Abstract: Circuit interrupting devices, power distribution switchgear assemblies, and pole units for power distribution are provided. A circuit interrupting device includes a solid insulation housing, a disconnect, a window, and an insulating fluid. The solid insulation housing defines a first external opening and a first cavity extending into the solid insulation housing from the first external opening. The disconnect has a moving contact in selective engagement with a stationary contact in the first cavity. The window is secured to the solid insulation housing at the first external opening. The insulating fluid is disposed within the first cavity. The window, the solid insulation housing, or a combination thereof is configured to form a trap region that is in fluid communication with the first cavity and is configured to trap air bubbles in the insulating fluid.

Abstract: Circuit interrupting devices, power distribution switchgear assemblies, and pole units for power distribution are provided. A circuit interrupting device includes a solid insulation housing, a disconnect, a window, and an insulating fluid. The solid insulation housing defines a first external opening and a first cavity extending into the solid insulation housing from the first external opening. The disconnect has a moving contact in selective engagement with a stationary contact in the first cavity. The window is secured to the solid insulation housing at the first external opening. The insulating fluid is disposed within the first cavity. The window, the solid insulation housing, or a combination thereof is configured to form a trap region that is in fluid communication with the first cavity and is configured to trap air bubbles in the insulating fluid.

Abstract: A circuit testing closer is capable of closing a power distribution circuit and interrupting the resulting current at the next current zero. Upon detecting a fault, the circuit testing closer is operable to open contacts to isolate the fault. Next, the circuit testing closer tests the faulted line to determine whether the fault has cleared. The circuit testing closer may generate a first test signal having a first polarity and a second test signal having a second polarity opposite the first polarity. Generation of the second test signal may be limited to occur when the first test signal indicates a fault.

Abstract: A circuit testing closer may include a fault isolating switching device coupled between a supply side and a load side of a power distribution system and a current pulse generator coupled in parallel to the switch to generate a current pulse within the power distribution system subsequent to a fault isolation for testing the power distribution system. The current pulse generator may include an electromechanical actuator, an electromagnetic actuator or a solid state switching device. The circuit testing closer may be a purpose-built combination device, or the fault isolating switching device and the current pulse generator may be separately coupled and commonly controlled devices. The fault isolating switching device may have continuous current rating greater than a continuous current rating of the pulse generating device.

Abstract: A circuit testing closer is capable of closing a power distribution circuit and interrupting the resulting current at the next current zero. Upon detecting a fault, the circuit testing closer is operable to open contacts to isolate the fault. Next, the circuit testing closer tests the faulted line to determine whether the fault has cleared. The circuit testing closer may generate a first test signal having a first polarity and a second test signal having a second polarity opposite the first polarity. Generation of the second test signal may be limited to occur when the first test signal indicates a fault.

Abstract: A multi-path switching configuration provides independent switching of multiple circuit paths. In a preferred arrangement, a plurality of circuit interrupters have one end connected in common with each other and a second end providing a circuit path connection. An operating facility is arranged to independently operate the circuit interrupters via an operating member operatively connected to a respective circuit interrupter and controlling the respective interrupting path. Two or more of the operating members are moved to selectively provide desired connections of circuit paths.

Abstract: A manual trip control method and arrangement is provided to manually trip a plurality of circuit interrupters. Specifically, where the circuit interrupters include magnetic-actuator-driven vacuum interrupters including permanent magnets that hold the contacts of the circuit interrupter in the closed position via a plunger, a first of the circuit interrupters is manually tripped via movement of the plunger. To operate the remaining circuit interrupters to trip open, the voltage generated in the magnetic actuator of the first circuit interrupter is coupled to the magnetic actuators of the remaining circuit interrupters for tripping thereof.

Abstract: An operating arrangement is provided for a mechanism or the like, e.g. an operating mechanism for a circuit interrupter for electrical power transmission and distribution systems where the operating mechanism operates on stored energy and requires a recharging operation after the stored energy is utilized to operate the circuit interrupter. The operating arrangement includes an operating member and a cooperating arrangement carried by the operating mechanism for retaining the operating member during a multi-turn charging operation. Initial operation of the operating member for one or more turns causes the operating member to be retained before any charging operation takes place. Subsequent operation of the operating member results in the charging of the operating mechanism. The operating member is then returned to an initial engagement position whereupon the operating member is released for removal from the operating mechanism.

Abstract: An operating arrangement is provided for a mechanism or the like, e.g. an operating mechanism for a circuit interrupter for electrical power transmission and distribution systems where the operating mechanism operates on stored energy and requires a recharging operation after the stored energy is utilized to operate the circuit interrupter. The operating arrangement includes an operating member and a cooperating arrangement carried by the operating mechanism for retaining the operating member during a multi-turn charging operation. Initial operation of the operating member for one or more turns causes the operating member to be retained before any charging operation takes place. Subsequent operation of the operating member results in the charging of the operating mechanism. The operating member is then returned to an initial engagement position whereupon the operating member is released for removal from the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A multi-pole protective device and system for electrical power transmission and distribution systems is provided that operates a multi-pole tripping system at ground level from a line-potential tripping device contained within each pole of the multi-pole system. The system includes multiple pole-unit assemblies each of which is totally self-contained and generates a tripping signal in response to overcurrent conditions to operate a ground-potential operating mechanism. In one arrangement, the pole units each include an internal line-potential tripping arrangement that communicates a trip signal to a ground-potential operating mechanism of the pole unit and associated pole units of the protective device arrangement. In a preferred arrangement, the line-potential tripping arrangement includes an insulated member that is moved to transmit the trip signal from line potential to ground potential.

Abstract: An operating arrangement is provided for a mechanism or the like, e.g. an operating mechanism for a circuit interrupter for electrical power transmission and distribution systems where the operating mechanism operates on stored energy and requires a recharging operation after the stored energy is utilized to operate the circuit interrupter. The operating arrangement includes an operating member and a cooperating arrangement carried by the operating mechanism for retaining the operating member during a multi-turn charging operation. Initial operation of the operating member for one or more turns causes the operating member to be retained before any charging operation takes place. Subsequent operation of the operating member results in the charging of the operating mechanism. The operating member is then returned to an initial engagement position whereupon the operating member is released for removal from the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A current transfer arrangement is provided for a circuit interrupter that provides support for the contacts of the circuit interrupter and also provides current transfer between the contacts of the circuit interrupter and the external circuit terminal connection points directly through the end flanges/fittings thereof. The current transfer arrangement includes a first member assembled onto each of the circuit interrupter contacts and clamping members for securing the first member to the end flange. The end flanges include receiving grooves cooperating with the first member.

Abstract: A pressure relief arrangement is provided for a housing for a circuit interrupter or the like that utilizes rupture disc members that are loaded in shear in response to overpressures. Fastening members, e.g. bolts retain a cover or end plate with respect to an end flange of the housing and apply force to the rupture disc members. Upon predetermined overpressure conditions within the interior of the housing relative to the exterior, the pressure relief arrangement operates to separate the cover and the end flange thus releasing the seal therebetween and venting the overpressure between the cover and the end flange. The rupture disc member is fabricated to become disintegral under the predetermined overpressure conditions so as to release the cover. Each rupture disc is loaded in shear and is fabricated with predetermined portions of reduced cross section to focus the applied force.

Abstract: A multi-pole protective device and system for electrical power transmission and distribution systems is provided that operates a multi-pole tripping system at ground level from a line-potential tripping device contained within each pole of the multi-pole system. The system includes multiple pole-unit assemblies each of which is responsive to sensed overcurrents to provide a tripping signal. Each of the pole-unit assemblies is totally self-contained and generates a tripping signal in response to overcurrent conditions to operate a ground-potential operating mechanism. In one arrangement, the pole units each include an internal line-potential tripping arrangement that communicates a trip signal to a ground-potential operating mechanism of the pole unit and associated pole units of the protective device arrangement. Each pole unit also includes an interrupter operated by the ground-potential operating mechanism to open the interrupter.

Abstract: A fault interrupter is provided that includes a high-speed disconnect in series with an interrupter wherein the circuit opening is via the interrupter and the circuit making is via the disconnect. A stored energy disconnect operating mechanism operates the disconnect between ground, open and closed positions and also charges the interrupter mechanism during a slow opening of the disconnect without fully charging the disconnect operating mechanism. Thus, the required operating forces to open the disconnect and charge the interrupter mechanism are reduced. During a manual opening, the disconnect operating mechanism trips open the interrupter, then only partially charges to begin opening the disconnect before releasing the stored energy. Continued operation of the disconnect operating mechanism slowly drives the disconnect open while charging the interrupter mechanism and closing the interrupter.

Abstract: A disconnect feature is provided for a circuit interrupter that is conveniently incorporated with the circuit interrupter. The disconnect feature is operable between closed and open positions, providing a visible open gap in the open position. The disconnect feature includes a pivotally mounted contact arrangement that is supported with respect to the circuit interrupter. The pivotally mounted contact arrangement cooperates with an interengaging contact carried by a contact terminal of the circuit interrupter. In specific arrangements, interlock features are provided to disable operation of the circuit interrupter when the disconnect feature is moved out of the closed position. In one arrangement, the disconnect feature is blocked from operation until the circuit interrupter is operated to an open circuit position.

Abstract: Switchgear is provided that includes a housing enclosing electrical components having switch blades that establish visible open gaps in an open position. The switchgear includes an array of operating controls and viewing provisions to observe the open switch blades. The operating controls and viewing provisions are accessible from a first direction and are arranged at a first area of the housing while cable interconnection provisions are accessible from a second direction and are arranged at a second area of the housing. Thus, operating personnel can utilize the viewing provisions and the operating controls without being exposed to the area of the cable interconnections. In one specific arrangement, an array of operational displays is provided, with the displays overlying the viewing provisions and being movable to permit use of the viewing provisions. In a preferred arrangement, the switchgear includes multi-pole switchgear assemblies which are assembled from individual pole-unit assemblies.

Abstract: Switchgear is provided that includes a housing enclosing electrical components having switch blades that establish visible open gaps in an open position. The switchgear includes an array of operating controls and viewing provisions to observe the open switch blades. The operating controls and viewing provisions are accessible from a first direction and are arranged at a first area of the housing while cable interconnection provisions are accessible from a second direction and are arranged at a second area of the housing. Thus, operating personnel can utilize the viewing provisions and the operating controls without being exposed to the area of the cable interconnections. In one specific arrangement, an array of operational displays is provided, with the displays overlying the viewing provisions and being movable to permit use of the viewing provisions. In a preferred arrangement, the switchgear includes multi-pole switchgear assemblies which are assembled from individual pole-unit assemblies.

Abstract: A separable, flexible connection arrangement (10) is provided for connection of two conductors (12, 14). In one arrangement, the separable, flexible connection arrangement (10) is utilized to provide an externally removable bushing (16) for connecting an electrical component located within a sealed enclosure (19). The flexible connection arrangement (10) includes two joints (20, 22) formed by two link members (50a, 50b) that are spring-biased and include protuberances (40, 42) that interfit into slots (30, 32) of the conductors (12, 14). A spacer (72) may be used to maintain spacing of the protuberances (40, 42) and also acts as a stop when contacted by the ends of the slots (30, 32). One of the slots (32) is formed with an open end (74) to enable easy insertion between the link members (50a, 50b). Alternatively, one of the conductors (100) includes a set of grooves (102, 104).