Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reconditioning a vacuum interrupter that comprises determining whether the vacuum interrupter is suitable for reconditioning. Where the vacuum interrupter is suitable for reconditioning, the method comprises reducing pressure inside vacuum interrupter using magnetron pumping, and/or forming at least one hole in an endcap of a vacuum envelope of the vacuum interrupter, cleaning components of the vacuum interrupter inside the vacuum envelope by introducing at least one cleaning solution into the interior of the vacuum envelope through the at least one hole in the endcap, removing the cleaning solution from the interior of the vacuum envelope, installing a plug in the at least one hole, wherein the plug has getter material on a surface thereof facing the interior of the vacuum envelope, and vacuum sealing the plug to the at least one hole such that a vacuum is re-established in the interior of the vacuum envelope.

Abstract: A switching assembly for interrupting current from an upper terminal to a lower terminal. The switching assembly includes an upper bushing, a lower bushing sealably coupled to the upper bushing, the upper terminal coupled to the upper bushing, at least one lower terminal, and a switching medium positioned within a channel formed within the upper bushing. The lower terminal is electrically coupled to the switching medium. According to some embodiments, one or more of the lower terminals are coupled into one or more lower terminal openings formed within at least one of the upper bushing and the lower bushing. According to some exemplary embodiments, the assembly includes a modular terminal ring positioned between the upper bushing and the lower bushing and sealably coupled to both. The one or more lower terminals are coupled into one or more lower terminal openings formed within a perimeter of the modular terminal ring.

Abstract: A vacuum exhaust element of a vacuum switch has an ordinary withstand voltage because the vacuum vessel and power source element are grounded, therefore not requiring the high voltage to be taken into consideration. This way, the vacuum exhaust element is miniaturized and it is safe for a worker to touch the vacuum vessel and the vacuum exhaust element when performing maintenance and/or inspection.