Abstract: The arc withstanding electrodes in an electric circuit breaker for switching high voltages attain greater mechanical strength and improved arc withstanding capabilities by forming the arc withstanding electrodes of a carbon-fiber-reinforced-graphite material which material is constituted of a graphite matrix which is reinforced by carbon fibers embedded therein. A method for forming the carbon-fiber-reinforced-graphite of the arc electrodes and for affixing the arc electrodes to a metal carrier therefor includes the steps of employing a high-temperature solder based on copper and/or silver, containing at least one carbide-forming element such as, for example, Cr.

Abstract: A contact arrangement for a graphite electric arc-electrode employs a contact spud composed of a metal having a high melting point and a soldering layer disposed between the contact spud and graphite electrode. The soldering layer contains at least one carbide forming metal. In one embodiment of the invention, a carbide-forming metal layer is disposed between the graphite electric arc-electrode and the soldering layer. In a preferred form of the method of making the arrangement, the soldering layer and the carbide-forming metal layer are plasma-sprayed or steamed onto the surface to be connected.