Abstract: A vacuum contactor has one connection terminal for the upper and lower end of each vacuum interrupter. At least the upper connection terminal has a metal member that is dimensioned essentially as a function of a current to be carried. A separate holder of insulating material is used to join the metal member to wall parts of an insulator body that accommodates the vacuum interrupters. In this manner, the distance between live parts and grounded parts of the vacuum contactor is increased and the reliability with respect to protecting against partial discharges and breakdowns is improved.

Abstract: A locking device (6) which is provided in particular for vacuum contactors prevents an unintentional closing of the contact due to arbitrary mechanical influence as long as the electromagnetic actuator (1) is not excited. This takes place by means of a blocking lever (10), which is adjustably attached to a bearing block (7) between both of the parallel-mounted coils (3) of the actuator (1). A particularly rapid response of the blocking lever (10) is achieved by means of an acute-angled blade that sticks out, which is designed as an extension of the midsection (17) of the U- or C-shaped principal body of the blocking lever (10).