Abstract: A switch assembly for high voltage applications, where the switch assembly includes a traditional mechanical switch and a triggered gap device electrically coupled in parallel. The mechanical switch includes a first switch contact and a second switch contact, where one or both of the first switch contact and the second switch contact are movable to engage and disengage the first and second switch contacts to allow or prevent current flow therethrough. The triggered gap device includes a vacuum enclosure, a first stationary contact positioned within the enclosure and a second stationary contact positioned within the enclosure, where a gap is defined between the first and second stationary contacts. The triggered gap device further includes a plasma control device that allows creation of a plasma in the gap that causes an arc between the stationary contacts on the order of micro-seconds that allows current flow between the contacts.

Abstract: A switch assembly for high voltage applications, where the switch assembly includes a traditional mechanical switch and a triggered gap device electrically coupled in parallel. The mechanical switch includes a first switch contact and a second switch contact, where one or both of the first switch contact and the second switch contact are movable to engage and disengage the first and second switch contacts to allow or prevent current flow therethrough. The triggered gap device includes a vacuum enclosure, a first stationary contact positioned within the enclosure and a second stationary contact positioned within the enclosure, where a gap is defined between the first and second stationary contacts. The triggered gap device further includes a plasma control device that allows creation of a plasma in the gap that causes an arc between the stationary contacts on the order of micro-seconds that allows current flow between the contacts.