Abstract: A current switch including a main contact including an electrically conductive knife, and an electrically insulating element, fitted in a mobile manner on a first portion of electric line in order to alternatively follow an opening movement and a closing movement; a shunt branch including a first part electrically connected to a second portion of the line, including a vacuum interrupter configured to be actuated alternatively between an open state and a closed state, a second part fitted in a mobile manner on the first part and configured to actuate the vacuum interrupter. During the opening movement, the electrically conductive knife acts upon the second part in order to actuate the vacuum interrupter, and during the closing movement, the electrically insulating element acts upon the second part without actuating the vacuum interrupter.

Abstract: A switching device, including: a main switch configured to be displaced between a closed position of a main circuit and an open position, a vacuum interrupter including: a fixed electrode, a mobile electrode, configured to be displaced between: a first, so-called closed, position, and a second, so-called open, position, in which the electrodes are apart, a palette configured to make the mobile electrode switch over from the first position to the second position and comprising an electrically conductive plate, the main switch being configured to drive the palette via the plate, a connection wire electrically linking the plate and the mobile electrode, the wire being in electrical contact with a tube disposed in an accommodating recess of the plate, wherein the accommodating recess comprises a wall exerting an elastic holding force on the tube.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for switching high currents include at least one vacuum switching path and at least one rated-current contact switching path. The at least two switching paths are electrically connected in parallel. One current path for a rated current is routed over at least one rated-current contact of said rated-current contact switching path, and a parallel current path for a short-circuit current is routed over at least one contact of a vacuum tube of the vacuum switching path.

Abstract: A terminal clamp cover device for low voltage circuit breakers, in particular for molded case circuit breakers, having one or more phases, each provided with a terminal for the electrical connection of the circuit breaker, a clamp for the connection of the terminal to an electrical circuit and a vent opening to discharge the gases produced in the circuit breaker during opening/closing operations. The device includes an insulating body that covers the clamp, the insulating body being provided on at least one portion of its outer surface with a plurality of heat dissipating elements. A low voltage circuit breaker, in particular a low voltage molded case circuit breaker, including a device of the type described also forms part of the application.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a movable tulip contact and a vacuum interrupter together connecting a first terminal to a second terminal of the circuit breaker. The tulip contact has a first end having contact fingers removably attached to a stationary contact of the first terminal, and a second end that is electrically connected to the second terminal. The vacuum interrupter has a first electrode assembly that is electrically connected to the first terminal, and a second electrode assembly that is electrically connected to the second terminal. The tulip contact and stationary contact provide a first conductive path from the first terminal to the second terminal when the tulip contact is connected to the stationary contact. The vacuum interrupter provides a second conductive path from the first terminal to the second terminal when the vacuum interrupter is in a closed position.

Abstract: A switchgear includes a first contact capable of reciprocating along a motion axis, and a second contact. The second contact includes a facing unit movable in a first direction from the first contact toward the second contact when the facing unit is pushed in by the first contact, a spaced unit spaced from the axis and urged in a direction toward the axis, and a regulating unit coupled to the facing unit. The spaced unit abuts on the regulating unit to restrict movement of the spaced unit in the direction toward the axis as the facing unit is located in the second direction. The spaced unit is released from abutment on the regulating unit to move in the direction toward the axis into abutment on the first contact as the facing unit moves in the first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a first plurality of gas-insulated circuit interrupters in the housing and a second plurality of gas-insulated circuit interrupters in the housing. The apparatus also includes a first bus assembly in the housing and coupled to the first plurality of gas-insulated circuit interrupters, and a second bus assembly in the housing and coupled to the second plurality of gas-insulated circuit interrupters. The apparatus further includes at least one connector configured to interconnect the first bus assembly and the second bus assembly.

Abstract: A high voltage folding disconnect switch including a folding switch blade that folds as it opens or closes and which is divided into a fixed blade portion attached to a rotating insulator and a folded blade portion having an electric contact surface engaging a break jaw contact surface. A trigger lever-locking bar is mounted to the fixed blade portion. The trigger lever-locking bar includes a trigger finger for contacting a trigger surface mounted on a stationary insulator. The trigger lever-locking bar has a cam slot for interaction with a cam follower pin that locks the movement of the folding blade so that premature straightening of the blade is prevented until any ice build-up on the switch has been alleviated.

Abstract: An arc extinguishing contact assembly for a circuit breaker assembly is provided. The arc extinguishing contact assembly includes a fixed contact assembly, a movable contact assembly and an arc extinguishing assembly. The fixed contact assembly includes a fixed arc contact assembly, a fixed main contact assembly, and a number of movable, intermediate arc contact assemblies. The movable contact assembly includes a movable arc contact assembly and a movable main contact assembly. The arc extinguishing assembly is structured to extinguish an arc generated as the movable contact assembly moves between an open, first position and a closed, second position.

Abstract: A double break disconnect switch including a bearing arrangement carrying a switch blade assembly is mounted on a drive arrangement. The switch blade assembly is rotatable longitudinally during initial opening and final closing of the switch and transversely for final opening and initial closing. The switch blade assembly is hinged for rotation about a hinge axis offset from the center of gravity of the switch blade for initial opening and for final closing. A blade bearing is provided of very small in diameter. The drive assembly uses the weight of the blade to keep the blade from rotating longitudinally and uses a cam arrangement including a roller riding in a slot of a blade drive plate that is spring loaded on one end and pivotally attached at the other end to rotate the blade longitudinally providing greater force to rotate the blade as contacts engage.

Abstract: A blade closing detector for an electric power switch includes a blade closing detector and an electronic or visual indicator. A first type of detector uses a gravity switch and a magnetic pickup to detect proper engagement between the blade and the switch. A second type of detector uses a sliding latch with a visual indicator rod to provide a visual indication of proper engagement of the blade within the jaws. A third type of detector uses a magnetic switch with a pivot arm and a dome shaped visual indicator. These detectors may be deployed individually or in combination and may be augmented with communication equipment to transmit switch status to a remote location. It will be understood that specific embodiments may include a variety of features in different combinations, as desired by different users.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator circuit for high-voltage switchgear for a vacuum circuit breaker, including at least one permanent magnet and at least one coil connected in series with a transistor switch, and an electromechanical switch connected in series with the transistor switch and the coil. The first electromechanical switch and the transistor switch have an open default state, such that the electromechanical switch closes at an instant that precedes an instant of closing of the transistor switch, and such that it is returned to the open state once the transistor switch has returned to the open state. Such a magnetic actuator circuit may find application for putting a medium and/or high voltage apparatus into and out of circuit.

Abstract: An electrical switching device and method are disclosed. The electrical switching device can include two movable contacts. During opening of the switching device, the two movable contacts move in a first direction until one of the movable contacts engages a blocking member. The other movable contact continues in the first direction, effecting opening of the switching device. In a particular implementation, the movable contact that engages the blocking member “bounces” in a second direction after contacting the blocking member. This causes the contacts of the switching device to be separated very quickly, reducing electrical arcing during opening of the switching device.

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: A medium voltage switch unit comprising an interruption unit and a disconnection unit, wherein the interruption unit comprises a first and a second interruption contact and a first drive unit which moves one of said interruption contacts between a first position in which they are in electrical connection and a second position in which they are spaced apart. The disconnection unit comprises a first and a second fixed disconnection contacts couplable and uncouplable with respective first and second movable disconnection contacts mounted on the interruption unit and electrically connected to the first interruption contact. The interruption unit is mechanically supported by a first fixed conductor and the second interruption contact is electrically connected to said first fixed conductor.

Abstract: The object is to provide ring-bus-type gas insulated switchgear that ensures maintenance and inspection performance, reduces the installation space, and further reduces costs. Each of a plurality of breaker units is formed by connecting an instrument current transformer and a disconnector to each of the upper and lower branch ports drawn horizontally from the side surface of a vertical breaker in the same direction, and the breaker units are arranged in parallel. Adjacent disconnectors are connected to each other by a connection bus, so that the bus route runs alternately at upper and lower levels. Furthermore, the breaker units positioned at the two ends are connected linearly to each other by a communication bus. In addition, the line-side devices are arranged to face the corresponding breaker units across the disconnectors.

Abstract: A current transformer cabinet is disclosed having an electrical meter coupled to current transformers. One or more disconnect switches arranged between the source conductors and the load conductors. The disconnect switches include a link member that allows the disconnecting of electrical service from the load conductors by rotation of the link from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: The high-voltage switching device used in one installation position and has metallic encapsulation (10) a switching gap (4) and a particle trap (1) for holding foreign body particles (2), and is characterized in that in the one installation position, the particle trap (1) is arranged vertically underneath the switching gap (4), in the one installation position, an isolator part (8) is provided, which has a surface (8a) aligned essentially horizontally and faces the interior of the high-voltage switching device, with a metallic wall (9), which is higher than the particle trap (1; 1?), being arranged between the isolator part (8) and the particle trap (1; 1?). The particle trap (1) has a viewing window (3). If the high-voltage switching device is a disconnector, this viewing window (3) may be identical to the viewing window (3) for visual access to the visible disconnecting gap (4) of the disconnector.

Abstract: A portable circuit interrupting apparatus for use on a circuit isolating device and associated methods of formation and use are provided. The portable circuit interrupting apparatus includes a main housing body and a sleeve coaxially mounted therein. The sleeve is slidable between an extended and retracted position. A shunt circuit segment is connected between ring and hook engaging terminals which engage and form an electrical connection between ring-like and hook-like conducting parts of the circuit isolating device. A shunt circuit segment interrupts the electrical connection in response to movement of the sleeve from the retracted position to the extended position. At least portions of a reset plunger extend inwardly through an opening in a medial portion of the sleeve when in the extended position. An operation counter is connected to and responds to the inward extension of the reset plunger to count a number of circuit interrupting operations.

Abstract: A switch-disconnector control unit comprising an electromagnet as an actuator including a moving control arm, and a spring actuator including a control shaft. The control arm is controlled by an armature of the actuator and connected to the control shaft. Said control shaft is arranged to control the contacts of the switch-disconnector using the spring actuator. The control arm comprises a connection element, which is jointedly connected through a control element to the control shaft and the actuator. An articulated joint at the end of said connection element is formed of an oval opening and a pin. Said opening is shaped as an ellipse in the longitudinal direction of the connection element, and is dimensioned to form a clearance in the joint between the connection element and the control arm of the actuator.

Abstract: A gas-insulated switchgear device. A casing is provided with a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, an interruption unit, and a disconnection unit. The disconnection unit includes a first fixed contact connected to the second connection terminal. A second fixed contact is at ground potential. A third fixed contact is connected to the first connection terminal. A first moving contact can be coupled to the third fixed contact. A second moving contact can be coupled to at least one of the first and second fixed contacts, and is electrically connected to the interruption unit. The second moving contact is rigidly fixed to a rotating actuation element. At least one of the first and second fixed contacts lies on the rotation plane of the second moving contact. The interruption unit includes an interruption chamber having a rotating case with a stationary contact and a mobile contact. A longitudinal axis of the interruption chamber is aligned with the rotating actuation element.

Abstract: A hookstick operated switch assembly includes a switch mounted to a support and movable between open and closed positions. An operating lever is connected to the switch for opening and closing the switch. A locking arm is positioned proximal the switch. A locking member is receivable by the locking arm when the switch is in the open position to prevent movement of the operating lever, thereby locking the switch in the open position.

Abstract: A vacuum switch is composed by installing a vacuum circuit-breaker and a disconnector in different grounded vacuum vessels, respectively, and a vacuum-measurement device is attached to each grounded vacuum vessel. The above vacuum vessel communicates with one of the grounded vacuum vessels, and the degree of vacuum in the vacuum vessel can be directly measured and monitored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch-disconnector control unit comprising an electromagnet as an actuator including a moving control arm, and a spring actuator including a control shaft. The control arm is controlled by an armature of the actuator and connected to the control shaft. Said control shaft is arranged to control the contacts of the switch-disconnector using the spring actuator. The control arm comprises a connection element, which is jointedly connected through a control element to the control shaft and the actuator. An articulated joint at the end of said connection element is formed of an oval opening and a pin. Said opening is shaped as an ellipse in the longitudinal direction of the connection element, and is dimensioned to form a clearance in the joint between the connection element and the control arm of the actuator.

Abstract: A gas-insulated switchgear having three gas-insulated hermetic vessels containing a disconnector for disconnecting a circuit and shunt conductors connected in parallel to each other between the disconnectors of the three hermetic vessels. The shunt conductors each include a conductor having terminal portions extending through and penetrating into the hermetic vessels and a main body portion connected and shunted between the terminal portions for parallel distributing an electric power from a first hermetic vessel to second and third hermetic vessels, an insulating material covering the main body portion and an electrically conductive coating disposed on an outer surface of the insulating material and grounded. The main body portion of the conductor is disposed outside of the hermetic vessels.

Abstract: A vacuum switch is composed by installing a vacuum circuit-breaker and a disconnector in different grounded vacuum vessels, respectively, and a vacuum-measurement device is attached to each grounded vacuum vessel. The above vacuum vessel communicates with one of the grounded vacuum vessels, and the degree of vacuum in the vacuum vessel can be directly measured and monitored.

Abstract: An actuating device (60) operated by a hookstick (4) is attached to a manually operated fused cutout switch (2) or a oil circuit recloser switch (14). The device (60) comprises a cantilever (62) with a pair of opposing hook-shaped receptacles (70, 72) for receiving a hookstick (4) that is used to alternatively open or close the switch. A method of actuating a manually operated switch is disclosed.

Abstract: A gas-insulated switchgear comprising a gas-insulated three hermetic vessels 9, 10a and 10b each containing a disconnector 2 for disconnecting the circuit. Also disposed is shunt conductors 11 connected in parallel to each other between the disconnectors 2 of the three hermetic vessels 9, 10a, 10b. The shunt conductors 11 each comprises a conductor 25 having terminal portions 21, 22, 23 extending through and penetrating into the first hermetic vessel 9 and the second and third hermetic vessels 10a and 10b and a main body portion 24 connected and shunted between the terminal portions 21-23 for parallel distributing an electric power from the first hermetic vessel 9 to the second and third hermetic vessels 10a, 10b, an insulating material 26 covering the main body portion 24 and an electrically conductive coating 27 disposed on an outer surface of the insulating material 26 and grounded. The main body portion 24 of the conductor 25 is disposed outside of the hermetic vessel.

Abstract: A fault interrupter is provided that includes a high-speed disconnect in series with an interrupter wherein the circuit opening is via the interrupter and the circuit making is via the disconnect. A stored energy disconnect operating mechanism operates the disconnect between ground, open and closed positions and also charges the interrupter mechanism during a slow opening of the disconnect without fully charging the disconnect operating mechanism. Thus, the required operating forces to open the disconnect and charge the interrupter mechanism are reduced. During a manual opening, the disconnect operating mechanism trips open the interrupter, then only partially charges to begin opening the disconnect before releasing the stored energy. Continued operation of the disconnect operating mechanism slowly drives the disconnect open while charging the interrupter mechanism and closing the interrupter.

Abstract: An actuating device operated by a hookstick is attached to an existing ring on a manually operated fused cutout switch or oil circuit recloser switch. The device comprises a cantilever and a clamp for attaching the cantilever about the existing ring. The cantilever a pair of lever arms, each having a hook-shaped receptacle for receiving a hookstick that is used to alternatively open or close the switch. Methods of actuating a manually operated recloser and lock-out switch and modifying such a switch to facilitate manual operation are disclosed.

Abstract: An actuating device operated by a hookstick is attached to a manually operated oil circuit recloser switch. The device comprises a cantilever and an affixed switch lever. The cantilever includes a pair of lever arms, each having a hook-shaped receptacle for receiving a hookstick that is used to alternatively open or close the switch. Methods of actuating a manually operated switch in a recloser and lock-out device and modifying such a switch to facilitate manual operation are disclosed.

Abstract: An actuating device operated by a hookstick is attached to an existing ring on a manually operated fused cutout switch or oil circuit recloser switch. The device comprises a cantilever and a clamp for attaching the cantilever about the existing ring. The cantilever a pair of lever arms, each having a hook-shaped receptacle for receiving a hookstick that is used to alternatively open or close the switch.

Abstract: A portable circuit interrupting apparatus for use in association with a circuit isolating device such as a fuse cutout, disconnecting switch, or power fuse. The apparatus comprises a tubular housing, with a sleeve coaxially and slidably mounted within the housing. A ring engaging terminal is mounted to the housing and is adapted to engage a ring-like conducting part of the isolating device, and a hook engaging terminal is mounted to the sleeve and is adapted to engage a hook-like conducting part of the isolating device. The ring engaging terminal is mounted to the housing by means of a tubular cylinder fixed to the housing, and a shuttle slidably mounted in the tubular cylinder and so as to be lockable in each of at least two axially spaced apart positions, and the ring engaging terminal is fixed to the shuttle.

Abstract: A vacuum recloser in which an isolator switch is incorporated in series with the vacuum interrupter and is driven by the same actuator. The isolator must only be operated when the vacuum switch is open and no arc current remains. This is ensured in one of two ways (a) by providing a significant lost motion in the isolator drive, giving, say, 20 milliseconds between opening of the vacuum contacts and opening of the isolator contacts, and (b) by latching the isolator drive against opening, compressing a spring against the latch by the actuator attempting to open the isolator, and tripping the latch by a solenoid responsive to lock-out conditions.

Abstract: A pair of fixed contacts is associated with a pair of movable contacts. All of the contacts have circular contact faces. A U-shaped stainless steel arc shield is provided adjacent each set of movable and fixed contacts. The semi-circular bight portion of the arc shield forms part of an imaginary circle having its center concentric with the centers of the contacts. Thus, the outer arcuate portions of the contacts are in constant spaced relationship with the arcuate portion of the adjacent arc shield. The actuator for the contacts provides for sequential opening of the sets of movable and fixed contacts.

Abstract: A portable circuit interrupting apparatus for use in association with a circuit isolating device such as a fuse cutout, disconnecting switch, or power fuse. The apparatus has a tubular housing, with a sleeve coaxially and slidably mounted within the housing. A ring engaging terminal is mounted to the housing and engages a ring-like conducting part of the isolating device, and a hook engaging terminal is mounted to the sleeve and engages a hook-like conducting part of the isolating device. The ring engaging terminal is mounted to the housing by a tubular cylinder fixed to the housing, and a shuttle slidably mounted in the tubular cylinder and so as to be lockable in each of at least two axially spaced apart positions, and the ring engaging terminal is fixed to the shuttle. A shunting circuit is connected between the ring engaging and the hook engaging terminal and includes a circuit segment positioned within the housing which is automatically interrupted upon the sleeve being moved to a withdrawn position.

Abstract: An inverter contact switch has a first pair of spaced fixed contacts connected to respective terminals of an inverter circuit for selectively disconnecting and connecting the inverter to a DC power bus. A first pair of spaced movable contacts are positioned on opposite sides of the fixed contacts. A drive actuator is coupled to the movable contacts for concurrently driving the movable contacts into substantially simultaneous engagement with the pair of fixed contacts for establishing a circuit path from one of the fixed contacts through each of the movable contacts to another of the fixed contacts. The switch may include a second pair of fixed and movable contacts operatively connected to a DC return bus and another terminal of the inverter for isolating the inverter from both the power and return buses.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a combined interrupter and disconnect switch comprises an operating crank and an interrupter support housing which are separately rotatable about a common pivotal axis. The interrupter switch is part of a disconnect switch arm and is secured to the support housing. The interrupter contacts are operated by a linearly movable rod which has an end connected to a lever extending from the operating crank and is movable thereby. A crank arm connected to said operating crank is connected to and moved by a linearly movable operating shaft. A spring-biased latch lever is pivotally mounted to the interrupter support housing and releasably engages the free end of the crank arm lever so that the housing rotates with the crank for a first portion of the rotation of the crank and closes the disconnect switch. When the disconnect switch closes, the latch releases and the crank rotates relative to the housing to operate the linearly movable rod which operates the interrupter switch.

Abstract: A group operated switching apparatus for overhead electric power lines has a box-like elongated housing which mounts on a pole and supports three disconnect switches. Three operating shafts are journalled on the housing and are operatively connected to the disconnect switches so that axial rotation of the operating shafts alternately opens and closes the disconnect switches. An upright control shaft extends through the housing. A transverse rod assembly is enclosed within the housing and defines a mechanical connection between the control shaft and the operating shafts so that axial rotation of the control shaft causes axial rotation of the operating shafts. Each disconnect switch includes a jaw terminal having dual function backup springs and auxiliary contacts for minimizing effects of arcing during opening and closing of the switch.