Abstract: Handle assemblies for circuit breakers are disclosed. One illustrative handle assembly includes a housing defining a first aperture, a seal extending around a perimeter of the first aperture, a handle extending outwardly through the first aperture and pivotable about a pivot axis located within the housing, a shroud coupled to the handle to move therewith and located at least partially within the housing, and a biasing member connected to the handle and to the shroud. The shroud includes an outer surface that faces the seal, and the biasing member biases the outer surface into continuous engagement with the seal throughout an entire pivotable range of the handle.

Abstract: Example human-machine interface (HMI) assemblies are disclosed. An example human-machine interface assembly can include a fascia. The human-machine interface assembly can further include a printed circuit board (PCB). The printed circuit board can have a light emitting diode (LED) to emit light through the fascia. The human-machine interface assembly can further include a backer that can be attached to the fascia.

Abstract: Circuit breakers having a cover that includes a medial segment with an aperture for a switch handle. The medial segment merges into a line side segment having at least one channel overlying a lug compartment. The at least one channel has an inner end portion overlying a lug access path to the lug compartment. The circuit breakers also include at least one gas-blocking member coupled to the at least one channel.

Abstract: A barrier includes a cover and an attachment apparatus and is usable with an electrical interruption device. The attachment apparatus includes a number of attachment structures that are situated on the cover and that are each structured to be engaged with at least one of the housing of the electrical interruption device and a number of terminal assemblies of the electrical interruption device. The cover is configured to overlie at least a portion of the electrical interruption device and to resist the entry of a probe of known dimensions into electrical contact with components that are electrified even when the electrical interruption device is in an OFF condition.

Abstract: A method of forming a cable connection system. A base and a rack are provided, and the base is coupled with the rack, using a coupling mechanism, during a connect mode of operation. The rack includes a first rack surface and a second rack surface perpendicular to the first rack surface, wherein the first rack surface is perpendicular to a raised floor surface, wherein the second rack surface is on, and parallel to, the raised floor surface. The base is coupled to cables connected to the rack, wherein the base includes a first base surface, a second base surface perpendicular to the first base surface, and an array of slots into which corresponding network servers are screwed into place. The coupling mechanism includes a group of base connectors on the first surface of the base and a group of rack connectors on the first surface of the rack.

Abstract: A cable connection system. The cable connection system includes a rack, a base, and a coupling mechanism. The rack includes a first rack surface and a second rack surface perpendicular to the first rack surface, wherein the first rack surface is perpendicular to a raised floor surface, wherein the second rack surface is on, and parallel to, the raised floor surface. The base is coupled to cables connected to the rack, wherein the base includes a first base surface, a second base surface perpendicular to the first base surface, and an array of slots into which corresponding network servers are screwed into place. The coupling mechanism couples the base with the rack during a connect mode of operation. The coupling mechanism includes a group of base connectors on the first surface of the base and a group of rack connectors on the first surface of the rack.

Abstract: A multi-finger electrical contact assembly having unequal electrical resistance in current paths through each finger providing relatively high current withstand capability. The multi-finger electrical contact assembly includes three or more fingers each with a coupled conductor, wherein one or more outer fingers and coupled conductor of the assembly have greater electrical resistance than an inner finger and coupled conductor. Multi-phase circuit breakers including the multi-finger electrical contact assembly and methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A switch guard for preventing accidental actuation of a control switch is disclosed. The switch guard includes a rigid wall structure comprising a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls arranged to accommodate positioning of the control switch therein, each of the pair of end walls including at least one opening formed therein. The switch guard also includes a mating feature provided at each of the end walls of the wall structure, with each mating feature being a separate component from the rigid wall structure and being configured to selectively translate through the at least one opening formed in the respective end wall between a first position and a second position to secure the switch guard about the control switch.

Abstract: A cable connection system and a method of forming the cable connection system. The cable connection system includes a base and a coupling mechanism. The base is configured to be coupled to a given cable. The given cable is configured to be connected to a given rack. The coupling mechanism is configured to couple the base with the given rack during a given connect mode of operation. The coupling mechanism includes a group of base connectors provided on a first surface of the base. The first surface is arranged to lie substantially flush with the given rack. The method includes: providing the base and coupling the coupling mechanism to the base.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sealed HVDC relay, comprising an insulating hood and a yoke plate which is extended upward to form a cylindrical fixing portion; the insulating hood has an overturned cup structure; a chamber for accommodating moving contacts and stationary contacts is formed by the yoke plate and the insulating hood together; a lower end of the insulating hood and the fixing portion of the yoke plate are fitted with each other by threads; and the portion fitted by threads between the lower end of the insulating hood and the fixing portion is sealed by adhesive pouring. In the present invention, with the insulating hood made of ceramics, the stiffness of the relay structure of the present invention is promised. The absence of a brazing process makes the relay of the present invention short in manufacturing period and low in cost. With regard to the present invention, the sealing performance of the relay is promised by adhesive pouring, and a service voltage of the relay can be increased.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an input device having variable make points. More specifically, the various embodiments described herein are directed to an input device having a key, a first button member and a second button member. A dielectric may be positioned between the first button member and the second button member. The key is also associated with a capacitive sensor that is configured to determine a change in capacitance as a distance between the first button member and the second button member changes.

Abstract: An Electro Static Discharge protection device that is provided to protect sensitive electronics on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) from inadvertent electrical discharge. The protective device is formed as an intervening structure between a contact surface and a PCB and utilizing the same ground as used by the PCB. When an electrical discharge occurs, the discharge is directed toward the PCB and directed to at least one ground point on the PCB so as to avoid damage to sensitive components.

Abstract: An arc shield apparatus for an electrical switching device. Arc shield apparatus includes a body having an abutting portion including a first side configured to abut against a lateral side of a contact arm of an electrical switching device, and a second side opposite from the first side, an aperture passing between the first and second side, the aperture configured to receive a spring tab of the contact arm therein, and an arc shield including a first shield portion extending from the first abutting portion, the first shield portion including a first contact surface configured to abut against a contact arm edge, and a second shield portion configured to shield at least some of the spring tab and spring hook. Shielded contact arm assemblies and methods of protecting a contact arm of an electrical switching device during an arcing event, are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A vertical thrust lever has a first range of motion and is configured to output a first signal level where the first signal level is based at least in part on the position of the vertical thrust lever and the first signal level is used to control a first set of rotors which rotate in a horizontal plane. A controller has a second range of motion and is configured to output a second signal level where the second signal level is based at least in part on the position of the controller and the second signal level is used to control a second set of rotors which rotate in a vertical plane.

Abstract: An HVAC controller may include a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly releasably securable to the first sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly may include a housing having the back and a cover, a printed circuit board at least substantially enclosed by the housing, a battery compartment formed in the back of the housing for receiving one or more batteries, and a display exposed for viewing through an aperture in the cover of the housing for viewing the display by a user. The printed circuit board may include one or more battery terminals that extend from the printed circuit board through the back of the housing and into the battery compartment. In some cases, the battery compartment may define a cup-shaped reservoir that may be configured to collect leakage from one or more of the batteries.

Abstract: A portable actuator system enables the remote operation of electrical disconnect switches with a portable actuator device that is temporarily installed at the disconnect switch location. An embodiment, among others, of the portable actuator device has an electric motor having a drive shaft that can be controlled to rotate about a longitudinal axis. The actuator device also has elongated movable first and second arms that are controlled by the drive shaft. The first arm engages and moves the disconnect handle in a first rotational direction so that the disconnect handle is switched to the open position. The second arm engages and moves the disconnect handle in a second rotational direction so that the disconnect handle is switched to the closed position.

Abstract: A keyboard with at least some double action keys is described. The keyboard includes at least two layers disposed below the keys and the keys are selectively used to make contacts on one layer, or pass through and provide contacts with or on the second layer. All or at least some of the keys of the keyboard can be pushed partially down to generate a first command and can be pushed fully down for generating a second command.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an input device having variable make points. More specifically, the various embodiments described herein are directed to an input device having a key, a first button member and a second button member. A dielectric may be positioned between the first button member and the second button member. The key is also associated with a capacitive sensor that is configured to determine a change in capacitance as a distance between the first button member and the second button member changes.

Abstract: A miniature plug-on circuit breaker and complementary Load Center breaker compartment provide no exposed live touch points in the load center. The miniature circuit breaker has all terminals surrounded by its case. Line power and line side neutral terminals are accessed through the bottom of the circuit breaker. Load power and load side neutral terminals are accessed from an end panel of the circuit breaker. Load power and load side neutral terminals are covered such that they can only be wired when the circuit breaker is not in a breaker compartment of the complementary Load Center. Cover biasing features, or interference features, or both, can be provided so that an open load side terminal cover will have the cover closed upon insertion to the load center, and to prevent a closed load side terminal cover from being opened on an inserted circuit breaker.

Abstract: A safety cover and identifier to cover wire terminals in an electric terminal block. The cover/identifier comprises a body comprising dielectric material having a first leg and an opposed, spaced apart second leg The two legs are joined adjacent their midpoints by an integral, resilient spring element. The opposed proximal ends of the legs each have a terminal covering surface and define serrated jaws. The jaws are opened by compression of the distal ends of the legs. The jaws are attached to the electrical terminal block to cover wire connections and each of the proximal ends covers one of a functional pair of wire connectors. The resilient spring element biases the jaws toward each other to secure the cover in place. The device can include stops or a stop gap in the spring to delimit opening of the jaws. The cover/identifier includes indicia to identify aspects of the wires attached to the cover wire connectors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for limiting damage caused by arcs in bus stacks provide an arc transfer feature on each side of the bus stack. The arc transfer feature captures any arcs forming near busbar connection points and transfers the arc away from the busbar connection points to the interior of the bus stack. Phase barriers along the length of the interior of the bus stack then direct the arcs toward the end of the bus stack. At the end of the bus stack, a bus end interrupter receives and extinguishes the arcs.

Abstract: A secondary disconnect assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a power circuit breaker. The secondary disconnect assembly includes a cradle assembly and a terminal block mount. The cradle assembly includes a cradle housing, an inner cradle movably disposed within the cradle housing, a number of retention members, and at least one stop member. The terminal block mount structured to receive a plurality of terminal blocks. The terminal block mount includes a number of protrusions each being removably coupled to the inner cradle. The retention members cooperate with the protrusions to retain the protrusions in a desired position with respect to the inner cradle. The at least one stop member cooperates with the inner cradle to correctly align the inner cradle with respect to the terminal block mount.

Abstract: An electrical switching device is disclosed, including an arc extinguishing apparatus with an extinguishing chamber, a blow-out channel connected to the extinguishing chamber for blowing out plasma and/or gas produced in the extinguishing chamber from the electrical switching device and a terminal apparatus for connecting an electrical conductor to the electrical switching device, the terminal apparatus including a metal part which is electrically conductively connected at a first end to the electrical switching device and which, at its second end, includes a terminal fixing for connecting the electrical conductor, with which the metal part of the terminal apparatus is guidable out of the electrical switching device through the blow-out channel.

Abstract: The instant invention teaches a protective cover for an electrical switch forming part of an electrical circuit having three key components: a fastening flange adapted to be secured to a cover plate for the switch, a shield portion connected to the fastening flange which serves to help block accidental contact, activation and/or access to the electrical switch, but does not totally prevent intentional movement of the switch by a user (especially via a hand-held tool), and a snap off tab or tabs forming part of the shield portion, with the snap off tab or tabs being adapted to be snapped off and removed to allow freer access to and movement of the electrical switch by a user while still providing significant protection against accidental contact and activation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally include apparatus for providing a positive locked connection for I/O devices to computing devices. In one embodiment, an external latching apparatus for an Input/Output (I/O) connection is provided. The external latching apparatus includes a main body and at least one latch. The main body includes a first surface configured to abut to an I/O card bracket and a second surface, parallel and spaced apart from the first surface. The at least one latch extends from the main body beyond the first surface. A plurality of parallel slots are formed in the second surface. Each slot is open on a bottom side of the body and is configured to receive a cable of an I/O cable assembly.

Abstract: A five-direction switch base structure includes a bottom rest, four base components, and two outer covers. A self-luminous push switch is centrally selectively disposed at the bottom rest. The base components each have one side selectively disposed with a self-luminous tactile switch and another side corresponding in position to four sides of the bottom rest so as to be inserted into and fixed to the bottom rest to therefore form a base structural body. The two outer covers cover the self-luminous push switch from above such that, after the base components have been coupled together to form the base structural body, the base structural body and the self-luminous push switch are fixed to each other to form two connection layers. Hence, the base structural body comprising the bottom rest and the base components enables switch installation to take place in five directions, namely forward, backward, leftward, rightward, and upward.

Abstract: A vehicle door switch is provided. The door switch includes a top housing and a bottom housing. The bottom housing having at least one first opening arranged opposite the top housing. A printed circuit board is disposed within the housing. A shield member is provided having a planer portion with a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is arranged adjacent the printed circuit board, the shield member further having a side wall extending about the perimeter of the planer portion. The printed circuit board is disposed within the area defined by the side wall.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for an outdoor switching apparatus of an electrical power line, the switching apparatus being enclosed within a case. The device includes a wall made of electrically conductive material capable of blocking sun rays. The device also includes a fastening assembly for fastening the wall with respect to the case in a position for blocking, at least partially, sun rays from hitting the case during day time. The fastening assembly has at least one spacer made of insulating material for spacing the wall with respect to the case, thus delimiting an air gap between the wall and the case. The device also includes at least one electrical connector for electrically connecting the wall to circuitry of the switching apparatus, located inside the case, for powering and voltage monitoring.

Abstract: A position indicator for a circuit breaker is provided. A circuit breaker housing assembly body has an alignment surface. The position indicator includes an indicator member having an alignment surface and an elongated spacer member. The indicator member is movably coupled to the circuit breaker housing assembly adjacent a terminal screw with the spacer member generally aligned with the terminal screw. The indicator member is structured to move between a first position, wherein the alignment surface is not aligned with the housing assembly body alignment surface, and a second position, wherein the alignment surface is aligned with the housing assembly body alignment surface. The spacer member engages the terminal screw and, if the terminal screw is in a terminal screw first position, the spacer member prevents the indicator member from moving into the indicator member second position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker terminal lug cover is structured to mechanically secure to a circuit breaker terminal lug and protect the terminal lug from degradation or corrosion. The terminal lug includes a number of terminal lug screws capable of securing a number of cables to the circuit breaker. The terminal lug cover includes a plurality of sides structured to carry heat away from the terminal lug or deflect ionized gases away from the terminal lug. At least one of the sides includes a number of securing members structured to mechanically secure the terminal lug cover to the circuit breaker terminal lug. One of the sides includes an access hole permitting access to the number of terminal lug screws.

Abstract: A system is described herein for actuating at least one feature of multiple features of a device located inside an enclosure. The system can include a depressor extending through an aperture in a surface of the enclosure. The depressor can include a depressor shaft having a first depressor end and a second depressor end, where the first depressor end is accessible from outside the enclosure. The depressor can move between an undepressed state and a depressed state. The second depressor end can contact the at least one feature of the multiple features of the device when the depressor is in the depressed state.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to an electrical switch having a basic enclosure with an enclosure top side, an enclosure underside and at least one lateral connection side at which at least one connection contact disposed inside the enclosure of the switch is accessible for the purpose of effecting an electrical connection from outside, and a terminal cover which closes off the connection side laterally at least in sections.

Abstract: The disclosed concept pertains to coating compositions, methods of applying the compositions, and coated components produced therefrom. The coating compositions include alkyd or modified alkyd. The coatings are formed on surfaces of one or more internal components positioned within an electrical system, such as a circuit breaker. In the event of electrical arcing and the metal splatter produced therefrom, the coatings of the disclosed concept are effective to at least partially protect the component surface from the metal splatter and to at least partially impart splatter resistance to the component surface such that the metal splatter does not tend to adhere thereto.

Abstract: This disclosure describes examples of an apparatus to enclose components of a switching assembly of an automatic transfer switch. In one embodiment, the apparatus, or arc chamber cover, has a housing made of material with optical properties that permit observation of the interior of the housing. A mounting assembly couples to the housing. The mounting assembly secures the apparatus to the automatic transfer switch. In one example, the mounting assembly comprises feet comprising a material with mechanical properties that can withstand pressure and other forces inside of the interior chamber. The apparatus also includes one or more baffles to control the flow of gasses and control electric arcs within the switching assembly.

Abstract: A circuit breaker which includes a shielding component. The shielding component includes an external portion which defines a space external to the circuit breaker housing. The external portion prevents insertion of the circuit breaker into a breaker box closer than the distances defining the space. This can have the advantage of preventing arcing from the breaker contacts to the breaker box. The external portion may also prevent insertion of the circuit breaker into a breaker box such that a vent in the circuit breaker housing is blocked. In some implementations, the shielding component contains an internal portion which extends into the circuit breaker housing and is disposed to impede debris generated by contact arcing, or other debris, from entering the mechanism of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A touch device including a touch panel is provided. The touch panel includes a substrate having a touching surface and a bonding surface opposite to the touching surface, and further having a viewable area and a non-viewable area surrounding the viewable area. A colorful decoration layer is disposed on the bonding surface of the substrate and at the non-viewable area. The colorful decoration layer has a gradient side adjacent to the viewable area. A planarization layer completely covers the gradient side of the colorful decoration layer and the bonding surface of the substrate. A touch sensing layer is disposed on the planarization layer and extended from the viewable area to the non-viewable area. Further, a method for fabricating a touch device is provided.

Abstract: A display and housing thereof is disclosed. The housing is applied for assembling a touch panel, and comprises a first case, a buffering structure and a joint structure. The first case has an accommodating space at one side of the first case to accommodate the touch panel. The buffering structure is made of soft material, and the outer edge of the buffering structure connects the first case, and the inner edge of the buffering structure extends toward the accommodating space. The joint structure is made of hard material, and one side of the joint structure connects with one side of the buffering structure. The touch panel is connected with the first case, and the another side of the joint structure being opposite to the side connected with the buffering structure is connected to the touch panel upon the touch panel being accommodated in the accommodating space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device with a switching device housing, having first guiding and supporting recesses on the connecting side and at least one first detent cam that points away from the front face with a first detent surface. A protective cover which is designed as an accessory and which consists of two lateral protective walls and a front face protective wall that connects said lateral walls is equipped with at least one first detent hook, which points towards the front face protective wall with a second detent surface and which can be connected to the first detent cam, on the protective cover end face that points towards the switching device.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant or tamper-evident keypad device for use in secure transactions. The keypad comprises multiple security mechanisms to prevent tampering to the device, and thus access to users' private information. The keypad is made of resilient materials and contains a tamper-resistant collar for housing the keypad's connector interface. The keypad comprises a multi-layered printed circuit board with at least two internal security-shield layers comprising switch trace protection, as well as additional security layers for tamper protection. The keypad comprises a silicon-rubber keypad actuator that engages tamper switches on the flexible security circuit. The keypad comprises an optional dome layer.

Abstract: A touch panel includes a strengthen cover lens and a touch electrode layer. The strengthen cover lens includes a first non-planar sulfate, and is planned with a display region and a peripheral region surrounding the display region. The touch electrode layer is formed, on the first non-planar surface and overlaid on the display region and at least part of the peripheral region for manufacturing a non-planar touch panel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a touch panel and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly, relates to a touch panel having a shielding layer. A manufacturing method of the touch panel provided in the present disclosure comprises of the steps of forming a plurality of first conductive axes and a plurality of second conductive units on a substrate; covering the first conductive axes and the second conductive units with an insulating layer and exposing at least a partial set of second conductive units; and forming a plurality of bridging structures and a shielding layer on the insulating layer simultaneously, wherein the bridging structures electrically connect to the second conductive units. The proposed method allows the shielding layer to be formed during the formation of the bridging structures, thereby eliminating the step of forming the shielding layer separately through an independent process, which saves costs and time.

Abstract: A keycap and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The method is to injection-mold a cap with a layer structure of ink thereon by an in-mold transfer method; then, to form a pattern on the layer structure of ink by a high energy optical engraving method; and at last, to form a light-permeable protection layer on the layer structure of ink to cover the pattern. The keycap according to the invention is therefore obtained. Therefore, the invention can reduce the manufacturing time relatively to a conventional keycap with a pattern formed thereon, such as a keycap for backlight keyboard. Furthermore, the invention can improve the binding strength between the layer structure of ink and the cap by use of the in-mold transfer method.

Abstract: There is provided hands-free lighting, components thereof, and other accessories for being combined with the hands-free lighting. The hands-free lighting is preferably lighted headgear including hats and includes various accessories for use therewith, such as lighted headgear having two switch or actuator devices mounted thereto. The two switch devices can include a temporary switch device and a maintained switch device. The lighted headgear can further include a switch guard associated therewith. The lighted headgear can alternatively or also include a switch cover. The switch guard and/or the switch cover can be associated with packaging configured to mount to the lighted hat to substantially prevent inadvertent activation while still allowing intentional actuation thereof, or substantially prevent activation thereof, respectively.

Abstract: An improved shield apparatus is structured to resist contamination due to an electrical arc event of an open region that is formed within an interior of a circuit interrupter. The open region is one within which a coil spring is movably disposed. The improved shield apparatus is formed of a flexible sheet of arc-resistant material and includes a support apparatus having an elongated leg, at least a portion of which extends through an elongated longitudinal opening in the coil spring and connects with an end of the coil spring. The shield apparatus further includes a shield element that is situated on an exterior surface of the coil spring and is structured to overlie at least a portion of an opening into the open region.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus such as, for example, a subminiature or aircraft circuit breaker, is provided for a circuit protection module of an electrical system, such as an aerospace power distribution unit. The circuit protection module includes a panel member. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts, and a mounting element for attaching the housing to the panel member. The housing is a thermally conductive liquid crystalline polymer. The panel member and mounting element are thermally conductive. Heat generated by the separable contacts is transferred away from the separable contacts, through the housing and the thermally conductive mounting element, and into the thermally conductive panel member. A circuit protection module and an electrical system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal stack-up structure of a touch panel including a touch sensing substrate having a joint area with an electronic assembly placed thereon; a cover substrate facing to and being spaced out from the touch sensing substrate and having a first border region with a first mask layer coated thereon, the first border region corresponding to the joint area; a reflection layer disposed on the first mask layer and corresponding to the electronic assembly; and a bonding layer formed at least between the electronic assembly and the reflection layer, the bonding layer being formed by liquid bonding materials which change from liquid state to solid state to improve the bonding strength between the cover substrate and the touch sensing substrate after being exposed to light reflected from the reflection layer.

Abstract: A pushrod assembly for a circuit breaker having a pushrod with an insulating body, an insulating housing surrounding the push rod, a first insulating shield connected to the pushrod and a second insulating shield connected to the housing. The first insulating shield and the second insulating shield are arranged inside the housing such that an electrical path through a fluid inside the housing is longer than the distance of a first end and a second end of the push rod.

Abstract: There is provided hands-free lighting, components thereof, and other accessories combined with the hands-free lighting. The hands-free lighting is preferably lighted headgear including hats and includes various accessories for use therewith, such as a protective switch guard associated with hat packaging surrounding an activation switch to prevent inadvertent activation while still allowing intentional actuation thereof.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a cradle, the circuit breaker comprises: an upper shutter and a lower shutter configured to open and close terminals of the cradle; an upper shutter operation link having one end connected to the upper shutter and another end rotatably coupled to a pivot; a lower shutter operation link having one end connected to the lower shutter and another end rotatably coupled to the pivot; and a shutter safety device comprising a coupling unit fixedly-coupled to the pivot, a rotation unit rotatably coupled to the coupling unit, and a link fixing unit provided at one end of the rotation unit, wherein the link fixing unit is to restrict rotation of the upper shutter operation link and the lower shutter operation link in a contacting manner.

Abstract: A movable contactor for an air circuit breaker with a contact spring protecting mechanism is provided, the movable contactor comprising a shielding plate configured to shield exposed surfaces of the contact springs for protection so as to prevent a deterioration or performance degradation in the contact springs due to arcs.