Abstract: The present invention is directed to a safety system integrated into a liquid-insulated high voltage network grounding switch, including modifications to the switch structure to provide an arrangement that is more efficiently installed with greater precision than found in conventional arrangements. The result is a switch assembly that adheres to updated IEEE/ANSI Standards, while still fitting into existing vault space meant to accommodate earlier switch gear.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a contact drive arrangement for the movement of at least one contact in high-voltage switchgear systems having a contact drive and having an auxiliary switch, which has at least two auxiliary contacts. The contact drive works together with the at least one contact and with a first auxiliary contact. Furthermore, a delay drive is connected functionally in parallel with the contact drive, and the delay drive works together with a second auxiliary contact. The first and second auxiliary contact are electrically connected in series. In addition, the delay drive has a damping element, and by means of the damping element the time for a switching operation is extended in comparison with the time for a switching operation with the contact drive.

Abstract: A current pause device configured to enhance the operation of transmission and distribution line circuit interrupters by delaying the voltage build across the circuit interrupter arc gap for a time period sufficient to allow the dielectric characteristic of the medium within the arc to recover. This allows the circuit interrupter to break the circuit at a lower arc gap voltage than would occur without the current pause device. The current pause device includes a conductive arcing horn and an insulator interposed in the arcing horn to create a conductive gap in the arcing horn and a voltage protection arrangement to limit the voltage across the current pause device and thereby prevent a voltage breakdown across the current pause device. Specifically, the voltage protection arrangement includes a diode connected to the arcing horn in parallel with the insulator and a dielectric spark gap device connected in parallel across the insulator.