Abstract: A fast acting switching mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a drive rod articulated to a drive module and supporting at an end thereof a contact bridge having at opposite ends thereof respective moveable contacts for switchably engaging a pair of fixed contacts of the circuit breaker. A contact spring unit is operatively coupled to the drive module for applying closing pressure in the order of 200 Kg; and a latch latches the drive rod in an open or closed position after operation of the circuit breaker and prevents rebounds. The contact bridge includes a pair of side conductors supporting on upper edges thereof an armature having an exposed upper surface that supports the moveable contacts at opposite ends of the armature; and a reinforcing element inserted between the side conductors.

Abstract: A limiter includes a housing having a number of gas ports, a number of gas vents and a number of gas channels. Each of the number of gas channels is between a corresponding one of the number of gas ports and a corresponding one of the number of gas vents. The limiter also includes a number of first terminals, a number of second terminals, and a number of limiter devices. Each of the number of limiter devices is electrically connected between a corresponding one of the number of first terminals and a corresponding one of the number of second terminals. Each of the number of gas ports is structured to receive a corresponding ionized gas flow for passage through a corresponding one of the number of gas channels to the corresponding one of the number of gas vents.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a housing having an accommodating space therein, a magnet coil in the accommodating space to generate electromagnetic force when energized, a moving contact disposed in the accommodating space and driven by the coil, a fixed contact in the accommodating space, the moving contact engaged with or disengaged from the fixed contact as a result of whether the moving contact is driven or not, a breathing hole formed in the housing to communicate between the accommodating space and an exterior space of the housing, and a flame propagation route along which a flame of flammable gas ignited by arc generated between the moving contact and the fixed contact propagates toward the breathing hole. The route includes a flame extinguishment clearance that is set to have such a gap size that the flame is extinguished when passing through the clearance.

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: This invention relates to a circuit breaker (1) for high or medium voltages, of the type having a drive bar (70) coupled to a drive member, and a circuit-breaking chamber (2) facing it and having two contacts (3, 4), each contact (3, 4) including a main contact (30, 40 respectively) and an arcing contact (31, 41 respectively), with one of the two contacts (3) being fixed to a blast or extinguishing nozzle (32). According to the invention, the second contact (4) and the drive bar (70) are joined together by coupling means (6) in such a way that they move together in translation in the same direction, the transmission means (5) being disposed on the side (21) of the chamber (2) that is adjacent to the drive bar (70), and are adapted to transmit the motion of the driven second contact (4) to the first contact (3).

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an electromagnetic circuit interrupter for use in a high voltage direct current (DC) aircraft power distribution system. The electromagnetic circuit interrupter comprises a contact mechanism operable to separate first and second electrical contacts by a first predetermined distance d1 for a predetermined time ? so as to sustain an arc when the contact mechanism is opened. The contact mechanism is further operable to separate the first and second electrical contacts by a second predetermined distance d2 after the predetermined time ? so as to extinguish the arc. The first predetermined distance d1 is less than said second predetermined distance d2. By deliberately sustaining the arc for a relatively long period of time, this aspect of the present invention is particularly useful for extending the operational lifetime of the contacts and thereby of the electromagnetic circuit interrupter itself.

Abstract: A fault interrupter and load break switch includes a trip assembly configured to automatically open a transformer circuit electrically coupled to stationary contacts of the switch upon the occurrence of a fault condition. The fault condition causes a Curie metal element electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts to release a magnetic latch. The release causes a trip rotor of the trip assembly to rotate a rotor assembly. This rotation causes ends of a movable contact of the rotor assembly to electrically disengage the stationary contacts, thereby opening the circuit. The switch also includes a handle for manually opening and closing the electrical circuit in fault and non-fault conditions. Actuation of the handle coupled to the rotor assembly via a spring-loaded rotor causes the movable contact ends to selectively engage or disengage the stationary contacts.

Abstract: A switching device for direct-current applications includes a housing having a first wall and a second wall, a plurality of receiving areas for respective mutually substantially parallel current paths disposed in the housing. Each of the current paths has a respective stationary switching contact element and a respective movable switching contact element, the movable switching element being actuatable into a closed position and into an open position so as to form a respective air break, the respective movable switching contact elements being actuatable simultaneously. The switching device includes a plurality of arc-quenching devices associated with the current paths and disposed next to each other, and at least one magnet. The at least one magnet is configured to generate a magnetic field so as to generate a deflection force on the arcs so as to deflect the respective arcs toward at least one of the respective arc-quenching devices.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay has a movable iron core, an insulation holder integrated with an upper end portion of the movable iron core, a movable contact piece supported by the insulation holder, and a solenoid formed from a wound coil. The movable iron core is housed in an axial hole in the solenoid movably in the upward and downward directions. The movable iron core is adapted to be moved upwardly and downwardly based on magnetization and demagnetization of the solenoid for contacting and separating a movable contact point provided on the movable contact piece with and from a fixed contact point for opening and closing a contact point. A permanent magnet is embedded in a base portion of the insulation holder.

Abstract: A switching device, in particular a power switching device, has two pairs of series-connected switching contacts for interrupting a conducting path and at least one quenching packet, disposed near the pairs of switching contacts, for quenching the arcs occurring when the conducting path opens. The pairs of switching contacts are arranged such that their opening paths are substantially mutually parallel or antiparallel. The pairs of switching contacts are connected in series such that the same current flowing in both arcs flows spatially in the same direction. The quenching packet is disposed in the area between the opening paths.

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 gassing insulator assembly for a line conductor assembly of an electrical switching apparatus is provided having a line conductor and first and second gassing insulator members. The insulator members are constructed from a gassing material. The first gassing insulator member is disposed near a first end of the line conductor and the second gassing insulator member is generally disposed between the line conductor and a cantilevered arc runner near a second end of the line conductor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing circuit-breaker parts and plastic components for low, medium and high-voltage switching stations and to a corresponding circuit-breaker part. To obtain a simpler method of production with a higher variance of material characteristics, the outer insulation sleeve is produced in a plastic injection molding method, in which a vacuum interrupter chamber is sheathed in plastic.

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: A protection switch, particularly for rapid quenching of electrical arcing, includes at least one single-pole protection switch module having a housing, a movable contact mounted on a switching arm for pivoting against a fixed contact between a closed position and an open position and a quenching device for quenching electrical arcing of the switch. The quenching device includes a quenching chamber with an inlet and an outlet for the arc. A first running rail connects the fixed contact with a first side wall of the quenching chamber and a second running rail connects a stopping surface, against which the movable contact abuts in the open position of the switching arm, to a second side wall of the quenching chamber. A separation strip extends substantially from side wall to side wall at the outlet of the quenching chamber.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a conductor, a fixed contact connected to the conductor, and an arc runner disposed on the conductor adjacent the fixed contact. The arc runner includes a first portion abutting the fixed contact and a second portion disposed in a recess of the circuit breaker housing. The arc runner is adapted to draw an arc from the fixed contact. A circuit breaker operating mechanism cooperates with a movable contact for opening and closing the fixed contact and the movable contact. An arc chute is adjacent the arc runner. A trip unit cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the fixed and movable contacts.

Abstract: An arc member is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes an operating mechanism for opening and closing separable contacts, and an arc chute disposed proximate the separable contacts to attract an arc generated thereby. The separable contacts include a stationary contact and a movable contact. The stationary contact has an edge, which is disposed in a plane. The arc member includes an arc element disposed between the stationary contact and the arc chute. The arc element has first and second portions and first and second arc attractors. The first arc attractor extends outwardly from the first portion toward the plane of the edge of the stationary contact to draw the arc from the separable contacts to the arc member. The second arc attractors, which are disposed on the second portion of the arc element, direct the arc into the arc chute.

Abstract: A plurality of pairs of a movable contact point and a fixed contact point, which are opposite so that they can be contacted with and separated from each other, are provided in parallel and connected in series so that an electrical current flows in the same direction between the movable contact point and the fixed contact point, which are simultaneously closed. Permanent magnets are disposed on lateral sides of the movable contact point and the fixed contact point a so that a magnetic field, which extends an arc generated between the contact points in either an upward or downward direction, is formed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a coil, a movable member, first and second fixed contact supports each having first and second fixed contacts, and a movable body having first and second movable contacts. A third fixed contact is arranged on the second fixed contact support at a position away from a line passing through the first and second fixed contacts, and a third movable contact is arranged on the movable body. When the movable member is driven by electromagnetic force of the coil, the movable contacts contact the fixed contacts at a contact portion between the first fixed contact and the first movable contact, a contact portion between the second fixed contact and the second movable contact, and a contact portion between the third fixed contact and the third movable contact.

Abstract: A gas diverter is disclosed that slows, cools, and directs the hot gas and plasma generated during the operation of an electrical switching device. The gas diverter mounts to the switching device and has an inlet for accepting the gas and exit for expelling the gas. The diverter has peripheral walls and internal partitions that divide the gas and provide for two independent circuitous flow paths. In multi-phase switching devices, a plurality of gas diverters may be used to further separate the gases generated in each respective phase. The gas diverter is made of a high temperature, arc resistant plastic which is molded to form a two piece structure. The gas diverter is mounted to the device via a slide in place flange-channel mechanism.

Abstract: The heavy-duty circuit-breaker with arc blowing has an element which is sensitive to hot gas and/or to gas pressure and is protected by means of a seal against a hot-gas flow. The seal is advantageously a movable non-contacting seal. The seal has a channel entrance for production of a partial hot-gas flow of the hot-gas flow and, connected downstream from this, a channel in order to reduce the mass flow of the partial hot-gas flow, and an expansion chamber in order to expand the volume of the partial hot-gas flow. The expansion chamber is a pressure-relief area. The element may, for example, be a guide element, a contact-making element or a sealing element.

Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to extend in generally close proximity to one of the stationary contact and the arc contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier manipulates a magnetic field associated with current passing through the contactor assembly and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. Preferably, the magnetic intensifier is formed integrally with a turnback associated with one of the stationary contact or the arc contact. Such a construction simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the contactor assembly and provides efficient and repeatable arc suppression.

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 drive solenoid, a yoke, an armature and at least one contact are mounted in a housing of an electromagnetic switching device. The drive solenoid, yoke and armature are inductively intercoupled, in such a way that when an inrush current is applied to the drive solenoid, the armature can be displaced into a pickup position, thus directly or indirectly actuating the contact. The yoke and/or armature contain(s) pulverulent magnetic material.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a housing having an accommodating space therein, a magnet coil in the accommodating space to generate electromagnetic force when energized, a moving contact disposed in the accommodating space and driven by the coil, a fixed contact in the accommodating space, the moving contact engaged with or disengaged from the fixed contact as a result of whether the moving contact is driven or not, a breathing hole formed in the housing to communicate between the accommodating space and an exterior space of the housing, and a flame propagation route along which a flame of flammable gas ignited by arc generated between the moving contact and the fixed contact propagates toward the breathing hole. The route includes a flame extinguishment clearance that is set to have such a gap size that the flame is extinguished when passing through the clearance.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrical service switching device, in particular a circuit breaker, motor circuit breaker or the like, having a housing which has two housing halves and connecting means for electrical connection to busbars and/or power lines, having at least one electrical switching contact on which an arc is struck in an initial arcing chamber on disconnection of the electrical contact, with an arc quenching unit being provided adjacent to this, in order to quench the arc. An AC blowout device which comprises two iron plates adjacent to the initial chamber area in the lateral direction and guides the arc into the arc quenching device by magnetic interaction during AC operation, is provided. The housing wall has an opening in the area of the iron plates, through which a permanent magnet can be inserted in order to create an AC/DC blowout device, which guides the arc into the arc quenching device in both AC and DC operation, when the housing is assembled.

Abstract: A gassing insulator for the arc chute assembly of a circuit breaker includes a number of insulating members. The arc chute assembly includes first and second opposing sidewalls, and arc plates having first and second ends and first and second legs. Each insulating member includes a first side coupled to one of the first and second opposing sidewalls of the arc chute assembly, a second side disposed generally opposite the first side, a first end disposed at or about the first ends of the arc plates, and a second end disposed distal from the first end of the insulating member and extending toward the second ends of the arc plates. The first side of the insulating member overlays at least one of the first and second legs of the arc plates, in order to electrically insulate them. An arc chute assembly and an electrical switching apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.

Abstract: An electromechanical/solid-state AC relay has an electromechanical winding coil that moves an armature to force mechanical contacts to open or close. Electrical arcing across the mechanical contacts that occur as the contacts are opening or closing can damage and severely reduce the lifetime of the relay. Contact arcing is prevented by pulsing a triac on for a short period of time just before and after the mechanical contacts make or break contact. The triac limits the voltage difference across the mechanical contacts to less than one volt to prevent arcing. The triac is turned off after the mechanical contacts finish moving, reducing the heating and average power through the triac. A zero-sampling circuit that detects when the AC input voltage switches across 0 volts and activates a control integrated circuit to switch on the triac during zero-crossings to minimize power surges.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a switching device, a high power supply system and methods for switching high power including a relay and a power semiconductor switch arranged in parallel to the relay.

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: A device for switching in and out a load with respect to an alternating voltage feeder has two mechanical switches connected in series in a current path between the load and the feeder and each having a by-pass branch with at least one member with ability to block current therethrough in at least a blocking direction and conduct current therethrough in at least one direction. A unit is adapted to control a procedure of a switching out and switching in by synchronization with the current in the feeder and the voltage of the feeder, respectively.

Abstract: An electrical switch for connecting and breaking a circuit including a connecting and breaking mechanism for connecting and breaking the circuit provided with at least a set of movable contacts and stationary contacts; a electromagnetism drive mechanism for controlling the contacts to be actuated so as to realize closed circuit; a housing for accommodating the movable contact and stationary contact; an arc-extinguishing mechanism disposed in the housing and corresponded to the movable and stationary contact; a case connected to a base for accommodating the electromagnetism drive mechanism; a bedplate associated with the case; and a holding mechanism disposed on the bedplate for holding the contacts to connect the circuit, the electromagnetic holding mechanism is electromagnetic and has a set of electromagnetic attracting mechanism in which the movable iron core is made to be a pothook or a baffle mechanism, the movable iron core is attracted so that the pothook or baffle keeps the switch closed by means of hi

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-noise electromagnetic switch applied to an electric car, whereby noise generated by vibration from an inner switch is prevented from being transmitted to the outside box by filling up a filler-up material between the inner switch and the outside box.

Abstract: An arc chute assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing and an arc hood coupled thereto, the arc hood being structured to exhaust arc gases from the housing. The arc chute assembly includes a vent portion structured to exhaust arc gases from the housing into the arc hood and a frame portion adjacent the vent portion. The frame portion being structured to be movably coupled to the housing. The arc chute assembly being structured to be movable from a first position to a different second position relative to the housing responsive to the exhaust arc gases.

Abstract: A chimney is provided for a circuit breaker arc hood assembly. The circuit breaker housing includes a number of arc chute vents structured to exhaust arc gases. The arc hood assembly includes a body having a first side facing the housing, and a second side opposite the first side. The first side includes a number of apertures. The chimney includes a base disposed at or about a corresponding one of the arc chute vents, a duct extending outwardly from the base and through a corresponding one of the apertures, and a plurality of resilient protrusions movably coupling the chimney to the first side of the body at or about the corresponding one of the apertures. The resilient protrusions bias the base toward engagement with the housing to resist the arc gases being undesirably discharged between the base and the housing.

Abstract: A vented case is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including an arc chute structured to attract and dissipate an arc. The arc produces an ionized gas. The vented case includes at least one housing member comprising an interior, an exterior, a first end, a second end disposed generally opposite and distal from the first end, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end and the second end. The vented case also includes at least one vent structured to discharge the ionized gas from the interior of such housing member to the exterior of such housing member. Such vent includes a plurality of venting passages, each extending from proximate the arc chute within the interior to the exterior. An electrical switching apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit for wetting relay contacts includes a relay having a relay coil, a movable contact and a stationary contact. The movable contact is movable between an open position and a closed position upon energizing of the relay coil, and the movable contact engages the stationary contact in the closed position. The movable contact is moved from the closed position to the open position when the relay coil is de-energized. A transistor is connected to the relay coil through a load, wherein the transistor loads the relay coil after the relay coil is de-energized to provide an arc between the movable contact and the stationary contact as the movable contact is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for a double-break mechanism includes a current interrupting section having a contact mechanism. The contact mechanism includes first and second fixed contactors arranged in parallel and having fixed contacts, and a bridging movable contactor having an arm with movable contacts opposing the fixed contacts. A magnetic plate may be interposed in a middle region between two pairs of the fixed and movable contacts extending along a path of switching movement of the movable contactor. Partition walls formed of organic polymer material may be provided to stand along the path of the movable contactor. The partition walls sandwich each pair of the fixed contact and the movable contact to form a narrow gap arc extinguishing space between the partition walls.

Abstract: An arc chute comprising an arc extinguishing chamber formed by a stack of deionizing plates and an arc formation chamber bounded by a first and second flange, said arc chute being equipped with permanent magnets arranged behind at least the first flange, in which the arc formation chamber comprises: an enhanced induction section where the arc is propelled towards the arc extinguishing chamber by a first part of the permanent magnets, and a diverting section where the arc is diverted towards the first flange by a second part of the permanent magnets, the magnetic field in the longitudinal mid-plane generated by the second part being substantially weaker than that generated by the first part. A circuit breaker comprising separable contacts and the previously described arc chute.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a power conductor including a first conductor and a second reverse loop conductor, the second reverse loop conductor carrying one of the separable contacts, and a slot motor. The slot motor includes a first slot motor portion, and a second slot motor portion including a plurality of generally U-shaped slot motor laminations, a first insulative housing portion, and a second insulative housing portion. The first and second insulative housing portions interlock with one another to form a generally U-shaped insulative slot motor housing. The first and second insulative housing portions cooperatively receive the generally U-shaped slot motor laminations.

Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to extend in generally close proximity to one of the stationary contact and the arc contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier manipulates a magnetic field associated with current passing through the contactor assembly and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. Preferably, the magnetic intensifier is formed integrally with a turnback associated with one of the stationary contact or the arc contact. Such a construction simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the contactor assembly and provides efficient and repeatable arc suppression.

Abstract: The electromechanical circuit breaker is intended to establish and break the current in a main circuit (3, 4) and comprises a fixed contact element (5) and a moving contact element (6) which in a first position are in electrical contact with each other for carrying the current of the main circuit (3, 4). Said moving contact element (6) is adapted to be displaced to a second position in which it is separated from the fixed contact element (5) so that the current in the main circuit is cut off. The circuit breaker is provided with a blow-out device (2) comprising a magnetising coil (8) traversed by a magnetising current for producing a magnetic field (26) adapted to drive an arc generated by the separation of said two contact elements (5, 6) into an arc extinction means. The blow-out device (2) comprises electrodes (12) electrically connected to the magnetising coil (8) and adapted to cooperate with said arc in such a manner that the latter generates said magnetising current in the magnetising coil (8).

Abstract: A relay is disclosed that includes a first opening and closing part including an openable and closeable first gap; a second opening and closing part including an openable and closeable second gap, the second opening and closing part being placed side by side with the first opening and closing part so that the first gap and the second gap are arranged side by side; a magnetization driving part configured to cause the first opening and closing part and the second opening and closing part to simultaneously operate; and a permanent magnet configured to apply a magnetic field on the first gap of the first opening and closing part and the second gap of the second opening and closing part in the same direction.

Abstract: An arc baffle for an arc chute assembly of a circuit breaker includes a first baffle member disposed at or about the second end of the arc chute assembly and including a plurality of first venting holes, a second baffle member including a plurality of second venting holes and being coupled to and disposed opposite from the first baffle member, and a filter assembly disposed at or about the second baffle member and including a number of filter elements. The first and second venting holes of the first and second baffle members are offset to induce turbulent flow of ionized gases being discharged from the arc chute assembly. The filter elements of the filter assembly filter the turbulent flow. An arc chute assembly and an electrical switching apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is comprised of a make-and-break mechanism part disposed between frame plates opposite to each other; a base in which a breaking portion including cross bar, moving contact, fixed contact and arc-extinguishing device, and an over-current trip device are contained; a middle base, in which a partition wall separating the breaking portion from the make-and-break mechanism part, and the breaking portion from the over-current trip device, is provided; and a cover for covering the base and middle base. A frame of the make-and-break mechanism part is secured to the base through the middle base, and the secured part of the frame and the inner bottom face of the base are disposed in the proximity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contactor for direct current and alternating current operation with at least one contact point with a fixed contact and a movable contact, at least one permanent magnet, arranged adjacent to the contact point, for the generation of a permanent magnetic blowout field and at least one coil, arranged adjacent to the contact point, for the generation of an electromagnetic blowout field, for blowing an arc that is formed when opening the contact point into at least one arc chamber. A contactor is to be provided that allows a quick and reliable separation of the contacts and consequently also a quick and reliable extinguishing of the arcs and that allows a structure with a simple design and simple manufacture.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a power conductor including a first conductor and a second reverse loop conductor, the second reverse loop conductor carrying one of the separable contacts, and a slot motor. The slot motor includes a first slot motor portion, and a second slot motor portion including a plurality of generally U-shaped slot motor laminations, a first insulative housing portion, and a second insulative housing portion. The first and second insulative housing portions interlock with one another to form a generally U-shaped insulative slot motor housing. The first and second insulative housing portions cooperatively receive the generally U-shaped slot motor laminations.

Abstract: An apparatus, and a method of opening and closing electrical power feed lines using a hybrid contactor, which combines a traditional set of mechanical main contacts with a high voltage solid state switch. The solid state switch provides a parallel current path around the main contacts. When the main contacts are to be opened or closed, the solid state switch is first closed, diverting current away from the main contacts to prevent arc formation when the main contacts are being opened or closed. Once the main contacts are opened or closed, the solid state switch is opened, as the parallel current path is no longer needed. Optional auxiliary contacts are connected in series with the solid state switch to provide galvanic isolation between an input terminal and an output terminal.