Abstract: A remote blade closing detector switch is positioned on or near the jaws of an electric power disconnect switch, where proper seating of the blade in the jaws activates a detector switch. An extended conductor lead electrically connects the detector switch an RFID tag placed in a convenient reading location. The detector switch is configured to control a data signal, power to the antenna of the RFID tag, the power supply to the RFID tag, or a data signal between an RFID chip and an antenna as mechanisms for enabling and disabling the tag to report a status indicator. An antenna tuning compensator may be utilized to compensate for the impedance of the long conductor lead connected to the antenna. A noise filter may also be used to suppress electrical noise picked up by the long conductor lead in the harsh electrical environment of the disconnect switch.

Abstract: A remote blade closing detector switch is positioned on or near the jaws of an electric power disconnect switch, where proper seating of the blade in the jaws activates a detector switch. An extended conductor lead electrically connects the detector switch an RFID tag placed in a convenient reading location. The detector switch is configured to control a data signal, power to the antenna of the RFID tag, the power supply to the RFID tag, or a data signal between an RFID chip and an antenna as mechanisms for enabling and disabling the tag to report a status indicator. An antenna tuning compensator may be utilized to compensate for the impedance of the long conductor lead connected to the antenna. A noise filter may also be used to suppress electrical noise picked up by the long conductor lead in the harsh electrical environment of the disconnect switch.