Abstract: A switch-fuse module and a ring main unit. The switch-fuse module includes: a housing having therein a first enclosure including a first insulating gas and a second enclosure including a second insulating gas; at least one switch disconnector arranged within the first enclosure; and at least one fuse at least partially surrounded by the second enclosure; wherein each of the first insulating gas and the second insulating gas has a global warming potential less than a global warming potential of SF6, and the first enclosure is different and separate from the second enclosure.

Abstract: A fuse holder for holding a fuse is provided that includes a body, a line side connector supported by the body, and a load side connector supported by the body. The fuse holder also includes a toggle switch supported by the body and capable of toggled engagement in a first position that provides electrical connection. The switch is also capable of toggled engagement in a second position that provides electrical isolation between the line side connector and the load side connector. The fuse holder also includes a fuse carrier. The fuse carrier is supported by the body and adapted for holding the fuse and the fuse carrier is adapted to be removed from the fuse holder. The fuse holder includes a blocking device blocking the toggled engagement of the switch from the second position to the first position when the fuse carrier is not within the fuse holder.

Abstract: A fuse holder for holding a fuse is provided that includes a body, a line side connector supported by the body, and a load side connector supported by the body. The fuse holder also includes a toggle switch supported by the body and capable of toggled engagement in a first position that provides electrical connection. The switch is also capable of toggled engagement in a second position that provides electrical isolation between the line side connector and the load side connector. The fuse holder also includes a fuse carrier. The fuse carrier is supported by the body and adapted for holding the fuse and the fuse carrier is adapted to be removed from the fuse holder. The fuse holder includes a blocking device blocking the toggled engagement of the switch from the second position to the first position when the fuse carrier is not within the fuse holder.

Abstract: A fuse holder for holding a fuse is provided. The fuse holder includes a body, a line side connector supported by the body, and a load side connector supported by the body. The fuse holder also includes a fuse carrier supported by the body. The fuse carrier is adapted for holding the fuse and the fuse carrier is adapted to be removed from the fuse holder. The fuse carrier defines a longitudinal axis thereof. The fuse carrier is separable from the body in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the fuse carrier.

Abstract: An electrical interruption switch having a casing which surrounds a contact unit which defines the path of the current through the interruption switch, and having a propellant charge having a gas-generating activatable material. The contact unit has a first and a second connection contacts, an upsetting region, a separation region and a sabot. An extinguishing agent is provided in such a way that the motion of the sabot and/or the upsetting of the upsetting region reduces the volume for receiving the extinguishing agent in such a way that the extinguishing agent is injected through at least one discharge channel that connects the volume for receiving the extinguishing agent to the chamber in which the separation region is located, in order to extinguish or to prevent the formation of an electric arc between the ends of the separation region.

Abstract: There is provided a surge protection device that includes (a) an input and an output, (b) a short-circuit-proof primary current path and a secondary current path between the input and the output, and (c) a fuse in a short-circuit-proof fuse box. The short-circuit-proof fuse box is arranged in the secondary current path, and (i) on one side of the secondary current path is contacted with the primary current path in a short-circuit-proof manner based on the primary current path, and (ii) on the other side of the secondary current path is contacted in a substantially short-circuit-proof manner based on the fuse. A help system for signalling and/or supply of devices for improving ignition behavior is arranged in the secondary current path, and the short-circuit-proof fuse box is also contacted to a short-circuit-proof discharge path so that a current can be guided by the help system current path.

Abstract: An explosion-proof and flameproof ejection type safety surge-absorbing module includes a protective member and a surge-absorbing unit. The protective member includes a base and an upper lid coupled with the base. The base has two corresponding partitions extending upwards. The surge-absorbing unit includes a body, two connecting leads, and a resilient metallic plate. The body has two sides defining two electrode surfaces. One of the electrode surfaces is connected with one of the connecting leads. The resilient metallic plate has a first end welded to the electrode surface with a contact component and a second end curved and striding across an outer side of one of the partitions to penetrate through the bottom of the base. When the body of the surge-absorbing unit is overheated due to high temperature caused by a surge, the contact component will melt so the resilient metallic plate is ejected away from the electrode.

Abstract: Device for protecting an electrical circuit fed by an alternating current, comprising a housing and a fuse element disposed in the housing. The housing comprises a first portion and a second portion which are mobile in relation to one another, and elastic means suitable for causing the first portion to bear against the second portion and causing the housing to be set in a closed state.

Abstract: The 3-electrode surge protective device includes: a surge protective device body including: an earth electrode; a ceramic cylinder; and a pair of line electrodes; and a fail-safe spring including: an elastic mount portion; and a short-circuit portion, a conductive material that is sandwiched between the fail-safe spring and the body; and a pair of first lead pins provided on the pair of line electrodes; a second lead pin provided on the earth electrode. In a normal state, the conductive material support the short-circuit portion at a separation position where the short-circuit portion is separated from the outer peripheral face of the body and the first lead pins. In case where the body is overheated and the conductive material is melted, the short-circuit portion is moved to a contact position where the short-circuit portion comes into contact with the second lead pin and the first lead pins.

Abstract: An appliance assembly includes an appliance and an appliance member. The appliance includes a wall defining a plurality of holes. The appliance member is carried by the appliance. The appliance member includes a housing which includes a snap-fit arrangement coupled with the appliance. The snap-fit arrangement includes a first plurality of ears and a second plurality of ears, the first and second plurality of ears snap-fittingly engaging the plurality of holes.

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: A shunt separator is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing, separable contacts enclosed within the housing, an operating assembly including a trip bar, and a trip assembly. The trip assembly cooperates with the trip bar to trip open the separable contacts in response to a fault condition. The trip assembly includes a number of shunts. The shunt separator includes a molded projection, which extends outwardly from the housing of the electrical switching apparatus. The molded projection at least partially surrounds a portion of the trip bar, thereby separating the number of shunts from the trip bar.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an overvoltage protection device that includes at least one non-linear resistance element and a single cut-off device coupled with the at least one non-linear resistance element to disable the at least one non-linear resistance element when the at least one non-linear resistance element reaches a pre-determined temperature. The single cut-off device may include stranded wire, a first solder having a first melting point connecting the stranded wire to the at least one non-linear resistance element, and a second solder having a second melting point, higher than the first melting point, connecting the stranded wire to the at least one non-linear resistance element. The single cut-off device may further include a shifting part that shifts when the at least one non-linear resistance element heats the first solder to the first melting point.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for regulating the distribution of electricity at events such as trade shows to prevent exhibitors from utilizing electricity not purchased from the convention center or other entity controlling electricity distribution, including lockable electric outlet boxes having a lockable fuse holder containing a fuse that restricts or limits a specific electrical outlet box or group of outlet boxes to a maximum electrical current or amperage.

Abstract: A metal oxide varistor with heat protection has a body, an insulated washer, a first lead, a second lead and a thermal fuse. The body has two sides and two contacts respectively on the sides. The insulated washer is attached to one contact and has a through hole. The first lead is mounted on the other contact. The second lead is mounted on the insulated washer. The thermal fuse is mounted on the insulated washer and electrically connects to the second lead and the second contact. When the body overloads and overheats, the thermal fuse causes the circuit to open quickly, and the insulated washer keeps the thermal fuse from electrically connecting to the second contact again.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker frame and a trip unit. The circuit breaker frame includes a housing, a line terminal, a load terminal, separable contacts electrically connected between the line terminal and the load terminal, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a latch cooperating with the operating mechanism to open the separable contacts when actuated. The trip unit includes a housing, a line end terminal electrically connected to the load terminal of the circuit breaker frame, a load end terminal, and a fuse including a plunger. The fuse is housed by the housing of the trip unit and is electrically connected between the line end terminal and the load end terminal. An interface mechanism is structured to actuate the latch of the circuit breaker frame when the interface mechanism is engaged by the plunger of the fuse.

Abstract: The thermal protection relay determines a value representative of the thermal image of an apparatus to be protected according to a measured current value, to a previous value of the thermal image and to preset heating and cooling time constants. The relay takes into account a non-zero initial thermal image, determined from experimental thermal resistance curves of the apparatus. In the case of a motor, for example, this enables the cold tripping curve of the relay to be lowered without modifying the hot tripping curve, so as to bring the tripping curves of the relay closer to the thermal resistance curves of the motor.

Abstract: A pair of shunt wire spacer pins provides for proper spacing between the shunt wires extending from the movable arm to the bimetal within a circuit breaker, thereby ensuring that the shunt wires do not come together during over-current conditions within the circuit breaker, and preventing the shunt wires from interfering with the movement of the trip bar.

Abstract: A pre-wiring device creating a logic function such as an inverter function or a star-delta start function between at least two multi-pole contactors located side by side and used particularly in electrical control equipment of motors. A same pre-wiring device allows connections to be made in an identical way to several sizes of contactors which reduces accordingly the number of different terminal bars to be designed and manufactured. According to a characteristic of the invention, this pre-wiring device includes an upstream pre-wiring terminal bar 30 fitted with metal pins 31 to be inserted into the upstream wiring terminal blocks 11 of the contactors. The pre-wiring device also includes a downstream pre-wiring terminal bar.

Abstract: A layer of thermal fusible material is placed on one surface of a metal oxide varistor (MOV) to monitor the heating of the MOV due to applied voltage spikes. The thermal fusible material is part of the electrical circuit which includes the MOV and melts at a predetermined temperature. In the presence of a severe or a number of voltage spikes the MOV heats up and the heat transferred to the thermal fusible material causes it to open the electrical circuit to the MOV to prevent overheating and thermal runaway. In another form, the MOV is separated into two halves and the thermal fusible material layer is placed between the ends of the MOV halves.

Abstract: The response time of a melting fuse is controlled or influenced by temporarily boosting a threshold level from a first constant value (I.sub.1) to a second dynamic value (I.sub.2) which is then caused to decay in a controlled manner during a fixed time between (t.sub.1) and (t.sub.2) and in accordance with a selectable decay function. If a current (m) flowing through the fuse exceeds the decaying threshold value a fuse blowing current is generated and supplied to the fuse, whereby the fuse blows sooner than it would have, if the excess current had prevailed for a long enough time between (t.sub.1) and (t.sub.X). On the other hand, the fuse does not blow in response to short duration transient excess currents that occur, for example at starting an engine. The engine start impulse which may be used to temporarily raise the threshold value from (I.sub.1) to (I.sub.2) and then cause said controlled decay.

Abstract: An interlock assembly is provided for use in a manually operated multi-phase fusible switch having a fuse in series with a blade for each phase and a handle for simultaneously controlling the position of the blades. Each fuse is CONDUCTIVE when it allows current to flow therethrough and is BLOWN when it does not allow current to flow therethrough. The handle is coupled to a drive rod and is movable between an OPEN position and a CLOSED position wherein the blades conduct current therethrough when the handle is in the CLOSED position and do not conduct current therethrough when the handle is in the OPEN position. The interlock assembly includes an interlock mechanism for preventing the handle from being moved from the OPEN position to the CLOSED position when one or more of the fuses are BLOWN or missing, thereby preventing the blade for each phase from moving into the CLOSED position when one or more of the fuses are BLOWN or missing.

Abstract: Fuses for the potential transformers (PTs) in medium voltage switchgear are mounted in fuse assemblies which are reciprocated within the switchgear enclosure independently of the transformers they protect between a connected position in which the fuse assemblies engage stabs at the rear wall of the enclosure and a retracted position adjacent a door at the front of the enclosure through which the fuses are inserted and removed while the fuse assemblies remain within the enclosure. The fuse assemblies include insulative tubes having first releasable contacts at a distal end which engage the stabs and second releasable contacts which engage fixed contacts connected to the transformers and spaced from the rear wall. The insulative tubes are mounted on a carriage which reciprocates between the connected and retracted positions. An interlock prevents opening of the door except where the carriage is in the retracted position and blocks movement of the carriage with the door open.

Abstract: An interlock assembly is provided for a fusible switch which has a fuse in series with a switch and an operating mechanism for controlling the operation of the switch. The interlock assembly is mechanically coupled to the operating mechanism and includes an indicator member disposed adjacent to the fuse for indicating the status of the fuse and an actuator member mechanically coupled to the operating mechanism for actuating the operating mechanism to open the switch when the fuse is BLOWN. A toggle member is coupled to the indicator member and to the actuator member for mechanically communicating the status of the fuse to the actuator member from the indicator member wherein the toggle member is in one position when the fuse is CONDUCTIVE and the toggle member is in another position when the fuse is BLOWN.

Abstract: A self-configuring photoelectric control circuit for controlling operation of a load based on ambient light. The photocontrol circuit comprises a photocell responsive to ambient light, a heating resistor connected to the photocell, a bimetallic element in proximity to the heating resistor and movable in response to generation of heat from the heating resistor. A switch is operated by the bimetallic element and is connected between an input connected to a power source and an output connected to the load. A series resistor is connected to the heating resistor and a shunt is connected across the series resistor to provide a current bypass around the series resistor for operation with a low voltage power source, for instance 120 volts. The shunt is maintained in a flexed condition to form the bypass and a connection of the shunt across the series resistor is formed of a meltable material.

Abstract: A load interrupter device is provided for live front padmounted high voltage switchgear unit wherein circuit interruption is independent of the speed at which a lineman opens the switch of the switchgear. The interrupter includes an insulating body having a fixed terminal and a moveable terminal spaced therefrom which forms a part of manually operable switch structure. A conductive element within the body connected to the moveable terminal normally engages the fixed terminal. A pair of moveable conductive members are also provided in the body, with one of the conductive members normally engaging a contact electrically connected to the first terminal, while the second member is joined to the second terminal for movement therewith.

Abstract: A fuse switch unit for use in a panelboard is provided which can be engaged via plug-on terminals with a busbar supply system. The unit includes a switch mechanism having in front thereof lug terminals for coupling fuse links which are adjacent the operating handle of the switch mechanism.

Abstract: A fuse circuit unit for combination with an electromagnetic switch has a first terminal having one end thereof adapted to be connected to one terminal of a main fuse of a load circuit, and another end adapted to be connected to of the input terminal of the electromagnetic switch. The fuse circuit unti also has a second terminal having one end thereof adapted to be connected to another terminal of the main fuse, and another end adapted to be connected to the load circuit, and a casing supporting the first and second terminals. The casing of the fuse circuit unit is engageable with the electromagnetic switch, and the first terminal of the fuse circuit unit is removably fastened to the input terminal of the electromagnetic switch to mechanically and electrically connect them together. The casing is molded from a resin in a one-piece body, together with the first and second terminals.

Abstract: A motor safety switch which eliminates much of the costs of conventional wiring, material and labor, the motor safety switch being formed of a plurality of assembled independent components; a first of the components including a switch unit having a contact system, a thermal tripper and a magnetic tripper; a second of the components being an electromagnetic drive unit; a third of the components being a modular contact unit; and the independent components are maintained by mechanical connectors in selected assembled relationship to include either all of the aforementioned independent components or selective subassemblies thereof.

Abstract: A three-position electrical driving mechanism having a jump-drive sub-assembly, a pivotable actuator and associated spring arrangement for storing energy, a detent arrangement and associated latches for holding the detents in place, a release arrangement for disengaging the detents from the latches, and a storage drive sub-assembly which is operable in response to a blown fuse or an open circuit trip. This switch requires the operator to perform the same switching operation each time the switch is utilized, and therefore errors that occur when an operator must perform several different operations are avoided.

Abstract: A modular switch-fuse unit is provided which can be engaged via terminals 26 with a busbar supply system. The unit is divided into a switch compartment 14 and a fuse compartment 16, the latter having an access door 36 which is normally blocked by operating handle 38 when in the "on" position. Handle 38 is provided with a semi-concealed latch 64 allowing access to the fuses 32 when live.

Abstract: A terminator device for a fusible element ribbon surrounding a switch in an interrupting module. The device is a conductive collar mountable to a terminal of the switch and an integral finger to which an end of the ribbon is attachable. One or more slotted tabs are also integral with the collar to engage and support fins holding the ribbon in a helix around the switch. The tabs may be deformed to lock the fins in place. The device, which may be a simple stamped part, thus mechanically and electrically mounts the ribbon and supports the fins, as well as electrically interconnecting the ribbon to the switch.

Abstract: A high-speed switch usable at high voltage includes a pair of contacts movable apart along a fixed line. When the contacts are normally interconnected, at least one of them contributes to the definition of an enclosed chamber. Pressurization of the chamber by the ignition of a power cartridge therein rapidly drives the contacts apart, forming a first gap between them. The first gap is electrically insulated and is shielded from the ignition products of the cartridge. Any arc forming in the first gap is constricted and subjected to arc-extinguishing gas. When the contacts are interconnected, a first one of them is electrically connected to a terminal. After the contacts move apart, a second gap forms between the first contact and the terminal. The second gap is electrically insulated and is shielded from the ignition products of the cartridge. A fuse may be connected in shunt with the contacts and the insulated gaps.

Abstract: An improved switch for a high-voltage device in which ignition of a power cartridge moves an insulative piston located in a conductive member, into a passageway in an insulative liner, said piston moving a contact through the passageway and away from the conductive member to break an electrical interconnection between the conductive member and the movable contact, the switch including an insulative housing,an annular groove formed in the outside of the conductive member;an annular groove formed in the inside of the housing; and a split ring partially residing in both of the grooves when axially aligned, preventing relative axial movement between the conductive member and the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electric cigar lighter for use, for example in vehicles, having a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes an elongated fuse member having a fuse and a tube for covering the fuse. The tube has a melting point slightly lower than that of the fuse. Therefore, when the fuse melts and separates in two parts upon overheating of a heating element carried by an igniting of the lighter, the separated ends of the fuse are wrapped by the separated ends of the tube. Thus, even if the separated ends of the fuse member contact some portions of the lighter placed adjacent to the fuse member or other members, a short circuit can be prevented.

Abstract: A brake and operation indicator for a movable contact of a switch, the movable contact being rapidly moved by ignition of a power cartridge to open the switch. A thin-walled sleeve is positioned conformally about a movable pin, a portion of which is lightly held in a bore of an end member of a housing for the switch. The sleeve is shorter than the distance between a head on the pin and the end member. The bore is normally closed by a thin membrane. When the contact is moved, it ultimately abuts the head, moving the pin through the membrane to a position beyond the end member where a portion of the pin is visible. Movement of the pin also collapses the sleeve between the head and the end member in accordion-like fashion to dissipate the kinetic energy of and stop the contact. The presence of the pin within the sleeve renders the collapse controlled, uniform, and efficient. The visible portion of the pin informs that the switch is open.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has a thermally responsive bimetallic member of substantial resistance properties disposed in the breaker circuit so that it self-heats and moves to trip a mechanism to open the breaker circuit after a selected period of time when a selected overload current occurs in the circuit. Conductors are joined by a thermally separable bond and are disposed in the breaker circuit in selected heat transfer relation to the high resistance bimetallic member to be thermally separated after a selected delay period by heat transferred to the bond from the bimetallic means, thereby to open the circuit in the event that movement of the thermally responsive member is ineffective to open the circuit. Spring means preferably bias the conductors to separate to assure circuit opening when thermal separation of the noted bond occurs. Preferably one of the conductors has a part of reduced cross-section adapted to rupture and open the circuit under alternate circuit conditions.

Abstract: A high speed high voltage electrical switch opens a current path in which the switch is included. The switch includes first and second normally electrically interconnected contacts which normally carry current in the current path. The contacts are relatively movable along a fixed line of direction. When the contacts move apart, the electrical interconnection therebetween is broken to open the first current path. A piston carried by the second contact defines an enclosed chamber in conjunction with the first contact when the contacts are interconnected. A power cartridge or the like selectively pressurizes the chamber to rapidly drive the contacts apart. The piston enhances the action of the power cartridge by ensuring that pressure increases caused thereby are effected to drive the contacts apart. The piston may be configured to ensure positive sealing engagement with the walls of a cylinder through which the piston and the second contact move following the ignition of the power cartridge.

Abstract: An oil-filled distribution transformer having a primary disconnect switch disposed within the housing and utilizing two movable bridging contacts and four stationary contacts for completing a series circuit therethrough. The switch includes a trip mechanism, a bimetal element isolated from the current path through the switch and responsive to the temperature of the oil to activate the trip mechanism upon overtemperature condition, and a float mechanism attached to the switch and cooperating with the trip mechanism so that the float assembly will activate the trip mechanism when the oil level within the housing drops below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A heat-triggered, mechanically-actuated apparatus comprising a heating and conducting linkage connected in parallel with an automatically resetting safety control switch across the power supply of electrical equipment, an initial opening of the control switch being indicated by the steps of heating of a heat-softenable rigid rod by the power supply passing through the heating and conducting linkage supported thereby, and breaking the linkage by a spring biasing the heat-softened rod to collapse and release a frictional connector in the linkage, and oppositely biasing an indicator, normally concealed a part of the linkage, into view.

Abstract: A multipole unitized motor starter is constructed of a common base having mounted thereon a disconnect switch, an electromagnetic contactor and a fuse unit connected in electrical series between the switch and contactor. The fuse unit is a plug-in device which is readily removable for service access and when operatively mounted is positioned to permit direct viewing of the switch contacts.

Abstract: A unitized combination motor starter is provided with a single insulated housing wherein a plurality of pole units are disposed side-by-side. Each pole unit includes a circuit breaker contact section and a contactor contact section. A spring powered mechanism for circuit breaker operation is disposed on one side of the pole units and an electromagnet for contactor operation is disposed on the other side of the pole units. The current carrying elements of each pole unit are arranged to provide a current loop having relatively close opposing arms so that large mechanical forces accompany high magnitude current flow. These forces are directed so as to produce a blow-off effect at the circuit breaker contacts, resulting in current limiting action to protect the contactor contacts.

Abstract: A network protector includes an automatic circuit breaker mounted in a metal enclosure and a fuse assembly externally mounted upon the enclosure. The fuse assembly includes a fuse housing of molded insulating material and a gasketed access plate providing a watertight enclosure for a fuse. Resiliently mounted studs are provided for connection to a fuse without cracking of the fuse housing due to misalignment between the studs and the fuse.

Abstract: A distribution transformer having a secondary circuit breaker utilizing a movable bridging contact between two stationary contacts for completing a series circuit therethrough. The movable bridging contact is spring biased towards an open position separated from the stationary contacts, but with the circuit breaker in the normally closed position is held in engagement with the stationary contacts by a latching mechanism which is responsive to a bimetal or magnetic trip element to allow the circuit breaker to trip open during overload conditions. The conducting bridging contact completes a series circuit through the circuit breaker which opens during circuit interruption. The secondary circuit breaker can also, if desired, be provided with a signal-light circuit which activates a signal light, on the exterior housing of the transformer, when current through the circuit breaker exceeds a low signal overload value which is less than the trip value.

Abstract: A circuit protective arrangement which utilizes a circuit breaker, current limiting fuse and ground fault interruption means in a closely coordinated operation to achieve reliable current interruption in the event that an overcurrent or ground fault hazard occurs. The source voltage is above the voltage rating of both the circuit breaker and current limiting fuse devices and the available current from the source is in excess of the rated current interruption rating of the circuit breaker. A compact sectionalized or modular structure for replacement of an existing circuit breaker is shown.

Abstract: A fused GFI unit for manually controlling the application of electrical power to a utilization device while automatically protecting the device and personnel associated therewith from electrical hazards, includes a switch plate unit have an insulated handle for controlling mechanical current interrupting means. Fuse receptacle means is provided in series connection with the switch pole to protect the GFI unit and the power lines against overcurrent hazards. A ground fault detector operates an actuating member in mechanical cooperation with the latched portion of the switch mechanism to enable current interruption by the switch pole in the event an unbalanced current flow is produced in one of a pair of power lines by a personnel hazard. A compact sectionalized structure encasing the switch, the fuse receptacle means and the GFI detector results.