Abstract: A high tension circuit breaker comprising at least one circuit-breaking chamber and, in parallel with the circuit-breaking chamber, firstly a varistor in series with an interrupter, and secondly a tension-distributing capacitor. The circuit breaker has a linear resistor having a resistance lying in the range range 30 ohms to 300 ohms inserted in series with the varistor. The invention is particularly suitable for reactance circuit breakers.

Abstract: A fault current limiter according to the invention comprises a contact device (K) to the contacts of which is connected a resistor/inductor combination comprising a series connection of a first (R1) and a second (R2) resistor as well as a third resistor/inductor (R3) connected in parallel with the series-connected resistors. The second resistor consists of a resistor with superconducting properties, dimensioned such that the change from superconducting to normally-conducting state occurs when the critical current density of the resistor is attained.

Abstract: A high voltage DC relay with arc suppression in which a MOSFET in parallel with the relay contacts is turned on during contact break mode by the controlled discharge of a capacitor between the MOSFET source and drain through a constant current diode to suppress arcing. A sensing coil positioned near the relay coil generates current used to charge the charging capacitor during the make contact mode to suppress arcing.

Abstract: A hybrid relay comprising a mechanical relay provided with mechanical contact unit adapted to be actuated by an electromagnet, an electronic relay consisting of a semiconductor device, and a drive switch for supplying a drive current to the electromagnet, wherein the mechanical contact unit comprises: a first contact mechanism for controlling a load current of the hybrid relay; and a second contact mechanism for controlling a control current for a control gate of the semiconductor device; a contact point gap of the first contact mechanism being larger than that of the second contact mechanism. Thus, it is ensured that the first contact mechanism is engaged after the second contact mechanism and is disengaged before the second contact mechanism. Preferably, the mechanical contact unit further comprises a third contact mechanism, for controlling the leak current of the semiconductor device, which may be provided with a delay mechanism for delaying the returning action thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in an on-load change-over switch of an on-load tap changer for uninterrupted switch-over of the regulating winding of a transformer. On-load change-over switching is usually accomplished using mechanical switching elements. Burning of contact and contamination of oil are disadvantageous. Furthermore, there are known constructions which use a combination of mechanical switching elements and thyristors for on-load change-over switching. The disadvantage of such arrangements is mainly the too great constructional expenditure for the control elements which are liable to breakdown.

Abstract: A contactor (12) for controlling connection of a DC power supply to an electrical load (14) in includes a series circuit (19) disposed between a nonground DC potential and a load having first (20) and second (22) relays each having a pair of contacts (26), the first relay and the second relay having a conducting state when the pair of contacts are closed and a non-conducting state when the pair of contacts are open which control current flow between the DC power supply and the load with the states being controlled by control signals applied to the relays; a semiconductor switch (24) having a conductive state controlled by a control signal to turn on the semiconductor switch to connect the semiconductor switch in parallel with the contacts of the first relay and a non-conductive state controlled by a control signal to turn off the semiconductor switch to disconnect the terminals of the semiconductor switch; a fault sensor (50) coupled to the load for generating a signal in response to the load drawing current

Abstract: A contact protective circuit for a relay detects a transient in the relay operating coil and turns on a low resistance power MOSFET in shunt relation with the contacts before the contacts close or open whereby arcing or deposition of metal on the contracts is avoided. Timing circuitry is provided for controlling the MOSFET to conduct large direct currents for short periods of time. In one embodiment, a ramp up circuit responds to a voltage level in a control signal to drive the operating coil and power a DC-to -DC converter and a timing circuit. The invention provides for hot side switching as well as cold side switching of a load.

Abstract: An ultra-fast contact breaker is described which includes an ultra-fast cut-off mechanism provided with a repulsion disk fitted with moving contacts (7, 7'), the said mechanism also including fixed contacts (9, 9'), to the input and output terminals (1, 3) of which there is connected an assistance circuit (10) including a capacitor (21) and a coil (23) as well as a group of semiconductors (13, 15, 17, 19), the coil (23) wholly or partly constituting the repulsion coil of the said ultra-fast mechanism, which includes at least two parallel branches (CD, EF), a first branch (CD) including two opposed diodes (13, 15) or similar in series, each directed in the non-conducting direction for the current entering the circuit, a second branch (EF) including two opposed thyristors or similar (17, 19), each directed in the conducting direction for the current entering the circuit, and the LC oscillating circuit (21, 23) which connects the common point of the two diodes (13, 15) or similar and the common point of the two

Abstract: In a thyristor with turn-off facility (AT) and overvoltage protection, the voltage limitation is achieved by a parallel-connected controllable resistor, in particular in the form of a J-FET (JF) which is driven by an overvoltage sensor (OS).The separation of sensor function and bypass function produce advantages for a simple and compact construction.

Abstract: A device for arcless switching of electrical circuits, wherein power leads of a controlled semiconductor device - transistor 9 are connected parallel to a movable contact (2) and a fixed make contact (3) of a make-and-break contact assembly (1). A control lead of the transistor, which is its base, is connected to a resistor (11) and a fixed break contact (10) of the contact assembly (1), which are components of a control circuit. The movable contact (2) and the resistor (11) are connected to opposite poles of the supply source.

Abstract: A trigger circuit for a spark gap chain with at least two series-connected spark gaps, of which at least one is provided with at least one trigger electrode, includes a resistor chain which is connected in parallel with the spark gap chain and comprises at least two series-connected resistor groups. That of the resistor groups which is connected in parallel with the spark gap provided with a trigger electrode comprises a voltage-dependent resistor, built up of zinc oxide varistors, which is connected in series with a linear resistor. The voltage across the linear resistor is supplied to the trigger electrode of the spark gap for ignition of the spark gap when this voltage amounts to a pre-determined value. The spark gaps are primarily intended to be utilized for overvoltage protection of series capacitors.

Abstract: A switching circuit for supplying electric power to a load from a power source includes a first relay device having a first switch and a semiconductor switching element connected in series with the first switch, power source and load. A second relay device is provided which is defined by a second switch connected parallelly to the semiconductor switching element and an actuating switch for enabling and disabling the semiconductor switching element. The second relay device is so arranged as to effect the make of the actuating switch and second switch in said order and to effect the break of the same in the opposite order. A delay circuit is provided for controlling the first and second relay devices such that when supplying a current to the load, the first and second relay devices are turned on in said order so that the first switch, the actuating switch and the second switch are turned on in said order.

Abstract: The contacts of an electrical switch, such as a magnetic contact reed switch or a magnetic contact reed relay used in a burglar alarm system, are protected from being fused together by transient current surges. This protection is accomplished by providing a normally nonconductive shunting path in parallel with the switch. The shunting path includes a voltage responsive device which is biased to conduction in response to a current surge to thereby complete the shunting path and allow the current surge to bypass the switch.

Abstract: A control device for energization of a load employs a bidirection triggerable solid state switching device connected in series with an alternating current power source and the load. In order to prevent the passage of excessive, potentially destructive currents through the switch if the load is shorted out, the microprocessor which controls the energization of the switch senses the time required for the voltage across the switch to attain a predetermined value. If the load is shorted the potential difference across the switch increases and attains the predetermined value a shorter time after zero-crossing of the alternating current. When this occurs more than a predetermined number of consecutive times, the generation of triggering pulses for the solid state switch is inhibited for a predetermined time. In the preferred embodiment the control device is a thermostat for controlling a temperature modifying load such as a furnace or air conditioner.

Abstract: An electric protection apparatus is provided for protection against current faults of different intensities, including, in series in an internal circuit, a first switch with automatic opening, which is controlled by moderate current levels, and a second switch with automatic opening having short circuit current limiting properties; a zinc oxide voltage limiting component, which is placed in parallel across this latter, has a fairly low stabilization threshold so that diverted currents, flowing through it at the time of opening on a short circuit, extend as far as the resistive portion of the characteristic which follows the stabilization level portion.

Abstract: A circuit for protecting the power contacts (18, 20) of automatic bus transfer equipment, including high speed solid state switches (30, 32) connected across the respective contacts. A timing and steering circuit (36) is responsive to the electrical energization of a solenoid (22) for firing the solid state switch (32) connected across the closed contact (18). A timer (48) is responsive to the opening of the contacts (18). At the elapse of a time period, the firing circuit (34) is caused to operate the solid state switch (30) before the closing of the contacts (20). The solid state switch (30) is maintained operated for a predetermined period of time by a timer (90).

Abstract: A DC circuit breaker and a method of commutation during a commutation capacitor capable of being directly charged from a main DC line are disclosed. A breaker unit is inserted in a main DC line and is connected through a first switch in parallel to a series circuit including a commutation capacitor and a reactor. At end of the commutation capacitor is connected to the power side of the main DC line, and the other end thereof to the negative bus of the DC line through a charge capacitor. A series circuit including a magnetic repulsive coil and a second switch is connected in parallel to the commutation capacitor, which is directly charged from the power side of the main DC line. When the breaker unit starts to open, the second switch is turned on so that the polarity of the charged commutation capacitor is reversed to permit a discharged current to flow in the breaker unit in the opposite direction, while at the same time starting the opening of the breaker unit.

Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor without arc generation wherein the silver contacts are omitted by providing contact portions between the fixed terminals and the movable piece to separate the semi-conductor completely from the power supply under open-circuit condition. In the contactor, the cylindrical holes are provided in each silver contact portion of the fixed terminals, the circumference of the holes being rounded to conform to the curvature radius of the contact portions which project from the conductive movable piece. The conductive pins wound by the coil springs are supported by the insulating plates to be isolated from the fixed terminals and also electrically connected via the subsidiary terminals to one terminal and a gate of a triac, respectively.

Abstract: A power control switching arrangement for controlling energization of a load in response to an external controller, in which a first semiconductor switch is connected in parallel with the series combination of a first normally open thermally actuated switch and a second normally closed thermally actuated switch, to couple the power signal to the load. A first heater for the first thermal switch is connected in parallel with the load. A second heater for the second thermal switch is connected in series with a second semiconductor switch, across the power supply. The second semiconductor switch, when switched into conduction by the controller, enables energization of the second heater. To energize the load, the controller switches the first semiconductor switch into conduction enabling energization of the load and the first heater. Energization of the first heater closes the first thermally actuated switch, thereby shunting the first semiconductor switch.

Abstract: Re-strike in the circuit breaker of a capacitive load applied across an AC voltage power supply is reduced or avoided by connecting across the capacitor bank a tuned discharge circuit. The tuned discharge circuit includes a transformer with a primary connected in parallel with the capacitor bank and a secondary which can be shorted through a switch. The leakage reactance of the transformer is equated to the capacitive reactance of the capacitor bank so that the tuned circuit discharges the capacitor voltage in phase with the supply voltage. The discharge takes place through a number of cycles thus gradually increasing the voltage across the breaker gap. The switch in the secondary preferably comprises an anti-parallel pair of thyristors fired by a circuit responsive to current zero in the capacitive circuit detected over a delay period to avoid firing at normal zero crossing current.

Abstract: A switching circuit for supplying electric power to a load from a power source includes a first relay device having a first switch and a semiconductor switching element connected in series with the first switch, power source and load. A second relay device is provided which is defined by a second switch connected parallelly to the semiconductor switching element and an actuating switch for enabling and disabling the semiconductor switching element. The second relay device is so arranged as to effect the make of the actuating switch and second switch in said order and to effect the break of the same in the opposite order. A delay circuit is provided for controlling the first and second relay devices such that when supplying a current to the load, the first and second relay devices are turned on in said order so that the first switch, the actuating switch and the second switch are turned on in said order.

Abstract: The circuit breaker displays a commutation device (4) and a semiconductor valve arrangement (6) which is connected in parallel with the commutation device (4), an isolating switching point (5) connected in series with the semiconductor valve arrangement (6) and a control circuit (11). The control circuit detects the polarity of the current to be disconnected and, together with a switching-off command (24), emits a response command to the commutation device (4) when the detected current flows in the direction of conduction of the semiconductor valve arrangement (6). When the current to be disconnected is interrupted in the semiconductor valve arrangement (6) after the commutation device (4) has responded, the control circuit (11) emits a release command to the isolating switching point (5) forming an isolating gap. As a result, the semiconductor valve arrangement (6) is isolated and the switching-off process is terminated.

Abstract: In a circuit having an electro-mechanical relay, the contacts of which are subject to arcing, bridging across the electro-mechanical relay in a manner configured to begin conducting electrical current around the electro-mechanical relay prior to closing the electro-mechanical relay and to continue conducting electrical power around the electro-mechanical relay for a predetermined time after the onset of separation of contacts of the electro-mechanical relay pursuant to discontinuance of current flow through the electro-mechanical relay. An optical coupler is provided to ascertain a current flow through the relay coil effected to close the electro-mechanical relay contacts, and activates a shunt device in bridging electrical current flow around the electro-mechanical relay. The shunt device is provided to be substantially non-load carrying while the electro-mechanical relay is closed. Utility is found in protecting electro-mechanical relay contacts against damage due to arcing.

Abstract: An apparatus for extinguishing the arc which occurs between a pair of electrodes separated in the switchgear when the high voltage loaded switchgear is opened. The earliest arc is detected which occurs between a pair of electrodes. When the earliest arc is detected, a gate signal is transmitted to a pair of thyristor connected anti-parallel between a pair of electrodes. Then among those thyristors, a thyristor located in the forward direction relative to the polarity of power supply becomes conductive. As a result of the thyristor being conductive, the arc occuring between a pair of electrodes is eliminated.

Abstract: An intrinsically safe battery circuit for connection between a battery and a load, such as a hand held transceiver, referred to as "HT's". The circuit includes a minor current path through a switching transistor and a major current path through a SCR. The circuit is a hybrid circuit which includes an integrated circuit timer which provides a delay in establishing the major current path subsequent to the minor current path being established, and mounts on a small printed circuit board.

Abstract: In a circuit having a electro-mechanical relay the contacts of which are subject to arcing, a shunt across the electro-mechanical relay configured to begin conducting electrical current across the electro-mechanical relay prior to closing the electro-mechanical relay contacts and to continue conducting electrical power across the electro-mechanical relay for a predetermined time after the onset of separation of electro-mechanical relay contacts pursuant to discontinuance of current flow through the elecro-mechanical relay. An optical coupler is employed to detect the current flow through the relay coil and activate a shunt device to initiate current flow around the electro-mechanical relay. The shunt device is configured to be substantially non-current load carrying while the electro-mechanical relay is closed. Utility is found in protecting relay contacts against damage due to arcing.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus is provided protected against short circuit currents, comprising for each phase between input and output terminals a contactor switch and a protective switch with automatic opening, a transfer electrode being placed close to the contacts of this second switch for shunting into a parallel circuit a considerable fraction of the fault currents.

Abstract: Load current is diverted from a circuit breaker, when it is opened, through a commutation circuit. The latter has a capacitor, inductance and solid state switch serially connected with the output of a bridge rectifier. The input of the bridge is connected across the breaker. The switch is turned on to discharge the precharged capacitor to form a current pulse, presenting an extremely low resistance across the bridge input and causing load current diversion.

Abstract: A hybrid electrical power controller is provided with a relay having a coil and a pair of mechanical contacts. A solid state switching device is electrically connected in parallel with the mechanical contacts and the parallel combination of that switching device and the contacts is connected between an input and an output terminal. A relay coil energizing circuit is included and means is provided for producing a signal representative of current flowing in the relay coil following deenergization of the relay coil. A solid state switching device control circuit responds to this signal and turns off the switching device when the signals fall below a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A solid state current limiting circuit interrupter for the arcless interruption of current through a protected circuit includes a pair of mechanically switched contacts electrically connected in series between the power source and the protected load. A solid state switch becomes electrically connected in parallel across the contacts when the contacts are opened to transfer the current to the solid state switch in a first state of voltage drop lower than arc voltage, and then in a second state of voltage drop higher than power source voltage in which stored energy is dissipated and current is forced to drop to zero to interrupt the circuit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker, notably breaking the phase and neutral circuit, contains a shunt circuit, constituted by a switching electrode disposed in proximity to the phase contacts to pick up an arc drawn between these contacts, when opening occurs on a short-circuit. Transferring the arc onto the switching electrode closes a shunt circuit, creating an internal short-circuit protecting the cables and receivers downstream from the circuit breaker. The shunt circuit is broken when the arc is blown out in the arc chute. Fast shifting of the arc protects the contact surfaces, notably of the neutral contacts, enabling these contacts to be used for an impulse relay or remote-controlled contactor function.

Abstract: An arc suppression circuit for a switch carrying a load current includes a MOSFET having a drain connected to a first contact of the switch and a source connected to a second contact of the switch. A biasing capacitor is coupled at one end to the drain and at another end through a damping resistor to the gate, such that when the switch contacts are opened, the interrupted load current passes through the biasing capacitor to charge an inherent gate-to-source MOSFET capacitance for turning on the MOSFET and shunting the load current around the switch. A biasing resistor, connected between the gate and the source of the MOSFET, subsequently discharges the gate-to-source capacitance, turning off the MOSFET and terminating the shunted load current after the contacts of the switch have separated by a distance sufficient to preclude arcing.

Abstract: Arcless circuit interruption from metallic contacts is accomplished by the combination of a solid state current interrupter with a control circuit and an impedance circuit. The impedance circuit diverts the contact circuit current through the solid state current interrupter prior to initiating contact separation. The contacts then open without sufficient current transfer to establish an arc.

Abstract: A solid state circuit interrupter utilizes a power transistor connected across a pair of separable contacts to eliminate contact arcing between the contacts upon circuit interruption. Stored charge is provided to the power transistor prior to contact separation by a separate power supply and control transistor which are immediately turned off after contact separation to turn off the power transistor upon depletion of the stored charge.

Abstract: A gate turn-off thyristor is connected across a pair of separable contacts for diverting the interrupted current first to the thyristor and then to a metal oxide varistor connected across the thyristor. A saturable core current transformer in combination with the capacitance provided by the metal oxide varistor turns on the thyristor when the contacts separate and turns off the thyristor after the contacts have further separated when the core becomes saturated.

Abstract: A switch comprises a mechanical switch element having contacts and a semiconductor switching element, the mechanical switching element and semiconductor element being connected in series or in parallel with each other with respect to the output terminal and integrally formed in a housing. The semiconductor element and the connections thereto are embedded in an insulating material within the housing.

Abstract: The switching aid device includes, in the case of a main static switch, (1), a switching aid capacitor (10), parallel connected to the main static switch (1) via a loading diode (11) and, parallel connected to the latter, a series set up formed by an anti-return diode (12), primary winding (13) of transformer (14) of which secondary winding (15) is connected to an energy recovery circuit on an electrical power source (4) via diode (16) and an auxiliary static switch (17) fitted with control means (20) for closing the auxiliary switch in presence of an inverse voltage at the terminals of loading diode (11) and for opening the auxiliary switch in absence of such voltage.

Abstract: A voltage regulator using electronic control of two static switch circuits to permit tap changing without arcing at the switched electrical contacts, without interrupting the load current, and without inducing sizable circulating currents. As a mechanical drive connects a new tap to the auxiliary winding, current through the new winding is blocked by an auxiliary static switch. The drive next opens the main switch delivering current to the load. The opening of the main switch immediately allows the main static switch circuit to "turn on" to prevent arcing and load interruption until the next current zero. The main static switch control senses no current passing through the main switch and ceases gating, and therefore conduction, of the main static switch. Since neither the main static switch nor the auxiliary static switch is conducting current from the auxiliary winding, the load voltage begins dropping and the voltage across the auxiliary static switch begins rising.

Abstract: A line voltage charging type DC circuit breaker for use in DC transmission, having a series circuit connected in parallel with a commutation breaker, the series circuit being constituted by a capacitor to be charged by a line voltage, a reactor, and a circuit-closing means connected in series with each other, the DC circuit breaker comprising a circuit for charging the capacitor, the charging circuit including a current direction restricting circuit for restricting a current flowing through the restricting circuit only in one direction and a reverse control circuit for controlling the current direction restricting circuit to reverse the direction of a current for charging the capacitor in accordance with the power flow reversal control of the DC transmission.

Abstract: A trolling motor on a bass boat is connected to batteries by closing a relay switch. Arcing at the switch contacts is suppressed by two capacitors, in series, nonpolarized relation, shunted across the relay switch. The relay coil is actuated to close the relay switch when a push button-type spring loaded control switch or a parallel connected toggle type control switch is closed. The two control switches are mounted on a somewhat flat control box for easy shoe clad foot operation. The wires from the control box are of sufficient length that the box may be placed at any convenient location on the boat. The trolling motor batteries may be charged without closing the control box switches.

Abstract: A DC power switching circuit connecting a load to a DC power source while suppressing arcing across a relay in the network. A normally open relay has its energizing coil connected to the control input of the circuit, the opposite end of the coil being connected to the gate of a silicon controlled rectifier. The SCR has its principal current conducting path connected between the load and the DC power source, for conducting current between the load and the power source during a first delay interval, thereby reducing the potential difference between the contacts of the relay so as to prevent its arcing during the closure of the contacts. An FET device has its principal current conducting path connected between the load and the DC power source and has its gate connected to a timer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for an emission controlled current limiting device. The apparatus may control the current thermionically, by cold cathode emission, by photo-emission, or with plasma devices; the common feature being that the current is limited by controlling a series emission process. The apparatus has applications in both power line transmission and distribution networks to protect existing utility equipment and reduce the cost of new equipment.

Abstract: A fault current interrupter is provided by the parallel combination of a positive temperature coefficient resistor and a voltage dependent resistor connected across a pair of separable contacts to permit the interruption of current without the occurrence of arcing between the contacts when the contacts first become separated. The positive temperature coefficient resistor is selected to have a relatively low resistance at room temperature and a substantially higher resistance at higher temperatures. This allows the current to transfer away from the contacts through the positive temperature coefficient resistor until the voltage across the voltage dependent resistor causes the voltage dependent resistor to become conductive and thereby transfer the current away from the positive temperature coefficient resistor.

Abstract: In a military vehicle having an electric horn actuator circuit, the improent comprising the addition of a capacitor in the circuit at a location between a brush and contact ring assembly disposed within the vehicle steering column. The capacitor is electrically located in close connection to the brush-contact ring interface to respond effectively to voltage/current surges initiated at the brush-contact ring interface. The capacitor can be installed in existing vehicles in a retrofit operation.

Abstract: A single-phase or multi-phase inverter protected with respect to the rates of increase of current and voltage, the said inverter comprising a filter capacitor and a choke protecting with respect to the rate of increase of current, as well as, members protecting with respect to the voltage increase rate. In order for it to be possible to discharge the energy stored in the magnetic field of the choke and in the capacitor, between the change-over steps of the inverter substantially without losses, for each phase, there is a series connection of the capacitor and a diode connected in parallel with only one semiconductor switch and a diode is connected between the connection point between the capacitor and the diode, and one terminal of a storage capacitor. The energy in this way transferred to the separate storage capacitor can then be transferred to the filter capacitor by use of a breaker.

Abstract: A compensation circuit for reactive power balance includes a capacitor, inductor and rectifier connected in series to a power system. In order to protect the rectifier from misfires of the thyristors, two discharge devices are connected in parallel to the series circuit from the common points in the series circuit. This protects the thyristors in case of a double misfire.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit breaker comprising an interruptor including a main contact and a series circuit connected in parallel to the main contact and constituted by a breaking resistor and a resistor contact; and an actuator device for performing closing to opening operations of the main contact and the resistor contact; in which the breaking resistor includes a first resistor element and a second resistor element having a resistance value which is smaller than that of the first resistor element; and in which a switching circuit is provided for automatically changing the connection of the first and second resistor elements such that in small capacitive current breaking, an equivalent resistance of the first and second resistor element becomes a large value suitable for the small current breaking, while in short-circuit current breaking, the resultant equivalent resistance becomes a small value for the short-circuit current breaking mainly owing to the resistance value of said second resistor element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a miniature circuit breaker having remote control capabilities.The protection function of the circuit breaker is ensured by a magnetothermal release cooperating with an operating mechanism to induce the opening of contacts. The remote control function of the circuit breaker results from the presence of a triac connected in series with the contacts and the release. The creation or breaking of the rated current occurs by conducting or locking the triac without activating the mechanism. The triac is automatically short-circuited when the arc is switched on a lower horn during the cut-off phase following the appearance of a fault current detected by the release.

Abstract: An apparatus for the suppression of arcs at the contacts of a three phase ac electrical power contactor which has three pairs of electrical contacts and a solenoid-actuated plunger operable to open and close the contacts. One contact of each contact pair typically is connected to a source of three phase ac electrical power, and the other contact of each pair is connected to an electrical load. When the contacts are closed, the source is coupled to the load. A gate controlled thyristor is connected across each pair of the three pairs of contacts and each thyristor is gated into conduction prior to the opening or the closing of the contacts in order to suppress arcing at the contacts. The thyristors are gated on in response to the momentary closure of a mechanical switch, which is actuated as the contactor plunger moves from one of its two positions (power contacts open or power contacts closed) to the other.

Abstract: A current limiting apparatus includes bridging electrical contacts forming a first current path across a gap in a conductor, a trigger for breaking said first current path in response to an excessive or rapidly changing level of current on said conductor, a fast acting fuse forming a second current path across said gap, for maintaining a conductive path across said gap for a predetermined length of time after breaking of said first current path, to allow the bridging electrical contacts to separate a sufficient distance from said gap to preclude arcing thereacross, and an auxiliary resistor connected across said gap to provide a relatively high resistance conductive path for current in the conductor after said fuse has blown.