Abstract: A vacuum capacitor switch with pre-insertion contact includes first and second contact systems. The first contact system includes an annular stationary contact and an annular moving contact retained on a moving contact drive rod. A second contact system includes a moving contact retained on an end of the moving contact drive rod and a floating contact retained along the same axis as the second moving contact. Both contact systems are enclosed in a vacuum envelope. A mechanical adjustment system is provided for the floating contact, which allows it to be positioned so that the secondary moving contact and floating moving contact may engage at a set interval before the annular moving contact engages the annular stationary contact. A resistor or inductor is connected between the second contact system and a load to prevent a current in-rush into the load.

Abstract: A hydraulic time delay device couples to a fault-sensing element in a circuit recloser. The time delay device includes a piston that has an external connection and is operable to move through a housing in the device to cause hydraulic fluid in the housing to flow out of the housing and into a passageway. The time delay of the time delay device corresponds to a time required to move the piston. A first adjustable orifice is formed the passageway to define an adjustable first fluid flow path through the passageway. An adjustable valve is positioned to provide an adjustable second fluid flow path through the passageway. A second adjustable orifice is formed in the passageway to provide further adjustment of the second fluid flow path. Adjustment of the first orifice, the valve, and the second orifice affect the time required to move the piston.

Abstract: The control valve includes a spring refiner which is threadly retained in the valve body and which may be adjusted so as to incrementally vary the hydraulic pressure required to open the valve. The valve additionally includes stops or limits so as to prevent the spring retainer from being grossly misadjusted which, when used in the hydraulic control system of the recloser, may cause undesirable miscoordination with the operation of other circuit breakers and protective devices. The valve additionally includes a self-locking mechanism to prevent the valve from falling out of adjustment due to vibration or improper handling.