Abstract: A switch assembly and method of switching a load between a first power source and a second power source that maintains a desired sequencing of the making and breaking of both the neutral and power connections in response to a single user input. The switch assembly includes an actuator that is movable between a first position and a second position and a first movable element and a second movable element that are operably coupled to one another and the actuator. A positive switch contact arrangement is coupled with the first movable element and a neutral switch contact arrangement is coupled with the second movable element. The positive switch contact arrangement and the neutral switch contact arrangement comprise geometrically different constructions so that moving the actuator between the first position and the second position avoids an open neutral condition.

Abstract: A switch assembly and method of switching a load between a first power source and a second power source that maintains a desired sequencing of the making and breaking of both the neutral and power connections in response to a single user input. The switch assembly includes an actuator that is movable between a first position and a second position and a first movable element and a second movable element that are operably coupled to one another and the actuator. A positive switch contact arrangement is coupled with the first movable element and a neutral switch contact arrangement is coupled with the second movable element. The positive switch contact arrangement and the neutral switch contact arrangement comprise geometrically different constructions so that moving the actuator between the first position and the second position avoids an open neutral condition.

Abstract: Provided herein is a power transmission mechanism of a four poles circuit breaker in which the contact points of a neutral pole thereof are brought into contact earlier at the time of closing and separated later at the time of opening than those of the other poles thereof, and according to the present invention, there is disclosed a power transmission mechanism of a four poles circuit breaker comprising: a switching shaft configured to provide a driving force for switching to the movable contactors of the poles; an arm provided to correspond to the four poles to transfer the rotational torque of the switching shaft; and a link configured to transfer the rotational torque of the arm to the movable contactor as a switching force, and provided to correspond to the four poles, wherein the sum of the length of the arm and the link in a neutral pole is longer than the sum of the length of the arm and the link in the poles excluding the neutral pole.

Abstract: Disclosed are an elastic pressing unit and a molded case circuit breaker having the same, the molded case circuit breaker including, a plurality of fixed contacts, a plurality of movable contacts disposed to be rotatable between a closing position contacted with the corresponding fixed contacts and a breaking position or trip position separated from the corresponding fixed contacts, a rotation pin disposed to be simultaneously connected to the movable contacts, a mechanical unit connected to the rotation pin so as to allow the movable contacts to be simultaneously rotatable, and an elastic pressing unit configured to apply an elastic force to the rotation pin such that the rotation pin is rotated toward the closing position, whereby component deformation can be prevented, resulting in ensuring operation reliability and stability of the mechanical unit.

Abstract: Retrofit kit, circuitry and method are provided for reconfiguring a tap changer (18). The retrofit kit may be used to retrofit a tap changer having contacts (15) subject to electrical arcing so that when the kit is installed such contacts are no longer exposed to electrical arcing. The circuitry may include a vacuum switch assembly (100) having a first vacuum interrupter (202) electrically coupled to a first electrical contact of the tap changer. A second vacuum interrupter (204) may be electrically coupled to a second electrical contact of the tap changer. The first and second vacuum interrupters may be selectively actuated to a respective circuit-interrupting condition when a tap change is performed to avoid formation of electrical arcing on the first and second movable contacts (15).

Abstract: An interlock arrangement operatively associated with utility and generator side switches of an electrical panel including a first main switch associated with the first power supply and a second main switch associated with the second power supply. The interlock arrangement includes a first neutral switch associated with the first power supply, and a second neutral switch associated with the second power supply. A lockout sequencer arrangement has a first lockout that restricts simultaneous switching of the first and the second neutral switch, a second lockout configured to engage the first lockout to restrict movement of the first lockout when the first main switch is a conductive position, and a third lockout configured to engage the first lockout to restrict movement of the first lockout when the second main switch is in a conductive position.

Abstract: An interlock assembly for use with a pair of aligned multiple switch assemblies configured to control the supply of electrical power to an electrical panel. Each multiple switch assembly includes a two-pole transfer switch for a pair of “hot” conductors, and a single-pole transfer switch for a neutral connection. The interlock assembly is movably mounted relative to both of the multiple switch assemblies, and is configured to control a sequence of connection and interruption of each neutral connection relative to switching the hot conductors associated with switching each multiple switch assembly. The interlock assembly prevents the “hot” conductors of each multiple switch assembly from being connected without the associated respective neutral connection having been made in advance. The interlock assembly also ensures that the neutral connection of each multiple switch assembly is interrupted without previous interruption of the connection of the respective “hot” conductors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch assembly (1) for switching an electric consumer (2) on and off, in particular for the use in a hand machine tool, comprising a power switch (3) and a power electronic (5) for supplying the consumer (2) with electric energy. According to the invention it is provided that a help switch (6) is provided, which works together with the power electronic (5) in such a way that it supplies the electric consumer (2) with electric energy only after switching on the help switch (6). The invention furthermore relates to an electric consumer (2) as well as a machine tool.

Abstract: Switch boxes for power tools with safety systems are disclosed. The switch boxes are particularly useful for woodworking equipment such as table saws equipped with safety systems that detect and react to dangerous conditions. The switch boxes may include a power switch, a start/stop switch, a bypass switch and a visual indicator.

Abstract: An interlock for two circuit breakers, with the circuit breakers configured in the same electrical circuit and with each circuit breaker having a cross bar and contact assembly. The interlock comprises a pivot pin mounted a spaced distance from the two circuit breakers. An interlock yoke having two ends, with a notch proximate each end of the yoke and the yoke is coupled to the pivot pin. A first operator rod having a first end is configured to engage the cross bar and contact assembly of one circuit breaker and has a second end configured to engage the notch of the yoke. A second operator rod having a first end is configured to engage the cross bar and contact assembly of the other circuit breaker and has a second end configured to engage the notch of the yoke. When one operator rod is moved by the cross bar and contact assembly of one circuit breaker, that operator rod pivots the yoke, causing the other operator rod to block the operation of the other circuit breaker.

Abstract: A mechanical AND gate has a pivot plate with an elongated slot engaged by an output coupling formed by a pair of pins radially offset from the end of an output shaft. A pair of input couplings secured to the pivot plate at points laterally offset on opposite sides of the elongated slot couple first and second elongated actuators to the pivot plate. Movement of only one of the elongated actuators to an ON position causes the pivot plate to translate relative to the output coupling, but not to rotate. However, when the second actuator is moved to an ON position in a direction parallel but opposite to the movement of the first actuator, the pivot plate rotates to rotate the output coupling, and therefore, the output shaft. This mechanical AND gate has particular application to interlocking three electric power switches such as circuit breakers so that any two, but not all three, circuit breakers may be on at one time.