Abstract: A high voltage switch having a snap-action switching mechanism for effecting opening and closing of relatively movable switch contacts, and having mechanical time delay trip release mechanism operatively associated with the switching mechanism to effect a selected time delayed opening of the switch contacts in response to a predetermined event such as a current overload. The time delay trip release may also be manually actuated to open the switch contacts from a closed condition.

Abstract: A spring contact assembly for an electrical switch is disclosed which permits the spring contacts and switch to withstand high close-into-fault current levels without adversely affecting the switch's continuous current rating during normal operation. The spring contact assembly includes a pair of spring contacts supported in opposed relation on a support fork, each spring contact having a symmetrical corrugated surface presenting a plurality of line contact surfaces to a contact bar when the spring contacts are brought into operative engagement with the contact bar, each spring contact further being supported in a manner to bias the corrugated contact surfaces against the contact bar. A protective shield may be provided for each spring contact to protect it from arc erosion.