Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system, apparatus and method for providing rapid shutdown for photovoltaic power systems and provides a system, apparatus and method for providing arc sensing for photovoltaic power systems. An AC current can be put on the DC bus to control PV panel shutdown. Local mean decomposition can be used to sense arcing on the DC bus.

Abstract: A dropout recloser is capable of in accordance with its operating programming after a predetermined number of fault interrupting operations, e.g., 1, 2, 3 or more but typically 3, to drop out of a cutout and hang freely in a hinge contact of the cutout providing sectionalization with an observable visible gap. The recloser includes fault interrupting and reclosing components, a drop out mechanism and a controller. The drop out mechanism may include a bi-stable actuator to affect fault interrupting operation and dropout operation. The device may include motion limiting structures. The recloser may have a number of operating modes or sequences.

Abstract: A calibration joint for a three-phase electric disconnect switch includes a linkage pipe extending through a lock ring, which includes an axial guide shaft, a threaded shaft, and a self-piercing set screw securing the lock ring to the linkage pipe. The linkage pipe also extends through a clevis housing, which includes an axial joiner shaft and a clevis bracket securing the clevis housing to an operating lever of the disconnect switch. An adjustment rod extending through the axial guide shaft of the lock ring, through the axial joiner shaft of the clevis housing, and engaging with lock nuts allows axial adjustment of the clevis housing with respect to the lock ring, and thus with respect to the linkage pipe. This, in turn, allows fine adjustment of the blade and jaws of an associated phase switch with respect to the switch actuator independent of the other phase switches.

Abstract: A high voltage disconnection unit includes a fixed contact assembly having at least a first fixed main contact and a first fixed auxiliary contact, a movable contact assembly having at least a first movable main contact and a first movable auxiliary contact that rotate with respect to the first fixed main contact and first fixed auxiliary contact from a contacts closed position to a contacts open position. During an opening operation of the disconnection unit the separation of the first movable main contact from the first fixed main contact takes place before the separation of the first movable auxiliary contact from the first fixed auxiliary contact. The relative opening speed V1 between the first movable auxiliary contact and the first fixed auxiliary contact is greater than the relative opening speed V2 between the first movable main contact and the first fixed main contact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a current switch including a blade-type movable contact configured to extend in a radial direction from a pivoting center and reciprocatingly move such that a free end of the movable contact draws a pivoting track, a fixed contact including energizing members separated from the movable contact and arranged to be opposed to and substantially in parallel to each other on both sides across a pivoting surface of the movable contact and an outer frame configured to cover at least the periphery of the energizing members, a movable arc contact provided in the movable contact, fixed arc contacts provided in the fixed contact, and permanent magnets arranged on the inside of the fixed contact or the movable contact to generate a magnetic field that crosses an arc generated between the movable arc contact and the fixed arc contacts.

Abstract: In order to reduce the breaking energy of a high-voltage or medium-voltage circuit-breaker, the interrupting chamber (10) contains two contacts (12, 14) mounted to move in opposite directions, and actuated via a single device (20). The two contacts (12, 14) are surrounded by an insulating casing (18) of tubular shape, coupled in fixed manner to the main contact (12). The contacts (12, 14) are actuated by a device having a lever (24) in which each lever arm is coupled to a link, one of the links (32) being secured to the insulating casing (18) and the other link (34) being secured to the second contact (14). The guiding of the drive tube (18) on the main contacts (12b, 14b) makes it possible to improve breaking by keeping clean gas between said main contacts.

Abstract: The contact fingers of electrical switching apparatus have radial convex surfaces centered on the pivot pins which seat on concave surfaces in the molded contact carrier to transmit bending loads on the pin into the carrier. A seal member which snaps onto the end of the pivot pin has fins which extend between the contact fingers to block flow of arcing gases through the carrier. For lower current ratings, some of the contact fingers are replaced by annular spacers which also transmit bending moments into the carrier and restrict gas flow. A stop ledge on the carrier against which the contact springs bias the contact fingers has a recess which allows the center fingers to project farther toward the stationary contacts so that the arc toes on these fingers are the last to separate on opening and the arc is concentrated on them.

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.