Abstract: Described herein is a switch pole for a low voltage switching device including an insulating casing defining an internal space with a contact area and an arc-extinguishing area of the switch pole, a fixed contact assembly and a movable contact assembly positioned in the contact area and including, respectively, one or more fixed contacts and one or more movable contacts, which can be mutually coupled or uncoupled, and an arc chamber positioned in the arc-extinguishing area that includes a plurality of parallel arc-breaking plates. The insulating casing includes an insulating wall partially separating the contact area from the arc-extinguishing area and a channel connects the contact area to the arc-extinguishing area. The switch pole further includes an additional arc-breaking element anchored to the insulating wall, passing through the channel of the insulating wall and arranged in electrical connection with a terminal arc-breaking plate of the arc chamber.

Abstract: A switching device includes: a first and a second fixed contact; a contact bridge; a first movable contact and a second movable contact that are arranged at the contact bridge; a first terminal contact on which the first fixed contact is mounted; and a second terminal contact on which the second fixed contact is mounted. The first fixed contact is in contact with the first movable contact and the second fixed contact is in contact with the second movable contact in a switched-on state of the switching device. The first fixed contact is free of contact with the first movable contact and the second fixed contact is free of contact with the second movable contact in a switched-off state of the switching device. A path of a load current flowing through the contact bridge between the first and second movable contacts in the switched-on state extends in a first plane.

Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker comprising one or more electrical poles, each of said poles having an internal space with a contact area and an arc extinguishing area, a fixed contact assembly and a movable contact assembly being positioned in said contact area, said movable contact assembly being movable between a closed position in which it is into contact with said fixed contact assembly and an open position in which it is spaced apart from said fixed contact assembly, an arc chamber comprising a plurality of substantially parallel arc-breaking plates made of a ferromagnetic material being positioned in said arc extinguishing area. The low-voltage circuit breaker is characterized in that said arc chamber further comprises at least one arc-breaking plate which is at least partially made of a ceramic material.

Abstract: A device has a movable contact, a stationary contact and an arc quenching unit, the arc quenching unit has a plurality of arc quenching plates and an electrically isolative housing, each one of the plurality of arc quenching plates has a mounting portion and a receiving portion, the receiving portion has a distributing part, the distributing part has a through hole penetrating through the receiving portion and an inclined plane protruding from the receiving portion, the inclined plane is arranged to a side of the through hole away from an arc entrance and extending to the arc entrance, an angle between the inclined plane and the receiving portion is an acute angle, a root of the inclined plane is continuous with the receiving portion. An inclined plane of a first arc quenching plate is interlacing and opposite with an inclined plane of a second arc quenching plate.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device is provided. In some configurations, the circuit interrupting device includes a base and an arc chamber assembly received within the base. The arc chamber assembly includes an arc chamber framework and a plurality of splitter plates received within the arc chamber framework. The arc chamber framework includes a first plurality of protrusions and a second plurality of protrusions that laterally extend in a direction toward one another. Adjacent pairs of the first plurality of protrusions and the second plurality of protrusions are arranged on opposing sides of each of the plurality of splitter plates.

Abstract: An unit has a plurality of arc quenching plates and an electrically isolative housing, the plurality of arc quenching plates adjacent to each other are spaced to form an arc channel. Each one of the plurality of arc quenching plates has a mounting portion and a receiving portion, the receiving portion has a distributing part, the distributing part has a through hole penetrating through the receiving portion and an inclined plane protruding from the receiving portion, the inclined plane is arranged to a side of the through hole away from an arc entrance and extending to the arc entrance, an angle between the inclined plane and the receiving portion is an acute angle, a root of the inclined plane is continuous with the receiving portion. An inclined plane of a first arc quenching plate is interlacing and opposite with an inclined plane of a second arc quenching plate.

Abstract: An insulator for a bus bar of a breaker panel may be modularly sacrificed for the installation of a breaker. The ability to modularly sacrifice insulating portions enables protection of the electrical service worker while installing a new breaker panel or modifying an existing breaker panel.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a gas-blast circuit breaker comprises a heat removal unit in a flow path of arc extinguishing gas. The heat removal unit each includes: plate-shaped heat removal members contacting the arc extinguishing gas flowing in the flow path; and a holding portion holding the plate-shaped heat removal members to stack the heat removal members at intervals in a thickness direction. Each of the heat removal members includes: an upstream side end portion; a downstream side end portion; and a thickest portion with a largest thickness which is provided between the upstream side end portion and the downstream side end portion. Thickness of the heat removal member continuously changes between the upstream side end portion and the downstream side end portion via the thickest portion.

Abstract: A circuit breaker design allows for the circuit breaker to have an overall width (i.e., measured along the circuit breaker's exposed outwardly-facing surface of its housing) that is narrower than achievable with known typical configurations, while at the same time still providing robust arc interruption capabilities. This is achieved in large part by providing a specific orientation of a moveable contact arm assembly and/or by providing a specific configuration of a current path within the housing.

Abstract: Circuit breakers are configured with line terminal geometry that drives the current from a terminal input in a direction that can reduce electromagnetic forces and that can also or alternatively include an arc chute assembly that can reduce repulsive electromagnetic forces to improve the operating level of withstand current (Icw).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an extinguishing unit for a molded case circuit breaker, and more particularly, to an extinguishing unit for a molded case circuit breaker that has grids double-arranged in an extinguishing part to improve arc extinguishing performance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an extinguishing unit for a molded case circuit breaker includes a pair of side plates arranged to face each other and a plurality of grids arranged in a space defined between the pair of side plates, wherein the grids include a plurality of first grids arranged at a front portion of the pair of side plates; and a plurality of second grids arranged at a rear portion of the pair of side plates, wherein a re-division space for re-dividing an arc is defined between the first grids and the second grids.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an arc extinguishing chamber of an electrical circuit breaker, including an arc-forming chamber enclosing a fixed contact and a moving contact, which, at the time of their separation, form an arc between them, said forming chamber communicating with the input of an arc-quenching chamber comprising a stack of separators extending parallel to one another, and including a magnetic release situated on the side of the fixed and moving contacts and a switching horn situated on the opposite side, where the form of the separators varies progressively from one separator to the next, or by groups of identical separators from one group to another, or a mixture of both, in such a way that this form changes from the V having the largest opening surface area to the V having the smallest opening surface area, in the direction from the magnetic release to the switching horn.

Abstract: A DC voltage switch for high-voltage on-board electrical systems having a housing, at least two stationary contacts, and a moving contact, wherein, in each case, a first contact region of the stationary contacts is routed out of the housing and, in each case, a second contact region of the stationary contacts is arranged in a switching chamber of the housing with the moving contact, wherein the housing is hermetically encapsulated, wherein a cooling chamber which is separated from the switching chamber by a partition wall is arranged above the switching chamber, wherein the partition wall has at least one outlet opening and at least one inlet opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a DC contactor comprising a double break with two contact points, each having a fixed and a movable contact, the movable contacts arranged on a contact bridge. The contactor includes an arc extinguishing device and a blowing device configured to blow a switch arc, which forms at the first contact point when the contact points are being opened, into the arc extinguishing device, when switching takes place in the preferential current direction. A commutating plate is arranged adjacent the movable contact of the first contact point, the contact bridge and the commutating plate being electrically insulated from one another and the commutating plate being potentially connected to the fixed contact of the second contact point, so that, when switching takes place in the preferential current direction, the switch arc forming at the first contact point jumps from the contact bridge to the commutating plate by the blowing device.

Abstract: A switching device suitable for DC operation includes at least a pair of contacts having a first and second contact, wherein at least one of the two contacts is mobile and the two contacts are in contact with one another in a switched-on state and are not in contact with one another in a switched-off state, having an arc driver arrangement which generates a magnetic field at least in the region of the pair of contacts, and comprising a first arc guiding arrangement by which an arc which is produced between the contacts is guided in a first current direction to a quenching device for quenching the arc, wherein a second arc guiding arrangement is provided, by means of which an arc which is produced between the contacts is guided in a second current direction, which is opposite the first current direction, to said quenching device for quenching the arc.

Abstract: Embodiments include a circuit breaker having first and second electrical contacts, the contacts adapted to generate an electrical arc during separation, at least one of the first and second electrical contacts being a movable electrical contact. The circuit breaker also includes an expansion chamber disposed adjacent to at least one of the first and second electrical contacts such that an arcing space is defined by the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact when the first and second electrical contacts are separated. The expansion chamber includes an opening configured to permit air flow between the arcing space and a chamber of the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A barrier member is for an arc chute assembly of an electrical switching apparatus. The arc chute assembly comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite and spaced apart from said first sidewall. The barrier member comprises a body portion structured to be disposed between said first sidewall and said second sidewall, said body portion comprising a first support portion, a second support portion, and a cover portion connecting said first support portion to said second support portion; a first containment portion extending from said first support portion, said first containment portion being structured to be disposed proximate said first sidewall; and a second containment portion extending from said second support portion toward said first containment portion, said second containment portion being structured to be disposed proximate said second sidewall, wherein said second containment portion is spaced from said first containment portion.

Abstract: An arc quenching system is presented. The arc quenching system includes a mounting structure, a plurality of movable arc chute plates mounted on the mounting structure, and a motion delivery unit mechanically coupled to the mounting structure. The motion delivery unit is configured to impart at least one of a rotation motion and a vibration motion to one or more movable arc chute plates of the plurality of movable arc chute plates.

Abstract: An electrical switching device (1) which comprises at least one double breaking pole provided with two fixed contacts (3, 4) that cooperate with two moving contacts (5, 6) arranged so as to move in a breaking plane (P) and define, with every fixed contact, a breaking zone. The device comprises a permanent magnet (11, 12) housed in an insulating holder arranged in the immediate environment, next to each breaking zone, symmetrically with respect to the breaking plane and oriented so as to generate a magnetic excitation vector parallel to the breaking plane (P) so that the induced electromagnetic force (FE) moves and stretches every electric arc (E1, E2), generated when opening the electrical circuit, in a direction perpendicular to the breaking plane (P), leading to the extinction of the electric arc regardless of the polarity of the magnet and/or of the current.

Abstract: There is provided an arc extinguishing unit of a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) having a structure in which grids and side plates forming an arc chamber are coupled in an inserted manner, facilitating an operation, and intervals of grids are uniformly maintained and a configuration of the grids is not damaged, thus maintaining stable performance and allowing for maintenance.

Abstract: An arc quenching plate for an electric switch includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion for mounting the quenching plate to respective recesses of the switch. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion have a different form when compared to each other.

Abstract: An arc chute assembly includes a housing having a first wall, a second wall, and a pair of side walls coupled to the first wall. The walls configured to form an arc area. The housing further having a divider wall coupled to the first wall between the side walls. The divider wall configured to form a first sub-arc area, a second sub-arc area, and an arc plate area. The first sub-arc area and the second sub-arc area are configured to be in flow communication with the arc plate area. The arc chute assembly further comprises a support coupled to the first wall and the side walls, and an arc plate coupled to the support. The arc plate having a body extending between the side walls and over the divider wall.

Abstract: A profiled arc splitter plate for a switch having a fixed contact and a movable contact is provided to increase electromagnetic attractive forces on the arc generated during contact separation. The plate (300) comprises a body (306) defining an operatively inverted substantially V-shaped recess having a center notch (302) provided at the vertex of the recess and at least one protrusion (304) defined on either side of the center notch (302) along the inclined side walls of the recess, the movable contact of the switch displaceable through the recess without contacting the inclined side walls, in a spaced apart manner from the protrusions (304) and the center notch (302). Chamfers 308 are provided at an end of the plate (300) proximal to the vertex of the recess to provide an exit for hot gases towards the vent of the arc chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arc extinguishing chamber of an electric protection apparatus comprising an arc formation chamber containing a stationary contact and a movable contact which, when they separate, form an arc between them, said arc formation chamber communicating with the inlet of a second chamber, called arc extinguishing chamber. This chamber comprises a wall called balancing wall, substantially solid at least on its central part, said wall being located downstream from the arc extinguishing chamber and being formed and arranged with respect to the arc extinguishing chamber in such a way as to slow down the exhaust flow of the breaking gases on the side of the arc extinguishing chamber where the gases go first, and enhancing flow of the exhaust gases on the opposite side, the exhaust gases being stopped by the central part of the wall and escaping via the edges of the wall.

Abstract: An arc chute assembly for use in an automatic transfer switch includes a housing including a pair of opposing sidewalls and a primary deionization plate coupled between the pair of opposing sidewalls. The primary deionization plate includes a tongue portion oriented substantially midway between the opposing sidewalls and extending toward a contact assembly. The tongue portion is configured to facilitate suppressing an electric arc originating from the contact assembly.

Abstract: An arc extinguishing mechanism for the mold cased circuit breaker comprises a plurality of arc grids stacked on one another in a perpendicular direction and supporting plates for supporting the arc grids, and each of the arc grids comprises a U-shaped plate portion made of a ferromagnetic material, and having two leg portions, a plurality of supporting protrusions laterally extending from the U-shaped plate portion to be flush with the U-shaped plate portion, thus to allow the U-shaped plate portion to be coupled to the supporting plates for support, and bent portions extending from the leg portions, respectively, by being bent in a perpendicular direction, to minimize an air gap between the adjacent arc grids stacked on each other so as to increase a force of inducing arc generated in the arc chamber toward the arc grids.

Abstract: An arc chute arrangement for arc quenching in electrical switching device, said arrangement comprising a plurality of deion plates, each said deion plates further comprising a pair of plates having an ablative material sandwiched therebetween; a lining means for holding said deion plates; wherein said deion plates having a chamfered profile at one corner to generate high magnetic field that drive the arc inside arc chute and said chamfered profile arranged alternatively thereby substantially lengthening the arc.

Abstract: A switch unit 200 for a voltage circuit breaker that includes a first switch contact 202a and a second switch contact 202b. The first switch contact 202a is movable between a first position in which the first switch contact 202a contacts the second switch contact and a second position in which the first and second switch contacts 202a, 202b are separated from each other. Further, a positioning element to position an arc chute 100 on the switch unit. The arc chute 100 includes at least two stacks 102, 106 of a plurality of substantially parallel metal plates 104, 104a, 104b, . . . , 104n, 108, 108a, 108b, . . . , 108n. The switch unit includes a first connection device 120, 230a capable to electrically connect the first switch contact 202a to a predetermined metal plate 104a selected of the most proximal 25% metal plates of the first stack 102.

Abstract: The invention describes an arc-quenching arrangement for an electrical service switching device, with a fixed contact piece, a movable contact piece, with an arc splitter stack having arc splitter plates, each arc splitter plate having a cutout which is open towards the arc formation point, has a V-shaped notch and tapers in the form of a funnel in the arc running direction, and the arc being guided into the arc splitter stack via a first arc guide rail, which is associated with the fixed contact piece, and a second arc guide rail, which is associated with the movable contact piece. The first arc guide rail has a first, rectangular section, which faces the arc formation location, and a second section, which adjoins the first section and is in the form of a rectangular trapezium and whose first limb extends at an angle with respect to the mid-longitudinal axis of the first section and away therefrom.

Abstract: An installation switching device includes a housing, a main contact point having an arc quenching chamber, an input terminal, an output terminal, an impact-style armature system configured to move the main contact point to an open position, a latching mechanism having a latching point and configured to open an isolating contact point disposed in a secondary current path parallel to a main current path, a main thermostatic bimetallic strip configured to act on the latching point to as to cause the main contact point to remain in the open position, a current limiting resistor disposed in the secondary current path, a selective thermostatic bimetallic strip disposed in the secondary current path and configured to act on the latching mechanism, a handle configured to act on the latching mechanism so as to open and close the main contact point, and a phase connecting rail.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an arc chute for a medium voltage circuit breaker having a housing, at least one stack of a plurality of substantially parallel metal plates arranged in the housing, the at least one stack defining a first axis in parallel to a stacking direction; an arc space arranged in the housing, wherein the arc space is adapted to allow an arc to expand therein; and at least one arc quenching plate disposed in the housing, wherein the arc guiding plate has at least one surface which has a surface plane extending in parallel to the first axis. Further, the present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker having a switching unit with a first switch contact and a second switch contact, movable between a first position, wherein the first switch contact contacts the second switch contact, and a second position, wherein the first switch contact is separated from the second switch contact, and an arc chute.

Abstract: A switch unit 200 for a voltage circuit breaker that includes a first switch contact 202a and a second switch contact 202b. The first switch contact 202a is movable between a first position in which the first switch contact 202a contacts the second switch contact and a second position in which the first and second switch contacts 202a, 202b are separated from each other. Further, a positioning element to position an arc chute 100 on the switch unit. The arc chute 100 includes at least two stacks 102, 106 of a plurality of substantially parallel metal plates 104, 104a, 104b, . . . , 104n, 108, 108a, 108b, . . . , 108n. The switch unit includes a first connection device 120, 230a capable to electrically connect the first switch contact 202a to a predetermined metal plate 104a selected of the most proximal 25% metal plates of the first stack 102.

Abstract: An arc chute assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing and separable contacts enclosed by the housing. An arc is generated in response to the separable contacts being separated. The housing includes a number of arc chambers each having a first side and a second side disposed opposite and spaced apart from the first side. The arc chute assembly includes a plurality of first arc plates extending outwardly from the first side of a corresponding one of the arc chambers toward the second side of the corresponding one of the arc chambers, and a plurality of second arc plates extending outwardly from the second side of the corresponding one of the arc chambers toward the first side of the arc chamber. None of the arc plates engages the opposing side of the arc chamber.

Abstract: A multiphase current interrupter is provided for interrupting a phase current between two contacts in an electrical phase. The current interrupter includes a first ablative chamber disposed around contacts for a first electrical phase. The first chamber has an ablative material thereon that causes a shock wave when an electrical arc is generated in an arc zone for the first electrical phase during a separation of the contacts therein. The current interrupter further includes at least a second ablative chamber disposed around contacts for at least a second electrical phase. The second chamber has an ablative material thereon that causes a shock wave when an electrical arc is generated in an arc zone for the second electrical phase during a separation of the contacts therein. An interconnecting structure provides fluid communication between the first ablative chamber and the second ablative chamber. The interconnecting structure is adapted to dissipate a shock wave generated in any of the ablative chambers.

Abstract: The invention describes an arc-quenching arrangement for an electrical service switching device, with a fixed contact piece, a movable contact piece, with an arc splitter stack having arc splitter plates, each arc splitter plate having a cutout which is open towards the arc formation point, has a V-shaped notch and tapers in the form of a funnel in the arc running direction, and the arc being guided into the arc splitter stack via a first arc guide rail, which is associated with the fixed contact piece, and a second arc guide rail, which is associated with the movable contact piece. The first arc guide rail has a first, rectangular section, which faces the arc formation location, and a second section, which adjoins the first section and is in the form of a rectangular trapezium and whose first limb extends at an angle with respect to the mid-longitudinal axis of the first section and away therefrom.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a set of substantially planar arc plates. The substantially planar arc plates can be adapted to cause a dissipation of energy caused by an arc in a circuit breaker. A housing can be adapted to receive each of the set of substantially planar arc plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arc chamber for a switching device, in particular a circuit breaker, a disconnector or a contactor, with a high interruption power, to be used preferably in low-voltage electrical systems. The arc chamber according to the invention comprises a plurality of substantially U-shaped metal plates and a casing made of electrically insulating material provided with opposed internal grooves for insertion of said metal plates. The arc chamber moreover comprises one or more polar expansions housed in corresponding containment seats arranged within the casing. Each of said containment seats is configured in such a way as to insulate the polar expansions from the metal plates. The invention likewise relates to a switching device comprising said arc chamber.

Abstract: An installation switching device includes a housing, a main contact point having an arc quenching chamber, an input terminal, an output terminal, an impact-style armature system configured to move the main contact point to an open position, a latching mechanism having a latching point and configured to open an isolating contact point disposed in a secondary current path parallel to a main current path, a main thermostatic bimetallic strip configured to act on the latching point to as to cause the main contact point to remain in the open position, a current limiting resistor disposed in the secondary current path, a selective thermostatic bimetallic strip disposed in the secondary current path and configured to act on the latching mechanism, a handle configured to act on the latching mechanism so as to open and close the main contact point, and a phase connecting rail.

Abstract: An arc chute assembly includes a housing having a lateral axis and a quenching portion disposed within the housing. The quenching portion includes at least two deion plates being spaced along the lateral axis of the housing and each having a cut portion wherein the cut portions are staggered along the lateral axis with respect to one another and are configured to mitigate an arc.

Abstract: A switching device has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. A disconnect device is operatively connected to at least one of the input terminal and the output terminal for disconnecting the two switching contacts. An arc quenching chamber composed of a plurality of metal plates is arranged in the region of the switching. At least two of the metal plates abut one another at least over a region to attain high reliability and operational safety even after repeated disconnects.

Abstract: An arc plate for a circuit breaker arc chute assembly includes first and second portions coupled to opposing sidewalls of the arc chute assembly, first and second ends, and a throat portion between the first and second portions and including an aperture. The aperture extends from the first end toward the second end and includes an end section, an intermediate neck section adjacent the end section, and an interior section adjacent the intermediate neck section and distal from the end section. The end section has a first width and attracts and directs an arc toward the intermediate neck section. The intermediate neck section tapers from the first width of the end section to a second width, further attracting the arc and directing it into the interior section. The interior section includes a taper and turns with respect to the intermediate neck section, in order to attract and retain the arc.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a set of substantially planar arc plates. The substantially planar arc plates can be adapted to cause a dissipation of energy caused by an arc in a circuit breaker. A housing can be adapted to receive each of the set of substantially planar arc plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrical switches, in particular line-protection circuit breakers or motor protection circuit breakers, with at least one contact point at which an arc occurs during a switching operation. Having a stack of arc-extinguishing plates made up of several extinguishing plates, the extinguishing plates of said stack being held together with a spacing by means of holding elements, the holding elements are made from a thermoplastic, the subsequent assembly of which is radiation cross-linked.

Abstract: An air guidance device is for cooling a switch part of an electrical switch. It includes at least one air guidance element arranged at a distance from the switch part to be cooled, forming at least one air duct which runs vertically when the switch is in the installed position. The air duct includes an inlet area, which points downwards, for cooling air to flow therein, and having an outlet area, which points upwards, for cooling air to flow out thereof. In order to improve the heat dissipation, the air guidance element is shaped such that the inlet area tapers in the direction of the outlet area.

Abstract: An arc quenching configuration for an electrical switching device has an arcing chamber in which an arc is produced between a stationary contact piece and a moving contact piece during a switching operation. An arc splitter stack is provided and has a number of arc splitter plates and into which the arc is passed via guide rails. At least one plate composed of an insulating material is disposed in or adjacent to the arc splitter stack, an external circumference of the plate does not project beyond the external circumference of the arc splitter plates, and the plate has an internal recess.

Abstract: An arc chute including a first side wall having a plurality of holes, a second side wall having a plurality of holes and spaced apart from the first side wall, and a plurality of arc chute plates mounted between the first and second side walls. Each of the plurality of arc chute plates include a laterally extending tab on two sides of the arc chute plate, each of the laterally extending tabs being shaped to be interference fitted within one of the plurality of holes. The laterally extending tabs are dimensioned to not substantially extend beyond an outer surface of each of the side walls.

Abstract: A current limiting circuit breaker mechanism having two pairs of separable contacts closely spaced for electrodynamic repulsion upon the occurrence of a short circuit overload condition utilizes a pair of arc chute assemblies to cool and extinguish the arc that occurs when the contacts become separated. The arc chute assemblies contain a plurality of arc chute plates supported by side supports. The arc chute plates are aerodynamically designed to facilitate the easy flow of the arc plasma gases into and out of the chute and provide minimal reflection of the arc plasma wave against the contact arm.

Abstract: An improved arc chute wrapper for an arc chute of a circuit breaker includes left and right halves that form a conjoined two-part member and that carry a plurality of spaced arc plates thereon. The left and right halves of the wrapper are formed with a plurality of left and right grooves, respectively, in confronting relation when the left and right halves are assembled together. The left and right grooves extend at most only partially into the arc chute wrapper, such that the arc chute wrapper is free of holes extending therethrough in the vicinity of the arc plates. The arc plates are free of spinning tabs extending outwardly therefrom, and rather are securely mounted in the left and right grooves of the wrapper. The arc chute wrapper is manufactured by molding or other appropriate method. The arc chute employing the wrapper of the present invention is more reliable, less expensive, and easier to produce than arc chutes employing wrappers and arc plates of the type heretofore known.

Abstract: A switching device with an arc extinguishing device includes filigree-shaped arc splitters of an arcing chamber to be mounted and fixed in an operationally reliable manner. Branches and bases of the arc splitters are kept apart by spacers, in particular by grooves formed on the outside of an arcing chamber insert.

Abstract: A circuit breaker (10) including an electrical arc extinguishing apparatus (105). The electric arc extinguishing arc apparatus (105) includes a first sidewall (106) in a spaced relationship with the second sidewall (107) with a top arc plate (110) mounted between the first and second sidewalls (106, 107). A plurality of intermediate arc plates (114) are mounted between the first (106) and second sidewalls (107) below the top arc plate (110) with each in a spaced apart relationship. A bottom arc plate (116) is mounted between the first and second sidewalls below and apart from the intermediate plates (114) forming an arc chute. The electric arc extinguishing apparatus (105) can also be provided with two end caps (120) with each end cap (120) having an interior cavity (121) with one leg (111) of each arc plate (58) mounted in the cavity (121) of one end cap (120) and the other leg (111) of each arc plate (58) mounted in the cavity (121) of the other end cap (120).