Abstract: Contact assemblies are described herein having certain components, or portions thereof, that are formed integral to one another to reduce the complexity of manufacturing, improve the operation characteristics, and increase operational reliability of devices using the contact assemblies. New shapes to features and components of the contact assemblies are also disclosed, with the shapes providing the desired operational characteristics. Embodiments of the invention are also directed contactors or fuses (i.e., electrical switching devices) utilizing the contactor assemblies according to the present invention, and to electrical circuits and systems utilizing the electrical switching devices according to the present invention.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, tractive elements coupled to the chassis, an electrical system, and a controller. The electrical system includes an electrical load, a first energy storage device coupled to the electrical load, the first energy storage device utilizing a first energy storage technology, and a second energy storage device selectively coupled to the electrical load by a switch, the second energy storage device utilizing a second energy storage technology different from the first energy storage technology. The controller is coupled to the switch and configured to command the switch to disconnect the second energy storage device from the electrical load in response to an indication of a power draw from the electrical load.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a fixed contact, a movable contact piece, a movable contact, a contact case, a drive device, and an elastic member. The movable contact is disposed to face the fixed contact. The movable contact piece is connected to the movable contact. The movable contact piece is configured to move in an opening direction and a closing direction. The contact case houses the fixed contact, the movable contact, and the movable contact piece. The drive device includes a coil. The coil generates an electromagnetic force that moves the movable contact piece. The elastic member is disposed between the drive device and the contact case. The elastic member seals between the drive device and the contact case.

Abstract: An underarm gang operated vacuum break switch (underarm switch) has an electrically live portion under a mounting arm, which provides advantages over the standard vacuum break switch, which have the electrically live portion above the mounting arm. Because the non-electrified mounting arm is above the electrified portion, the underarm switch is safer for perching birds and other wildlife. The nature of the underarm switch also provides other benefits including a disconnect blade that when opened creates a visual gap to ensure electrical discontinuity along with a safety locking arm tied to deactivating the underarm switch. Adding to the safety measures is a visual indicator that shows an electrician when the switch is live and safe to open the disconnect blade. Other safety measures include a shock absorber assembly and inertia slowing mass protecting electrical contacts within the vacuum break switch from failing.

Abstract: An electrical switching device includes a connection section for fastening and contacting an electrical conductor. The connection section has a fastening element for fastening the electrical conductor, a current-carrying element spaced apart from the fastening element and including a contact point, and an electrically conductive contacting element extending from the fastening element to the contact point of the current-carrying element and into an inner section of the electrical switching device.

Abstract: A magnetic device may include a magnetic structure, a device structure, and an associated circuit. The magnetic structure may include a patterned layer of material having a predetermined magnetic property. The patterned layer may be configured to, e.g., provide a magnetic field, sense a magnetic field, channel or concentrate magnetic flux, shield a component from a magnetic field, or provide magnetically actuated motion, etc. The device structure may be another structure of the device that is physically connected to or arranged relative to the magnetic structure to, e.g., structurally support, enable operation of, or otherwise incorporate the magnetic structure into the magnetic device, etc. The associated circuit may be electrically connected to the magnetic structure to receive, provide, condition or process of signals of the magnetic device.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated MEMS switch 100 includes a first magnetic core portion 120, a first signal line 15, a first contact point 16, a second magnetic core portion 220, a second signal line 25, a second contact point 26, and a first coil portion 111 and a second coil portion 211 serving as a magnetic field applying portion that causes a current to flow in conductor coil to apply a magnetic field to the first magnetic core portion 120 and the second magnetic core portion 220. The first contact point 16 is displaced depending on the presence or absence of a magnetic field applied by the magnetic field applying portion. Connection and disconnection between the first contact point 16 and the second contact point 26 are switched in response to displacement of the first contact point 16.

Abstract: An instrumented electric power voltage arrester includes a temperature sensor, wireless transmitter, and a visual over-temperature indicator. A disk shaped module, a replacement varister block, or a dummy block containing the sensor/transmitter is placed between varister blocks inside the arrester housing. A strap-on module is attached to the outside of the arrester housing. The sensor/transmitter utilizes a harvesting power supply that draws electric power for the electronics from the power line protected by the arrester. An ambient temperature sensor may be utilized to enhance accuracy. The temperature sensor/transmitter typically sends arrester monitoring data wirelessly to an RTU or handheld unit located outside the arrester, which relays the monitoring data to an operations control center that scheduled replacement of the arrester based on the monitoring data. A surge counter keeps track of the number of equipment and lightning related temperature surges experienced by the arrester.

Abstract: A contact point device includes: a fixed contact; a movable contactor that has a movable contact capable of being in contact with the fixed contact by moving in parallel with a first direction, and extended along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a containing chamber that contains the fixed contact and the movable contact; and a shielding wall disposed inside the containing chamber. The containing chamber has a first space and a second space, the shielding wall faces the first space or the second space, the shielding wall includes a partition wall located between the first space and the second space, the first space and the second space are disposed side by side in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, and the partition wall is located in the first direction from the fixed contact and the movable contact.

Abstract: A contact point device includes a fixed contact, a movable contactor that has a movable contact capable of being in contact with the fixed contact by moving in parallel with a first direction, a containing chamber that contains the fixed contact and the movable contact, and a shielding wall disposed inside the containing chamber. The shielding wall is located in the first direction from the fixed contact and the movable contact when viewed in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the shielding wall extends along the first direction, and the shielding wall is provided with one or a plurality of through holes that penetrate the shielding wall.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for delivering a neural stimulation pulse. A neural implant device can include an energy harvesting circuit configured to receive an input signal and generate an electrical signal based on the received input signal. A diode rectifier in series with the energy harvesting circuit can rectify the electrical signal. The energy harvesting circuit and the diode rectifier can be encapsulated within a biocompatible electrically insulating material. A neural electrode can be exposed through the biocompatible electrically insulating material. The neural electrode can be configured to deliver a neural stimulation pulse. The neural implant device can have a volume that is less than about 1.0 cubic millimeter.

Abstract: A system of automatically documenting a plurality of aircraft touchdown events detected by analyzing sensory data received from a plurality of sensors, comprising one or more interfaces for connecting to a plurality of sensors deployed to monitor at least part of a runway in an airport, the sensors comprising one or more image sensors, audio sensors and/or vibration sensors, and one or more processors coupled to the one or more interfaces. The processor(s) is adapted to receive sensory data from said plurality of sensors, the sensory data comprising image data, audio data and/or vibration data, identify a timing and a location of a landing touchdown event of an aircraft on the runway by analyzing the sensory data and classify the landing touchdown event as a normal landing touchdown event or an abnormal landing touchdown event based on the analysis.

Abstract: Electromechanical switch includes first and second stationary contacts. Each of the first and second stationary contacts has a respective mating end. The electromechanical switch also includes a movable contact having first and second contact zones. The first and second contact zones are separate regions of the movable contact that are operable to be covered by the respective mating ends of the first and second stationary contacts, respectively. Each of the first and second contact zones has a mating surface and a corresponding recess that divides at least a portion of the mating surface. Each of the respective mating ends is configured to extend across the corresponding recess and engage the corresponding mating surface on opposite sides of the corresponding recess. The corresponding recess has a depth that extends only partially into the movable contact.

Abstract: Provided is a reactor exhibiting stable magnetic characteristics. The reactor includes a coil, a magnetic core having an inner core portion and an outer core, and an end surface connecting member disposed between an end surface of the winding portion and the outer core portion. The reactor includes a resin-molded portion integrates integrating the outer core portion and the end surface connecting member, and a plurality of protruding portions provided disposed on an outer surface of the end surface connecting member on which the outer core portion is disposed and that supports the outer core portion at a distance from the outer surface, the resin-molded portion enters a gap formed between the outer surface and the outer core portion by the protruding portions, thereby forming a resin gap between the inner core portion and the outer core portion are being separated from each other by the end surface connecting member.

Abstract: A brake is provided that employs an electromagnetic or magnetic circuit to disengage the brake and in which a reed switch is used to indicate an operating condition of the brake. The reed switch is positioned across an air gap between two members of the electromagnetic or magnetic circuit. The reed switch is oriented such that a longitudinal axis of the reed switch extends in a direction other than parallel to one or both of (i) the axis of rotation for rotating components of the brake and (ii) a direction of a magnetic force at a point in the air gap where the magnetic force is greatest.

Abstract: A control device for an enclosure is disclosed, where the control device includes a first portion positioned proximate to a back side of an enclosure surface of the enclosure, and a second portion positioned proximate to a front side of the enclosure surface. The first portion can include a plunger having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is adjacent to the enclosure surface. The first portion can also include a first magnet having a first polarity and disposed at the proximal end of the plunger. The first portion can further include at least one contact in communication with the distal end of the plunger, where the at least one contact has a first state and a second state. The second portion can include a second magnet having a second polarity, where the second magnet has an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Abstract: A short travel solenoid actuator (44) is disclosed which comprises at least one pole piece (47, 48), an armature (51), an electromagnet coil (46) arranged, in response to energization, to actuate the armature between first and second positions. A permanent magnet (52) is positioned and orientated so as to latch the armature in the first and second positions when the armature is in the first and second positions respectively. A spring (53) is arranged to bias the armature.

Abstract: A multi-position rotary switch whose handle is rotatable to a selected position to actuate a circuit for an electrically controlled device utilizing a magnetic sensor to initiate the actuating signal without any direct contact of traditional mechanical parts that suffer wear during repetitive operations.

Abstract: A switch includes: a second conductor; a second movable electrode provided in a second hermetic space so as to be movable in a first direction in which it parts from the fixed electrode and in a second direction opposite the first direction; an opposed electrode slidably provided in the fixed electrode to face the second movable electrode so as to open from and be in contact with the second movable electrode in an open state and a closed state respectively; a second driver which generates a driving force and moves the second movable electrode in the first direction when performing an opening operation; and a driving force transmitting mechanism which moves the opposed electrode in the second direction by converting a direction of the driving force for moving the second direction opposite the moving direction of the second movable electrode when the second driver generates the driving force for moving the second movable electrode in the first direction.

Abstract: A switch device includes first and second contacting portions including first and second fixed contacting portions and first and second movable contacting portions configured to contact the first and second fixed contacting portions, respectively and provided to be adjacent from each other; and a magnet unit provided such that a first pole is positioned to face the first contacting portion and a second pole is positioned to face the second contacting portion to generate magnetic fields between the first fixed contacting portion and the first movable contacting portion and between the second fixed contacting portion and the second movable contacting portion, respectively.

Abstract: A switch device includes first and second contacting portions including first and second fixed contacting portions and first and second movable contacting portions configured to contact the first and second fixed contacting portions, respectively and provided to be adjacent from each other; and a magnet unit provided such that a first pole is positioned to face the first contacting portion and a second pole is positioned to face the second contacting portion to generate magnetic fields between the first fixed contacting portion and the first movable contacting portion and between the second fixed contacting portion and the second movable contacting portion, respectively.

Abstract: The magnetic switch assembly of an embodiment generally comprises a switch housing coupled to and/or adjacent to a magnet housing. The switch housing may be coupled to, for example, a door frame, a window frame, or other substantially fixed location. The magnet housing including at least one magnet may be coupled to, for example, a door or other substantially mobile location adjacent to the switch housing. The proximity to or distance from the magnets in the magnet housing may actuate one or more reed switches within the switch housing to open and/or close a circuit and/or otherwise generate a signal that may be communicated to, for example, a security system to detect whether the door is open or closed.

Abstract: A sealed solenoid, magnetically operated electric power switch is suitable for use as capacitor, line and load switch operating at transmission and distribution voltages that includes no seals through the sealed container housing the contactor portion of the switch. The sealed solenoid switch includes a magnetically operated drive system with an actuator that magnetically couples across the container wall to avoid the use of a moving or sliding seal as part of the drive system. The sealed solenoid switch may also include a ballast resistor and resistor contact located inside the sealed container to avoid another seal as part of the ballast system. A magnetic latch holds the switch in a closed position, and a spring holds the switch in the closed position, to avoid the need for an energizing current to maintain the switch in either position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sealed contact point is performed by injecting an arc extinguishing gas into an air-tight space of an electromagnetic switching device and sealing it. The method for manufacturing a sealed contactor, including: forming a driving body and coupling a housing and a plate; air-tightly fixing a detachable chamber and forming the interior of the chamber under an insulating gas atmosphere; tightly attaching the cylinder to the plate by a tight-attachment inducing member within the chamber under the insulating gas atmosphere to form a sealing structure; exhausting the chamber; disassembling the chamber from the plate; and sealing the tightly attached plate and the cylinder.

Abstract: A relay includes: a plurality of fixed terminals arranged to have fixed contacts; and a movable contact member arranged to have a plurality of movable contacts that are correspondingly opposed to the respective fixed contacts. The relay further includes: a driving structure operated to move the movable contact member such that the respective movable contacts come into contact with the corresponding fixed contacts; a plurality of first vessels provided corresponding to the respective fixed terminals and arranged to have insulating property; a second vessel joined with the plurality of first vessels; and an air-tight space formed by the plurality of fixed terminals, the plurality of first vessels and the second vessel to allow the movable contact member and the respective fixed contacts to be placed therein.

Abstract: A magnetic system for biosensors is switchable between attraction force and repulsion force near the sensor surface. The magnetic system includes a magnetic source and a sensor. The sensor corresponds with the magnetic field in a way that the magnetic source creates inhomogeneous magnetic field lines that results in a magnetic force towards the magnetic system and which subsequently or adjacently exerts a magnetic force directed away from the magnetic system with all magnetic forces generated at the same magnetic source.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a contact switching device that does not require proficiency for brazing a metal component to a through-hole of a sealed container made of ceramic, and is excellent in impact resistance. For this, there is provided a contact switching device that drives a contact mechanical portion arranged inside a sealed space to switch contacts, based on excitation and degauss of an electromagnet portion arranged outside the sealed space. Particularly, a ceramic plate (131) holding a fixed contact terminal (133) of the contact mechanical portion, and a first metal component are bonded and integrated to form the sealed space, and an outer circumferential portion of a vent pipe (134) is brazed through a metal ring portion (172a) arranged along an opening edge portion of a through-hole (131b) provided in the ceramic plate (131).

Abstract: This invention relates to reed switches, and more particularly to micro-miniaturized reed switches and batch microfabrication techniques used to fabricate micro-miniaturized reed switches. The present invention can provide miniaturized reed switches with more consistent operating parameters, and that can be produced more efficiently than conventional reed switches. The present invention can also provide methods of making miniaturized reed switches using microfabrication techniques. The present invention can use lithographic-based fabrication to enable monolithic construction of a reed switch. Microlithography can repeatedly form micrometer dimensions with tight tolerances over large arrays of devices which, if the patterns are translated into materials appropriate for electromechanical devices, can provide for repeatable and consistent electromechanical operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum interrupter in a vacuum circuit breaker. According to the present invention, there is provided an attraction member made of a ferromagnetic body for surrounding between the stationary electrode and movable electrode to attract a radial magnetic field generated in a radial direction between the stationary electrode and movable electrode by means of the attraction member, and through this a component of the radial magnetic field may be increased in an overall horizontal direction between the stationary electrode and movable electrode, and as a result the radial magnetic field may be further enhanced between both electrodes, thereby strengthening an arc driving force.

Abstract: A sealed cased magnetic switch includes: a first contact pressure spring having one end supported by the movable contactor and applying an elastic force to the movable contactor to provide a contact pressure in a direction in which the movable contactor is brought into contact with the fixed electrode; a spring seat member supporting the other end of the first contact pressure spring and fixedly installed on the driving shaft; and a second contact pressure spring having a diameter larger than that of the first contact pressure spring and applying an elastic force at an outer position in a radial direction compared with the first contact pressure spring to the movable contactor in a direction in which the movable contactor is brought into contact with the fixed electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high voltage relay having an enhanced air-tight structure, the relay including a molded case formed by molding a synthetic resin having an electric insulating property into a box shape having one open surface, an actuator accommodated in the lower molded case, and an arc extinguishing mechanism allowing insertion of a stationary electrode therein and installed on the actuator for covering the open surface of the molded case, the arc extinguishing mechanism including a gas discharge hole portion blocked when a thermosetting resin coated on the arc extinguishing mechanism for air-tightness is hardened.

Abstract: Electrical switching device, especially a high-frequency switching device, with at least one oblong electrical switching element, which is arranged with one contact end between two fixed-contact elements spaced a transverse distance from one another and can be moved by two adjustment elements forming a transverse movement drive transversely to a longitudinal direction optionally towards the one or the other fixed-contact element. The adjustment elements are disposed laterally alongside the switching element and can be moved transversely to and from the switching element. In order to improve the transverse movement drive for the switching element, the switching element-comprises magnetic material, wherein the adjustment elements are formed by magnets.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a vacuum valve, an electromagnet including a first coil for driving an operating shaft of the vacuum valve toward an opening direction by electromagnetic repulsion, a movable core and a permanent magnet. Further, an operating mechanism is provided which excites the first coil to close the vacuum valve, holds the vacuum valve closed by an attractive force of the permanent magnet and excites the first coil in a direction reverse to an excitation direction in closing operation to open the vacuum valve. In the circuit breaker, together with the first coil, a second coil is disposed which is excited simultaneously with an electromagnetic repulsion coil for a quick opening operation by electromagnetic repulsion is provided in the electromagnet.

Abstract: An electric switch for use on multiple-use operating elements in commercial vehicles has an operating part that performs a rotational movement around a limited angle and can be actuated directly by a solid body outside the switch, and having a support housing and an adjustment wheel having the operating part. In order to enable a safe usability in the dark, the operating part is constructed in an illuminated manner dependent on the operating position.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed relay is provided having two circuits therein.

Abstract: A domestic appliance for treating laundered articles including a container for receiving laundered articles, which can be introduced into the container via a loading opening that can be closed by a door, and a door contact switch that is actuated as a function of a door position in order to interrupt a treatment process of the laundered articles, wherein the door contact switch is arranged on a substrate, which supports electronic control devices of the domestic appliance.

Abstract: A reed switch has a contact surface composed of three layers of metal applied to the contacts of the reed switch. The three layers comprise first a layer of titanium of approximately 15 to 150 micro inches, second a layer of molybdenum of 15 to 150 micro inches, and finally a contact layer of 5 to 20 micro inches of ruthenium, or other platinum group metal or alloy. The layers may be applied by any suitable methods, for example by sputtering.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the integrity of a container specifically adapted for the system and constructed with at least one door. A sensor is secured in the container for detecting proximity of the at least one door relative to another area of the container and for providing sensor data that may be communicated from the container relative to its integrity.

Abstract: A MEM's reed switch array is provided having a first switch having a sensitivity causing the first switch to open or close due to a magnetic flux, and a second switch of lesser sensitivity than the first switch causing the second switch to open or close due to a magnetic flux. The first switch can be parallel to the second switch, or the first switch can be proximate to the second switch so that a center line of the first switch is coaxial to a center line of the second switch. Further, a security device for residential and/or commercial use is provided, having a magnet housing having a magnet, a switch housing having a MEM's reed switch array with a first switch and a second switch, and a gap between the magnet housing and the switch housing.

Abstract: A PTFE stud for an ultrahigh-value resistor includes a first portion to be mounted on a substrate and a second portion attached to the first portion so as to not be in contact with the surface of the substrate. The first portion is formed of insulating material and the second portion has a mounting hole that penetrates the second portion so as to be parallel to the surface of the substrate. The mounting hole is adapted such that the lead of the ultrahigh-value resistor is inserted thereinto. The ultrahigh-value resistor can be mounted without soldering.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated apparatus, which enlarges, extends and makes continuous magnetic fields used by magnetically controlled devices, such as a magnetic reed switch for use in physical security monitoring systems is shown. Apparatus includes a sensor and a magnetic actuator for use with a movable closure member. The sensor is mounted into to a fixed support member that is arranged for displacement relative to a second movable support member. The sensor has a pair of contacts that are connectable to an electronic circuit. The contacts form a switch that is actuated by the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator comprises a unique elongated magnet with specific polarity or a plurality of aligned, alike permanent magnets that are mountable to the second support member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the switch-gap between the overlapping metal tongues of a reed switch contained in a glass envelope, in which a beam of radiation energy is directed through the envelope onto a localised area of at least one of the tongues for a specific period of time, thereby effecting thermally-induced bending of the tongue in question about the irradiated area, wherein a radiation source is used which delivers radiation energy having a wavelength in a range in which the radiation is absorbed by the glass envelope to a considerable extent, and wherein the beam of radiation energy is focussed and measured in such a manner that the proportion between the irradiated glass volume of the envelope and the irradiated metal area of at least one of the tongues that is obtained is such that the temperature of the glass undergoes a temperature increase of less than 100 Kelvin during the time required for heating the metal to the melting point.

Abstract: The heat-induced current that flows from the bushing on the outside into the electrostatic shield tube is recirculated to the conductive bushing by dividing the bushings into inside and outside insulating bushings in a concentric circle and a conductive bushing sandwiched by these insulating bushings with respect to the heat-induced current that flows as a result of the heat that has been transmitted from the coil bobbin to the electrostatic shield tube, and connecting the electrostatic shield tube and conductive bushing with a separate conductive member.

Abstract: A switch operable under a predetermined condition includes a plurality of switch parts each including a pair of reed pieces and a connecting member of an electrically conductive non-magnetic material via which the plurality of switch parts are serially connected. The switch operates only under a condition where all of the plurality of switch parts are operated by external magnetic fields individually and simultaneously acting on the plurality of switch parts.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling movement of an object through a medium using a magnetic field by combining the magnetic field of a primary electromagnetic coil having a central axis with the magnetic fields of a plurality of secondary electromagnetic coils having axes generally parallel to the central axis of the primary coil and positioned within the primary coil to produce an operational magnetic field by which movement of the object in a medium is controlled outside of the primary coil.

Abstract: The present invention is an RF electromechanical single pole single throw (SPST) switch providing a low loss path for RF signals in closed position and a high impedance path for RF signals in open position. The structure has two reed switches each having an actuator and two contacts with both reed switches electrically connected in parallel and mechanically attached such that one contact in each reed switch is grounded and the another contact connects to the actuators that are also connected together and to an RF input pin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit protection device that comprises at least one set of reed members having a pair of reed members, wherein each of the reed members is constituted by a magnetic material and disposed in such a way as to be opposed to the other of the reed members and has an end disposed in such a manner as to be apart by a predetermined gap from and contactable with an end of the other of said reed members, magnetic-field generating unit placed in vicinity of the reed members set and adapted to generate a holding magnetic field for maintaining a state, in which the end of the reed members are in contact with each other, after the ends of the reed members are attracted to each other and the contacts are closed and a contact gap reduction unit for reducing the gap to a gap corresponding to a pull-in of the magnetic field generated by said magnetic-field generating unit.

Abstract: A shock sensor has a shock sensing magnetic mass that rides on the inside of a glass tube that is sealed about a reed switch. The reed switch has a first stop positioned so that the shock sensing magnetic mass when resting against the first stop does not cause the reeds of the reed switch to attract. A spring extends between the shock sensing magnetic mass and a second stop. Acceleration causes the sensing mass to accelerate toward the second stop. The motion of the magnetic sensing mass causes the switch reeds to attract and close the reed switch. The entire shock sensing mechanism is hermetically sealed within the glass capsule of the reed switch. The reed switch within the glass capsule detects movement of the shock sensing mass.

Abstract: A surface mount electronic reed switch component (10) is provided having lead wires (12, 14) the outer ends of which are formed into associated loops (32, 34) that extend transversely to the seating plane (36) of the reed switch (10) to provide one or more stable surface mount feet (58) without undue bending stresses on the leads (12, 14) to thus avoid adversely affecting the switch gap (28) defined by the inner ends (22, 24) of the leads (12, 14).

Abstract: A single-pole relay switch capable of effective arc extinction irrespective of the current flowing directions in which the device is connected in a circuit. The switch has a housing and two sets of contacts located in the housing, each set being composed of a fixed contact and a movable contact. A contact carrier is provided to have first and second movable arms which extend commonly from a bridge and are provided respectively with the two movable contacts. An actuator applies a driving force to move the contact carrier between an ON-position of holding the movable contacts simultaneously in contact respectively with the fixed contacts, and an OFF-position of keeping the movable contacts at respective opening gaps from the fixed contacts. The housing includes a casing which is divided into first and second chambers respectively for receiving the contact sets, each of the first and second chambers being surrounded by a dielectric wall.