Filed: Mar 30, 1989

Published: Jan 08, 1991

Abstract

An interrupter switch is provided that includes an interrupter housing that is integrally formed from insulating material. The interrupter housing defines structure to house the interrupting contacts and the operating linkage for the interrupting contacts. The interrupter housing is selectively movable after circuit interruption to perform a visible, circuit-isolating function; the interrupter housing functioning as a movable switching member and carrying a disconnect contact that cooperates with a stationary disconnect contact at a first circuit terminal. A second circuit terminal is defined at a swivel or hinge contact carried by the interrupter housing. The interrupting contacts are connected between the movable disconnect contact and the second circuit terminal. The operating linkage includes a rotatable operating member which extends from the interrupter housing. The interrupter housing is filled with an insulating gas. Seals are provided between the interrupter housing and the operating member. The interrupter housing is rotatable about a predetermined axis through the first portion to perform the circuit-isolating, disconnect function. In a multi-pole arrangement in an electrical power distribution circuit, a plurality of circuit interrupters are provided with a common circuit-interrupter drive train and a common disconnect drive linkage. An arrangement is provided to ensure that the circuit interrupter is operated to open the interrupting contacts before the selective circuit-isolating function is provided. Also in the preferred arrangement, the integrally molded interrupter housing defines a pump cylinder for cooperation with the movable interrupting contact which carries a puffer piston.

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Classification Codes

H01H33/04, H01H33/88, H01H33/12, H01H33/915