Abstract: A low voltage circuit breaker is provided. The low voltage circuit breaker includes a contact system with a first contact and a second contact that are electrically connectable and disconnectable relative to one another. The first contact includes a body having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is arranged on the second layer and is configured to come in contact with the second contact for providing the electrical connection with the second contact. The first layer has a first material composition having an Ag content that is higher than an Ag content of a second material composition of the second layer. Further, the first material composition has a WC content that is lower than a WC content of the second material composition.

Abstract: A low voltage circuit breaker is provided. The low voltage circuit breaker includes a contact system with a first contact and a second contact that are electrically connectable and disconnectable relative to one another. The first contact includes a body having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is arranged on the second layer and is configured to come in contact with the second contact for providing the electrical connection with the second contact. The first layer has a first material composition having an Ag content that is higher than an Ag content of a second material composition of the second layer. Further, the first material composition has a WC content that is lower than a WC content of the second material composition.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a non-linear powder having microvaristor particles which have a non-linear current-voltage characteristic. The production steps includes mixing non-metallic particles with the microvaristor particles, thermally treating the non-metallic particles for decomposing them into electrically conductive particles and fusing the electrically conductive particles onto the microvaristor particles. Embodiments, among other things, relate to: breaking up agglomerates of the non-metallic particles during mixing; keeping the decomposition temperature below a sintering or calcination temperature of the microvaristor particles; and choosing micron-sized or nano-sized non-conductive particles for microvaristor decoration. The production method produces varistor powder with improved reproducibility of the non-linear electric current-voltage characterstic and with reduced switching fields (Es).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an overvoltage protection means containing ZnO microvaristor particles for protecting electrical elements and a method to produce the means. Single microvaristor particles are placed in an arrangement having a monolayer thickness and are electrically coupled to the electrical element to protect it against overvoltages. Embodiments, among other things, relate to: 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional arrangements of microvaristor particles; placement of single microvaristors on a carrier; the carrier being planar or string-like, being structured, being a sticky tape, having fixation means for fixing the microvaristors, or having electrical coupling means. The monolayered overvoltage protection means allows very tight integration and high flexibility in shaping and adapting it to the electric or electronic element. Furthermore, reduced capacitance and hence reaction times of overvoltage protection are achieved.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a non-linear powder having microvaristor particles which have a non-linear current-voltage characteristic. The production steps includes mixing non-metallic particles with the microvaristor particles, thermally treating the non-metallic particles for decomposing them into electrically conductive particles and fusing the electrically conductive particles onto the microvaristor particles. Embodiments, among other things, relate to: breaking up agglomerates of the non-metallic particles during mixing; keeping the decomposition temperature below a sintering or calcination temperature of the microvaristor particles; and choosing micron-sized or nano-sized non-conductive particles for microvaristor decoration. The production method produces varistor powder with improved reproducibility of the non-linear electric current-voltage characterstic and with reduced switching fields (Es).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an overvoltage protection means containing ZnO microvaristor particles for protecting electrical elements and a method to produce the means. Single microvaristor particles are placed in an arrangement having a monolayer thickness and are electrically coupled to the electrical element to protect it against overvoltages. Embodiments, among other things, relate to: 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional arrangements of microvaristor particles; placement of single microvaristors on a carrier; the carrier being planar or string-like, being structured, being a sticky tape, having fixation means for fixing the microvaristors, or having electrical coupling means. The monolayered overvoltage protection means allows very tight integration and high flexibility in shaping and adapting it to the electric or electronic element. Furthermore, reduced capacitance and hence reaction times of overvoltage protection are achieved.

Abstract: On transition from the superconducting state to the normal conducting state, current limiters having a high-temperature superconductor increase their electrical resistance and thereby limit an electric current which is flowing through them. To provide electrical stabilization, the high-temperature superconductor is combined with a silver foil having a layer thickness of <50 &mgr;m to form an extensive composite conductor with good conductivity. The ratio of the layer thickness of the high-temperature superconductor to that of the silver foil should be >10. To produce this composite conductor, the silver sheet is placed on one side on a 2 mm thick MgO powder layer and, on the other side, is covered with a 600 &mgr;m thick so-called green sheet which contains a high-temperature superconductor powder and an organic binder.