Abstract: A low voltage contact assembly including a rotating support having a body adapted to rotate around a rotation axis and supporting at least a first couple of movable contacts that can be coupled to/uncoupled from corresponding first fixed contacts by rotation around said rotation axis. The first couple of movable contacts include a first and a second movable contacts housed in the rotating support. The low voltage assembly further includes a pressure exerting device having a pressing bar operatively coupled to the first and second elongated contact body and transversally placed with respect to the rotation plane of the first and second elongated contact bodies.

Abstract: An electric switching unit comprises a casing and a plurality of arc extinguishing chambers formed inside the casing, each arc extinguishing chamber comprising a gas discharge orifice opening to outside the casing. The electric switching unit comprises a filtering device positioned outside the casing and comprising: a plurality of inlet openings placed on a lower region of the filtering device, each one being configured to collaborate fluidically with one of the said gas discharge orifices; an outlet opening placed on a lateral region of the filtering device; a common internal chamber which places the inlet openings in fluidic communication with the outlet opening; and a filter located inside the internal chamber between the inlet openings and the outlet opening.

Abstract: A compact disconnect device includes a magnetic arc deflection assembly including at least one set of stacked arc plates and at least one magnet disposed adjacent switchable contacts and establishing a magnetic field across the stacked arc plates. The magnetic arc deflection assembly facilitates reliable connection and disconnection of DC voltage circuitry well above 125 VDC with reduced arcing intensity and duration. The disconnect device may be a compact fusible disconnect switch device having dual sets of switch contacts in the same current path.

Abstract: An extinguishing gas filtering device for an electric current switchgear with separable contacts, including an electric arc extinguishing chamber, includes, assembled together an inlet part for the extinguishing gases, made of a metal material and including an inlet aperture intended to be fluidically connected with an extinguishing gas outlet of the switchgear; an outlet aperture; a flared wall extending between the inlet and outlet apertures; a gas diffuser, which covers the outlet aperture, being planar in shape and including through-apertures; a filter made of porous metal foam, placed at the output of the gas diffuser.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a circuit breaker arc chamber includes a coarse filter layer defining an outlet layer, having an upstream side and a downstream side opposite the upstream side, and a fine filter layer defining an inlet layer, disposed on the upstream side of the coarse filter layer.

Abstract: The circuit breaker includes two polarities each including two poles connected in parallel, each pole having a switch and a tripping device. Each of the polarities has an equalizer electrically connecting the link between the switch and the tripping device of a first pole and the link between the switch and the tripping device of the second pole.

Abstract: A contact module for a circuit breaker is disclosed, comprising: a base, a cover, an operation mechanism, at least three kinds of asymmetrical single-pole switches and a release mechanism. The cover is mounted on the base to form a space, where the mechanisms and the switches are disposed. The operation mechanism is connected to one switch; the release mechanism to the at least three switches. Each switch comprises a strong side and a weak side. For each switch, there is a thick contact housing on the strong side connected to a thick shaft, and a thin one on the weak side connected to a thin shaft. A rotor component has a single contact spring mounted on the weak side. Rotation shafts are connected by a linkage shaft to connect the single-pole switches; a strong side of one switch is connected to a weak side of another switch.

Abstract: Circuit breakers are provided including a pressure release valve. The pressure release valve includes a vent portion and barrier portion. The barrier portion is configured to open when exposed to excessive heat generated by an arc and allow gases to escape from the circuit breaker. Related electrical distribution panels and systems are also provided.

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: A switchgear device having a single-pole breaking unit which includes one of a pair of stationary contacts connected to a line-side current conductor, a movable contact bridge for closing and opening the stationary contacts, a line-side panel, a load-side panel opposite the line-side panel and two opposing lateral-side panels, which panels surround the stationary contacts and contact bridge, and form arc extinguishing chambers with a stationary contact within each chamber, an opening volume between chambers, and a quenching gas exhaust channel connected to a chamber, and opening through the line-side panel, which is opposite another load-side panel for contact with a trip device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molded case circuit breaker. The molded case circuit breaker includes include: a case; an interrupter assembly installed in the case, and provided with an arc gas outlet; an exhaustion guiding portion disposed between the interrupter assembly and the terminal portion; an exhaustion cover mounted to the case, with a structure to cover the exhaustion guiding portion; and exhaustion guides spaced from each other in the exhaustion guiding portion, in a direction perpendicular to an arc gas discharge direction, in a state where the gas divergence portion is disposed therebetween, the exhaustion guides forming the arc gas passage together with the gas divergence portion. Under such configuration, arc gas discharged out of the arc gas outlet can be rapidly discharged to outside through the exhaustion guides, without an eddy current.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the position of a circuit breaker is provided. The system allows for translation of the circuit breaker with respect to a support base and interfacing mechanisms, such as those that serve to switch the circuit breaker between its operative states. Adjustment is afforded by an adjustment plate fitted to the support base and that moves with the circuit breaker. Slots through the support base allow for movement of the plate and circuit breaker. A threaded member allows for continuous movement of the plate and circuit breaker for accurate positioning.

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 switchgear device, for breaking a bidirectional direct current in an electric line, having at least two connection terminals, and an even number of pairs of separable contacts, arc chutes associated with pairs of separable contacts, and tripping mechanisms associated with pairs of separable contacts and connected to one another by a mechanical link, each arc chute having an arc extinguishing chamber and permanent magnets for creating a polarity enabling an electric arc to be removed to an arc extinguishing chamber when current is flowing in the electric line in a predefined direction, the predefined direction being different for one half of the arc chutes.

Abstract: A three-phase disconnect switch for a power distribution system that supplies three-phase power from a source through a main circuit breaker to multiple three-phase feeder circuits, includes three pairs of contacts adapted for connection to the three phase lines of a selected one of the feeder circuits for opening and closing each of the phase lines, and a movable actuator associated with the three pairs of contacts and responsive to a signal indicating the occurrence of an arcing fault in the selected feeder circuit for initially creating a short circuit across the three phase lines of the feeder circuit and then opening the contacts.

Abstract: A polyphase (e.g., three-phase) metal-enclosed, gas-insulated high-voltage circuit breaker and a switchgear including the circuit breaker is provided. For each phase, the circuit breaker includes one power arcing chamber pole per phase which are accommodated together in a common circuit breaker housing, and which have at least two connecting outputs per phase. The circuit breaker housing has a number, corresponding to the number of arcing chamber poles of chambers open at their front ends, in which the arcing chamber poles are arranged. The open front ends of the chambers are each respectively closed by means a corresponding dome-like lid covering the corresponding front ends so that a gas link between the individual chambers is provided for via the connection spaces created by the lids.

Abstract: A gas circuit breaker includes a grounded tank corresponding to each one of the plurality of phases, a bushing, an upper housing, and a lower housing, those mounted on a base that is supported by a frame. The grounded tank and the upper housing are located on a plane. The lower housing is connected to the grounded tank with a connecting unit such that the lower housing can be moved from a first position for operation lower than the plane to a second position for transportation substantially on the plane.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated switchgear has a busbar compartment, in which phase-segregated double-break, three-position vacuum circuit breakers are disposed; and feeder compartments disposed at both sides of the busbar compartment respectively, in each of which phase-segregated double-break, three-position vacuum circuit breakers are disposed. The busbar compartment and the feeder compartments are aligned in a row, and a second-phase insulated busbar is provided to connect one of the fixed contacts of a second-phase breaker in the busbar compartment to a fixed contact of a second-phase breaker in one of the feeder compartments. A first-phase insulated busbar is provided to connect one of the fixed contacts of a first-phase breaker in the busbar compartment to a fixed contact of a first-phase breaker in one of the feeder compartments adjacent to the busbar compartment, and the second-phase insulated busbar and the first-phase insulated busbar are disposed in different positions in height.

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: A three-pole apparatus, configured to be installed in a cubicle of an electric substation, comprises an air-insulated three-pole disconnector and a three-pole circuit breaker. The air-insulated three-pole disconnector is configured to isolate an electric line leaving the cubicle. The three-pole circuit breaker is configured to perform line protection functions. The three-pole apparatus comprises a casing comprised of insulating material and internally housing, at least partially, the three-pole circuit breaker. The casing is not sealingly closed and contains air. The circuit breaker comprises three vacuum circuit-breaker modules; the disconnector comprises three single-pole disconnector devices. Each of the single-pole disconnector devices in turn comprises a contact movable linearly from a service position into a disconnection position. Each of the contacts, when it is in its service position, projects at least partially from the casing.

Abstract: A manual opening device is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a synchronous circuit breaker, including a housing having an opening, a plurality of pole mechanisms each comprising separable contacts, and at least one operating mechanism including a number of actuators adapted to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism is supported by the housing and includes a corresponding pole shaft. The manual opening device comprises an operating handle, a cam assembly, and a drive assembly. A first end of the operating handle protrudes through the opening of the housing and the second end is coupled to the cam assembly. The drive assembly couples the cam assembly to the corresponding pole shaft of the operating mechanism and cooperates with the corresponding pole shaft and actuators to simultaneously open the separable contacts when the operating handle is moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A polyphase switching device includes several interrupter units. The interrupter units are equipped with a first and a second terminal. The terminals lie on a respective main axis and the main axes of the individual interrupter units are aligned in parallel. All distances between the main axes are different. The invention thus provides a multi-functional polyphase switching device.

Abstract: A switching gas damper is for low voltage power switches, especially for low voltage power switches which can be inserted into low voltage switching installations. The switching gas damper is arranged above an arc extinguisher of the low voltage power switches and includes at least one inlet for switching gases and at least one outlet for damped deionised switching gases. The switching gas damper is provided with a carrier element which can be arranged directly adjacent to the arc extinguisher and can be fixed to a housing receiving the low voltage power switch. The carrier element forms at least one receiving chamber for a flow element creating a flow resistance for the switching gases, and the at least one receiving chamber can be closed by at least one closing element fixing the at least one flow element. The carrier element forms the at least one inlet and the at least one closing element forms the at least one outlet.

Abstract: A power circuit interrupter includes a housing having an opening, one or more vacuum interrupters including separable contacts, and an operating mechanism, supported by the housing, adapted to open and close the contacts. A linear actuator cooperates with the operating mechanism to open and close the contacts, and is responsive to a close signal to close the contacts. A pivotable trip member protrudes through the opening of the housing and cooperates with the operating mechanism and the linear actuator to open the contacts when pivoted from a first position to a second position. A close circuit includes an input inputting the close signal. A micro-switch includes an operator and a contact electrically connected in series with the input of the close circuit. The operator is engaged by the pivotable trip member to open the contact in response to partial pivoting thereof from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: A high-voltage loadbreak switch operates submersed in a dielectric fluid and may be configured to switch one or more phases of power using one or more phase switches. Each phase switch may include first and second stationary contacts. The first stationary contact may be connected to a phase of a high-voltage power source. Each phase switch also may include a non-stationary contact. The non-stationary contact may be placed in a first position to electrically couple the first stationary contact to the second stationary contact, and in a second position to decouple the first stationary contact and the second stationary contact. The region of motion of the first non-stationary contact between the first position and the second position includes an arcing region. The high-voltage loadbreak switch uses a fluid circulation mechanism to improve circulation of the dielectric fluid through the arcing region.

Abstract: A three-phase encapsulated high-voltage circuit breaker for outdoor use, whose interrupter units are arranged in a tubular switch housing which is arranged horizontally. Phase connections of the interrupter units are passed vertically and together through in each case one connecting flange, with each connecting flange having an associated splitting module which is fitted with outdoor bushings. Each phase connection has an associated current transformer, and these items are located within the housing and are attached to the respective splitting module.

Abstract: A three-phase-encapsulated high-voltage circuit breaker, arranged horizontally and with a compact construction, is intended to have as small a physical height as possible and to require as small an installation area as possible. To this end, the tubular switch enclosure is provided at each of its ends with a connecting flange for horizontal connection of a surface-mounted enclosure. The drive device is attached to a mounting flange in the casing region of the switch enclosure. The circuit breaker poles are supported via insulating posts on the casing of the switch enclosure and are in the form of bushings for the coupling elements which are connected to the drive device. The power movement of a lever drive arranged downstream of a coupling element passes via a direction-changing lever which is mounted in the respective circuit breaker pole. The internal construction of such a circuit breaker may also be applied to single-phase-encapsulated circuit breakers.

Abstract: In order to provide a vacuum switch suitable for a distribution and transformation system compatible between structural simplicity and reliability and a vacuum switchgear using the vacuum switch, the vacuum switch comprises switching portions installed in a grounded vacuum container; and a breaker, a grounding switch and an isolator as things having the switching portions, wherein the vacuum container is divided into at least two chambers, and the switching portion of the breaker is disposed in one of the chambers and the switching portions of the grounding switch and the isolator are disposed in the other of the chambers through an insulation body.

Abstract: A high-voltage circuit breaker that has a grounded enclosure and an interrupter module arranged in the grounded enclosure. The interrupter module has short pipe connections and bushings mounted on them to accommodate connecting leads. The current converters are arranged on the bushings. The insulation body of the bushing passes through the current converters along their entire length with respect to the longitudinal direction of the respective connecting lead.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a plurality of pole compartments juxtaposed inside an insulating case, in each of which compartments there are arranged an arc extinguishing chamber and at least one pair of separable contact parts comprising at least one movable contact part, at least two of said pole compartments being contiguous and separated from one another by a partition. The separating partition of the twinned poles comprises a communicating aperture of dimensions and location such that it is able to appreciably influence the distribution of the arcing energy between the two compartments when the latter are connected in parallel. A circuit breaker with a high breaking capacity is thus obtained from a standard multipole circuit breaker of lower breaking capacity.

Abstract: An arcing chamber system having one or more chamber bodies connected in series, wherein one or more arcing chamber modules, are arranged in each chamber body is present. A plurality of arcing chamber modules may be employed to achieve for various contact ratings. This allows the arcing chamber system of the present invention to be adapted, in simple fashion, to a variety of working voltages and a variety of contact ratings.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a recloser assembly including three modular recloser units operating under the control of a controller. The recloser units are interchangeable and are suitable for use in a three phase power distribution system where three phase tripping is desired or each recloser unit may be operated independently as in a single phase power distribution system. For use in a three phase system, a gang rod mechanically couples pivoting actuation levers extending from a solenoid switching assembly of each of the recloser units. The gang rod insures that all three switching assemblies open and close in unison, thus, each power is transmitted by all three recloser units or power is not transmitted by any of the three recloser units. For single phase power distribution operation, the gang rod is removed and the recloser units operate independently. Each recloser unit includes a cube shaped base, a tapered cylindrical support affixed to an upper surface of the base.

Abstract: A movable contact assembly for contactors and similar devices includes a movable spanner or conductive element biased toward a conducting position by a biasing element. A housing partially surrounds the conductive element and the biasing element. The biasing element and exerts compressive forces against the housing and the conductive element. The assembly may be installed as a modular unit on a carrier which is displaced during operation of the contactor. The housing shields the biasing element from plasma, arcs and debris during operation of the device. Multiple conductive elements and corresponding biasing elements may be includes in each assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to switch gear comprising at least one group of n power switches (4), which extend substantially in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the front of the switch gear, at least one busbar compartment (13,13′) containing n busbars (14,14′) for each group of n power switches (4), which busbars (14,14′) are positioned parallel to the front, wherein each busbar compartment (13,13′) is enclosed by at least four walls, two of which are perpendicular to the front, at least one group of n busbar disconnecters (3,3′), for making and breaking contact between busbars (14,14′) and respective output terminals (21) of the power switches (4), wherein the output terminals of the power switches (4) are constructed as coupling elements (21), to each of which a linkage (24) is connected and a further linkage (24′) can be connected in an opposing direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the n busbars (14,14′) extend along one of the w

Abstract: A parallel pole magnetohydraulic circuit breaker, having a single trip element and a pair of trip mechanisms, achieving an increased current carrying capacity with reduced nuisance trips. The trip mechanisms are contained within separate housings, with electrical connections and multipole trip mechanism communicating through apertures in the common wall. Preferably, the armature of the trip element acts on a single trip mechanism, which multiplies the available force to trigger a trip of the other trip mechanism.

Abstract: A multi-phased switch support base including a molded top cover and a molded bottom base each having interior and exterior walls which divide the interiors. When assembled together the base is divided into compartmentalized arc chambers which function to isolate each line contact and each load contact of each phase of the switch from each other as well as from each other line and each other load contact of each of the other phases of the switch. A multiplicity of unique snap-in arc chutes and baffles to help control and extinguish the arc generated during disconnect operations of the rotor from the stationary contacts are provided in each arc chamber.

Abstract: A multi-circuit switch gear includes a main body filled with an insulation gas, main bushings mounted on a front portion of the main body, a plurality of three-phase input/output units connected to the main bushings, multi-position switching devices disposed inside the main body for switching between a turn-on state, a turn-off state, and an earthed stated, automatic contact devices disposed at a front surface portion of the main body, earth bushings mounted on the respective side portions of the input/output units, moldcone connection members coupled to the earth bushings, and earth terminals connected to the moldcone connection members. The multi-circuit switch gear allows a current discharge operation to occur in the insulation gas provided in the main body during the earthing operation, thereby increasing workers' safety and facilitating an insulation test via the connection members with regard to the underground insulation cable.