, preventing relative axial movement between the conductive member and the housing.

Abstract: A pull-ring for an electrical device, such as a high-voltage fuse, which may be placed in a mounting. The pull-ring operates a latch, which is capable of holding the fuse closed in the mounting, only when it is reciprocated. The pull-ring is pivotable independently of its reciprocation without affecting the condition of the latch. Accordingly, when a trunnion on the device is in a hinge of the mounting and a pushing force is applied to the pull-ring with a tool to close the device, the natural decrease in the interior angle between the tool and the device can rotate the pull-ring without preventing the latch from holding the device closed. Further, whether the pushing force or a pulling (opening) force is applied to the pull-ring, the direction of application of the force may be adjusted or may naturally change before, during,or after such force application with affecting the ability of the latch to hold the device closed.