Abstract: The invention relates to an accessory device assembly for a low or medium voltage switching device. The accessory device assembly comprises at least a first accessory device comprising a first external housing, first electrical connection means for electrical connection with said switching device, second electrical connection means for electrical connection with outside equipment, third electrical connection means for electrical connection with a second accessory device, first mechanical connection means for mechanical connection with said second accessory device and second mechanical connection means for mechanical connection with said switching device.

Abstract: A housing of a switchgear includes: a framework formed by joining vertical frames to depth directional frames and width directional frames, the vertical frames being arranged in a standing condition at four corners of a cuboid shape; at least a left and right pair of intermediate vertical frames each provided at an intermediate portion in the depth direction; and steel partition plates fixed over the whole in the vertical direction of the intermediate vertical frames, the partition plates being provided for separating the front and the back of the intermediate vertical frames. Then, the depth directional frame on the floor side is formed with a fixing hole near a lower portion of the intermediate vertical frame, the fixing hole being provided for fixing the housing to a foundation surface.

Abstract: A resistor for suppressing magnetizing inrush current includes a container made of an insulating material and at least one resistive element housed in the container, the resistive element being connected to two bushings provided at the container, the outer surface of the container being coated with a conductive paint, and the paint being connected to the ground, thereby being able to be located between a cable and a switch, and being able to fix the outer surface thereof to a ground voltage level so that human contact safety is not impaired.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided for use with a circuit protection system having at least one exhaust duct configured to route exhaust gases out of the circuit protection system. The enclosure includes a first barrier coupled to the circuit protection system, a second barrier coupled to the circuit protection system, and a top wall coupled to the first barrier and the second barrier. The first barrier and the second barrier define an exhaust plenum coupled in flow communication with the at least one exhaust duct. A vent extends through the top wall and is coupled in flow communication with the exhaust plenum to route the exhaust gases out of the enclosure.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a shelter thereon that includes electronics therein. The shelter includes ports on the exterior thereof that permit data and power exchange between the vehicle and another similarly configured vehicle. The vehicle further includes dedicated wiring raceways that separate wiring having different uses.

Abstract: A switchgear includes a chassis which is partitioned by metal earthed plates and includes a bus bar section located at a central portion, a switch section located below the bus bar section, a cable section located at a rear surface side, and a control section located at a front surface side; an air-insulated earthed disconnecting switch provided in the switch section; and a manipulating device. The switch section is separable from the chassis, and is configured as a case having a semi-closed structure which allows air to pass therethrough but prevents particles of oil and water from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A motor control center comprises a plurality of bays in which switchgear components, circuit protective components, automation components and power electronic components are disposed for driving motors and other loads. Network optical conductors are routed through one or more wireways adjacent to the bays. Distribution nodes are coupled to the conductors and are interconnected with respective network terminals within the bays. Components within individual bays for which EtherNet and/or Internet connectivity is desired are coupled to the network terminals. The conductors may comprise plastic optical fibers and may be designed to operate in the relatively high voltage environment of the motor control center bays.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a circuit breaker racking apparatus having a frame configured to couple to a switchgear section configured to receive a circuit breaker; a coupling operable to couple to a racking handle of the circuit breaker to be racked to or from the switchgear section; and a drive member coupled to the coupling and remotely operable to rotate the coupling and racking handle to accomplish racking of the circuit breaker. System and method aspects are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A switch according to the invention comprises a enclosure that is solid insulated and includes an electric power source side bushing portion, an electric load side bushing portion, and an accommodation body portion having air filled therein; a main circuit switch installed, for each pole, and having a vacuum interrupter that switches an electric power circuit by receiving a switching driving force from a common actuator; and an earth switch installed including a first fixed contactor to be earthed; a second fixed contactor electrically connected to the electric power source side connection conductor; and a movable blade connected to the common actuator, and movable to a first position for contacting the first fixed contactor and to a second position for contacting the second fixed contactor, by the switching driving force from the common actuator.

Abstract: A sealed electrical enclosure for use in hazardous locations for enclosing circuit breakers having a bottom housing and a top housing with a labyrinth joint, a serrated joint, or combination of both being formed therebetween, a first aperture extending through a first end wall of the bottom housing and positioned adjacent a first contact terminal of a first circuit breaker, the first aperture further including a first metal bus extending therethrough and in electrical contact with the first contact terminal, and a second aperture extending through a second end wall of the bottom housing and positioned adjacent a second contact terminal of the first circuit breaker, the second aperture further including a second metal bus extending therethrough and in electrical contact with the second contact terminal, and a first actuating mechanism positioned on the top housing adapted for manipulating a switch of the first circuit breaker.

Abstract: Arc resistant enclosures for dry-type transformers. More particularly, transformer enclosures having one or more arc-resistant features, including arc channels, arc fault dampers, and arc fault plenums, and methods for providing same.

Abstract: A front accessible metal clad switchgear assembly comprising multiple compartments defined within an electrical enclosure is provided. The compartments interchangeably accommodate electrical components, for example, current transformers, a circuit breaker, a control power transformer, an epoxy encapsulated potential transformer, etc., and bus bars in predetermined positions for allowing front access to the electrical components and bus bars. The front accessible switchgear assembly further comprises a plenum chamber rearwardly positioned in the electrical enclosure and in communication with the compartments to provide an exit path for releasing pressure and gases. A mounting block assembly is positioned in one or more of the compartments for mounting, enclosing, and providing front access to the electrical components. The mounting block assembly is configured to reduce temperature rise in the compartments.

Abstract: The present description is directed to small form-factor input devices operative to be coupled to an electronic device using a cable. For example, in some embodiments, an input device is described for providing one or more inputs to an electrical device, wherein the input device comprises a circuit board having first and second sides; a first electrical switch disposed on the first side of the circuit board; a second electrical switch disposed on the first side of the circuit board; a third electrical switch disposed on the second side of the circuit board; a frame defining a periphery, wherein the circuit board is maintained within the periphery of the frame; top and bottom shells that house the circuit board, the top shell placed over the first side of the circuit board, and the bottom shell placed over the second side of the circuit board; and at least one clip coupled to each one of the top shell and the bottom shell, wherein the at least one clip is operative to engage the frame.

Abstract: An electrical panelboard enclosure includes an enclosure housing with an interior equipment chamber accessible by way of a service entrance door. A service panel is adapted for connection to a main power source in order to receive main power therefrom. A power supply is operatively connected to receive main power from the service panel and deliver it to a load. The power supply is also adapted for connection to a backup power source in order to receive backup power therefrom and deliver it to the load in the event of a main power cutoff. A load disconnector is operatively connected between the power supply and the load. The load disconnector is manually operable to disconnect the load from the power supply to prevent the power supply from delivering either main or backup power to the load.

Abstract: There is provided an electromagnetic contactor unit capable of firmly connecting electromagnetic contactors without influencing outer dimensions when the electromagnetic contactors are connected to each other. The electromagnetic contactor unit connected at least two juxtaposed electromagnetic contactors (2a, 2b) with a connection piece (42). The electromagnetic contactor includes an attachment hole (41a) formed in each corner of an attachment plate portion, a piece accommodation concave portion (43) fitting a half portion of the connection piece formed above the attachment hole and accommodating within an outer dimension, and is opened to a connection surface with the adjacent electromagnetic contactor, and a locking portion (44) locking the connection piece formed in the piece accommodation concave portion.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an electric power switchgear, an insulating radiator, and a method for installing the radiator in an electric power switchgear, and in particular in a medium or high voltage switchgear. The electric power switchgear comprising working elements placed in the housing and connected with busbars and branches, and cooled with air, is characterized in that it contains at least one insulating radiator made of thermoplastic material of increased thermal conductivity ??2 W/mK, which is placed in the electric field of the switchgear and which is connected by a non-permanent fastening to at least one busbar or/and at least one branch. The insulating radiator designed for the switchgear is an injection molding including a base plate to whose top face a system of heat evacuating elements of identical or diverse shape is attached, and to its side surfaces elastic assembly catches are fixed.

Abstract: A method of making a panel for a switchgear cabinet is provided. In accordance with the method one or more base plates, a plurality of main cover plates of different types and a plurality of auxiliary cover plates of different types are provided. One or more main cover plates and one or more auxiliary cover plates are selected and mounted to the base plate. One or more electrical devices are mounted to at least one of the selected main cover plate and the selected auxiliary cover plate.

Abstract: The vacuum insulated switchgear includes: a housing enclosing a control compartment, a switch compartment, and a busbar compartment, each of the three compartments being partitioned by a metallic earthing plate; a first busbar and second busbar extended from an adjacent panel, in the busbar compartment; and a first busbar-connecting bushing and second busbar-connecting bushing making the first and second busbars connectible/disconnectible; a double-breaking three position vacuum switch, two sets of earthing switches, the first busbar-connecting bushing, and the second busbar-connecting bushing being integrally molded to form a switch provided on an electrical phase-by phase basis independently, wherein the switches for three phases are arranged in order side by side in the housing.

Abstract: A draw-out type circuit breaker apparatus is provided and includes a base from which a circuit breaker is selectively dismounted and moved along a first portion of a dismounting path into a disconnected position, a plate, fixed to the base, which is configured to guide the movement of the circuit breaker along the dismounting path, and a toggle link, coupled to the plate and biased to remain in a locking position, which is configured to block the circuit breaker from moving along the dismounting path beyond the disconnected position while the toggle link remains in the locking position, and to cause the circuit breaker to freely move from the disconnected position and along a second further portion of the dismounting path upon a temporary defeat of the bias thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated switchgear is arranged as a panel for a power substation with the other or the others in parallel rows. the vacuum insulated switchgear comprises a housing with a switch section, a bus section, a cable section, and a control section which are partitioned by earthed metal plates respectively. The vacuum insulated switchgear comprises: a connection member provided in each bus connecting part in the bus section of the each panel and enabling each bus to be connected and disconnected; and a bus recovery member which is detachably connected between the connection members of faultless panels adjacent to a faulty panel when the faulty panel occurred.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating a cooling device fitted in or to a switchgear cabinet, by means of a regulating device, wherein the temperature of the switchgear cabinet interior air is detected and an interior fan assigned thereto for generating an interior air flow through an evaporator and providing cooling air is switched on if the detected temperature of the switchgear cabinet interior air exceeds an upper setpoint temperature, and is switched off if the detected temperature falls below a lower setpoint temperature, and the invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A closed door circuit breaker racking extension assembly is provided which enables a circuit breaker contained within a cell of a switchgear enclosure to be racked-in or racked-out without opening the cell door and without fear of explosive gases and debris being discharged from the cell through the extension assembly of this invention in the event of an arc-fault explosion.

Abstract: A system having electrical equipment integrated on a structure is provided. The system includes at least one electrical equipment located at a spaced apart relationship and mounted on at least one structure. A method is provided for isolation of electrical equipment. The method includes opening and closing a contact by engaging or disengaging one or more terminals of the electrical equipment correspondingly with a supply line or a distribution line by a mechanism for isolation. The mechanism can be a handle or a moving mechanism which is associated with a movement in a vertical direction or horizontal direction or with a movement that provides isolation.

Abstract: An electric power distribution arrangement having an electric conductor for carrying a high voltage, a first pair of bodies provided on opposite sides of the conductor as seen in a first direction cross-wise to a longitudinal axis of the conductor, and a second pair of bodies provided on opposite sides of the conductor as seen in a second direction cross-wise to the longitudinal axis. The bodies of the first and second pair of bodies are arranged to be electrically disconnected from the conductor, and the spacing between the bodies of the first pair is larger than the spacing between the bodies of the second pair. At least one of the bodies of at least one of the first and second pair comprises a second current conductor, and at least one of the bodies of at least one of the first and second pair comprises a wall element of an encapsulation inside which the conductor is arranged.

Abstract: A motor control center comprises a plurality of bays in which switchgear components, circuit protective components, automation components and power electronic components are disposed for driving motors and other loads. Network optical conductors are routed through one or more wireways adjacent to the bays. Distribution nodes are coupled to the conductors and are interconnected with respective network terminals within the bays. Components within individual bays for which EtherNet and/or Internet connectivity is desired are coupled to the network terminals. The conductors may comprise plastic optical fibers and may be designed to operate in the relatively high voltage environment of the motor control center bays.

Abstract: A switch arrangement for an electrical switchgear comprising a first bus, a second bus and a load connection. The switch arrangement comprises a breaker; wherein said breaker is moveable in said switchgear between a first position and a second position, such that in use, when said breaker is in said first position and closed it electrically connects said first bus to said load connection, and when said breaker is in said second position and closed it electrically connects said second electrical bus to said load connection, with said first electrical bus disconnected from said load connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a switchgear apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses a circuit breaker compartment arc flash venting system for a switchgear apparatus. The present invention also relates to enclosures for switchgear, panel boards, circuit breakers, and more particularly to an enclosure for low voltage switchgear and switchboard assemblies. The enclosure can be a walk-in type enclosure or a non-walk-in type enclosure. This invention further provides a method and apparatus for channeling plasma (hot arc gasses) that are generated from an arc. The circuit breaker compartment arc flash venting system is an integral part of an arc resistant switchgear assembly. The arc flash venting system works in conjunction with the bus insulation and ventilation systems in the switchgear apparatus to channel hot arc gasses (plasma) from a breaker compartment in the event of an internal arcing fault in the breaker compartment.

Abstract: A switching device, in particular an automatic switch, a disconnecting switch or a contactor, installable according to different operating configurations and preferably for use in low voltage systems. The device comprises a case containing at least a pair of contacts, one or more accessory devices for controlling and/or setting the operation of the switching device and user interface means, capable of performing output and/or input functions relative to the accessory devices. These interface means comprise at least a display which shows information relative to the output and/or input functions according to a viewing direction. The switching device also comprises means to select the viewing direction which are operatively connected to the display. These selection means allow selection of the viewing direction on the display as a function of the installation configuration of the switching device.

Abstract: One or more infrared transmitting ports are placed in the insulating housing of standard switchgear components to allow far infrared viewing of internal conductive components permitting earlier and more precise location of possible thermal failure through thermographic monitoring.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing withdrawing and insertion of a carriage of a circuit breaker is disclosed. When a circuit breaker main body is inserted, an interlocking unit operates by interworking with the carriage withdrawing and inserting preventing apparatus, and while the circuit breaker is being closed, a withdrawal and insertion handle prevents a lead screw from being rotated by the interlocking unit. Thus, when the circuit breaker performs a closing operation, unnecessary withdrawing and inserting operation of the carriage is basically prevented to thus prevent various safety accidents, a contact resistance, a temperature increase, and damage to a device resulting from a breakdown.

Abstract: A modular pump control panel assembly consisting of multiple compartments arranged so as to allow service of each individual compartment without exposure to line voltages while still maintaining operation of the pumping system. The assembly includes a plurality of motor controller compartments each including a lockable handle operator that that is interlocked with its corresponding compartment door. The handle operators are mechanically connected to remote disconnecting devices via flexible cables or mechanical linkage. A key feature/distinction of this invention is that the disconnecting devices are not located in their corresponding motor controller compartments, so that when the handle operator is switched to the OFF position there are no components (e.g. disconnecting device and/or its supply conductors) within the motor controller compartment that remains energized by line voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a withdrawable device of main circuit for a circuit breaker. A ring-shaped guide recess is formed at a central part of a transfer nut screw-coupled to a lead screw, and supporting surfaces are formed on side surfaces of the guide recess. And, rotation prevention pins are elastically supported by springs in a moving direction of the transfer nut, and are selectively locked, thereby allowing the transfer nut to perform an idle operation. Accordingly, a structure for an idle operation of the transfer nut is simplified, and the number of components is reduced. An axial load is attenuated to a plane-contact distributed load, not a point-contact concentrated load, thereby preventing damage of the components. Also, a vacuum circuit breaker has enhanced reliability of the idle operation at a run position and a test position.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an electric power switchgear, an insulating radiator, and a method for installing the radiator in an electric power switchgear, and in particular in a medium or high voltage switchgear. The electric power switchgear comprising working elements placed in the housing and connected with busbars and branches, and cooled with air, is characterised in that it contains at least one insulating radiator made of thermoplastic material of increased thermal conductivity ??2W/mK, which is placed in the electric field of the switchgear and which is connected by a non-permanent fastening to at least one busbar or/and at least one branch. The insulating radiator designed for the switchgear is an injection moulding including a base plate to whose top face a system of heat evacuating elements of identical or diverse shape is attached, and to its side surfaces elastic assembly catches are fixed.

Abstract: A power operator for switchgear (1) for mains power distribution systems, where the switchgear comprises a closed cabinet (5) with an operating shaft protruding there from. The operating shaft is rotable at least between two positions and has a coupling part (2, 3). The operator comprises a housing (10), which is mountable on the external surface (4) of the switchgear housing, and a rotatable connection shaft (14) connected to an electric drive mechanism (11). It has a first coupling part to fit with the coupling part of the operating shaft in a longitudinal axial sliding and non-rotational interlocking manner. The coupling part of the connection shaft (14) is a separate interchangeable part (24, 24a) of the connection shaft attached thereto by non-rotational interlocking means. Further, it has an activation knob (16) extending from the housing (10) to operate the switch manually.

Abstract: In the case of a rotor of a generator of a wind power installation or of a wind energy installation having a pole wheel which rotates in a stator or around a stator and has a pole wheel housing (1, 9), the aim is to create a solution which provides a simplified assembly capability for switchgear cabinets to be installed in rotating components of a wind power installation, with the capability to reduce the assembly effort. This is achieved in that retaining surfaces and/or retaining areas (8) are formed in or at the pole wheel housing (1, 9) and switchgear cabinets having electrical control and/or switching elements, which are arranged therein and have components which carry out a switching movement to switch and/or break an electrically conductive connection, can be arranged and/or are arranged such that they also rotate thereon and/or therein.

Abstract: In the case of a rotor of a generator of a wind power installation or of a wind energy installation having a pole wheel which rotates in a stator or around a stator and has a pole wheel housing (1, 9), the aim is to create a solution which provides a simplified assembly capability for switchgear cabinets to be installed in rotating components of a wind power installation, with the capability to reduce the assembly effort and to reduce the number and the mass of the rotating components to be arranged on the equipment tower of a wind power installation. This is achieved in that the blades of the wind rotor of the wind power installation or wind energy installation and the switchgear cabinets, which have the electrical control and/or switching elements of the associated blade control system (pitch system) can be arranged and/or are arranged on and/or at the pole wheel housing (1, 9) of the rotor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a control and switchgear for a medium or high-voltage substation. In order to improve a generic control and switchgear by means of a given number of prefabricated wiring elements, the function-related wiring is combined in a uniform control device which is incorporated into a segment of the switchgear door and is provided with the operator panel on the outside and a series of interfaces on the inside.

Abstract: A configurable circuit breaker is disclosed which is, for example, applicable for medium voltage range, with flexibility in configuration, based on the electrical and mechanical constraints. The circuit breaker can include multiple poles, which can be fitted on a shaft at desired positions, using clamping, dowelling, bolting or other types of connections. An epoxy frame can mount the circuit breaker on a truck horizontally or vertically, by mounting inserts and the clamping mechanism. Side sheets of the pole allow internal access. Flexible contacts and the vertical slots enable adjustability in the incoming and outgoing distances, as per design constraints. A tulip contact can be provided for mounting incoming/outgoing conductors. A common actuator can be mounted anywhere on the shaft, via the movable contact or on any of the poles, which are robust enough.

Abstract: An arrangement related to subsea electric power distributing AC-system and adapted for a subsea application. The arrangement is enclosed in a watertight casing. The casing exposes a main power input connection, adapted for watertight co-ordination with a first subsea cable and a main power output connection, adapted for a watertight co-ordination with a second subsea cable. The second subsea cable is adapted for a power supply to an AC-current and AC-voltage adapted device. The arrangement includes interconnected: a voltage regulator connected to the first cable, and a NO-load switching unit connected to the second cable, and a control unit. The control unit is adapted, in a first operative mode, to regulate the output AC-voltage from the voltage regulator towards and to zero, or at least almost to zero, and in a second subsequent operative mode, to bring the NO-load switching unit from an ON-position to an OFF-position or vice versa.

Abstract: The invention relates to an encapsulation system for a medium or low voltage switchgear. The switchgear includes several live phase conductors, and an encapsulation system, wherein the encapsulation system includes inner single phase encapsulations of respective phase. The encapsulation system further includes a fault handling system for handling of faults by means of adjusting the impedance of the inner single phase encapsulations.

Abstract: A front accessible metal clad switchgear assembly comprising multiple compartments defined within an electrical enclosure is provided. The compartments interchangeably accommodate electrical components, for example, current transformers, a circuit breaker, a control power transformer, an epoxy encapsulated potential transformer, etc., and bus bars in predetermined positions for allowing front access to the electrical components and bus bars. The front accessible switchgear assembly further comprises a plenum chamber rearwardly positioned in the electrical enclosure and in communication with the compartments to provide an exit path for releasing pressure and gases. A mounting block assembly is positioned in one or more of the compartments for mounting, enclosing, and providing front access to the electrical components. The mounting block assembly is configured to reduce temperature rise in the compartments.

Abstract: A circuit breaker replacement tool made of a cart with a base plate, wherein the base plate has at least two wheels. The cart has a right side and a left side with both sides connected on one end to the base plate. A height adjustable support arm holds a main linear actuator and an interlocking linear actuator for opening interlocks and installing or removing circuit breakers from circuit breaker cabinets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuse system for a switchgear assembly, especially for a medium voltage switchgear assembly. The fuse system comprises a plurality of fuses which correspond to the number of phases, every fuse having a tripping bar that projects from the face of the fuse under the effect of the force of a spring when the fuse comes into action. A sealing body, with a spring arrangement interposed, pushes a sealing head into the interior of a receptacle receiving the fuse. A two-armed lever is received on the sealing head, one arm covering a tripping mechanism which actuates a power switch.

Abstract: Earthing equipment for a switchgear is comprised of a movable carrying cart, a switch portion, a manipulating portion, and a voltage detecting device. The earthing equipment is provided with: an upper conductor connected to any one of the movable electrode and the stationary electrode; a lower conductor connected to the other of the movable electrode and the stationary electrode, an earthing wire connecting the lower conductor to a terminal used for earthing of the switchgear; and an adaptor conductor being selectively connected to either a disconnection portion at a bus bar side or a disconnection portion at a cable side of the switchgear and is permitted to be selectively replaced on either upper or lower face of the upper conductor.

Abstract: A subsea switchgear apparatus including a frame, at least one electrical power inlet mounted to the frame, at least one electrical power outlet mounted to the frame, a distribution chamber mounted to the frame, and at least one canister mounted to the frame. The at least one canister includes a chamber accommodating at least one high voltage circuit breaker. Electrical connections are arranged in the distribution chamber for electrically connecting a respective circuit breaker of a canister to an associated power inlet and power outlet of the switchgear apparatus. The chamber of the respective canister is separated from the distribution chamber by a pressure barrier.

Abstract: A seal apparatus is disposed between a switchgear cabinet and a circuit breaker between the racked and unracked positions of the circuit breaker. The seal apparatus sealingly extends between the switchgear cabinet and the circuit breaker to resist fluid flow, such as exhaust gases and other matter, between an interior region of the switchgear cabinet and the exterior of the switchgear cabinet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medium voltage switchgear, comprising at least two switchboard sections, as according to the generic part of patent claim 1. According to the invention, a compact construction of a medium voltage switchgear with guaranteed secure insulation within the switchgear housing may be achieved, whereby, within a switchgear housing, at least one load switching field and at least one power switching field are arranged in common, or with a common opposing face and both the load switching field and the power switching field are embodied as vacuum switches.

Abstract: A modularized electronic switching controller assembly for a computer includes a computer device; a hub positioned at a rear end of the computer device; two sides of the hub unit being installed with tracks which are retained in a machine frame; the machine frame being formed by four supporting posts; a support arm connected between the computer-related assembly and the hub for receiving conductive wires; a switching controller installed at the tracks having two racks of the hub unit; a connecting surface of the switching controller having an electric connector; a rear side of the switching controller being installed with at least one connecting port; moving the switching controller through the tracks will make the switching controller entering from a rear end of the machine case; by the connection of the electric connector and the hub unit, the connecting port can be connected to external peripherals or a server.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for calculating the separation time of the arcing contacts of a high-voltage switchgear which is operatively coupled to a synchronous switching device and to an auxiliary switch having auxiliary contacts operatively connected to the arcing contacts. During execution of a predefined test condition the separation time of the arcing contacts and of the auxiliary contacts is measured. The time delay between the measured separation time of the arcing contacts and of the auxiliary contacts is calculated. Upon separation of the arcing contacts under an operating condition other than the predefined test condition, the separation time of the auxiliary contacts is measured. Then, the separation time of the arcing contacts is calculated as the difference between the separation time of the auxiliary contacts measured during the operating condition other than the predefined test condition and the calculated time delay.

Abstract: A motor starter whose production is improved is specified. In at least one embodiment, the motor starter includes a power semiconductor switch, an electromechanical bypass switch connected in parallel therewith, and control electronics to drive the bypass switch. In at least one embodiment, the control electronics are in the form of a printed circuit board assembly which is fixed to the bypass switch in an installed position, and the printed circuit board assembly and the bypass switch are designed such that, when being fixed, the printed board assembly makes electrical contact with the bypass switch at the same time.