Patent ID: 7656640
Filing Date: 2010-02-02
Classification: H01H,H02H

Abstract:
1. Voltage surge protection device comprising at least one protection module connectable to an electric switchgear apparatus, a unit comprising said at least one protection module and said electric switchgear apparatus connectable between a power line and ground, such a power line being connected to a load, said at least one protection module comprising: at least one protective element connectable to ground for protection against voltage surges, such that when the protective element fails due to a voltage surge, an increase in at least one of temperature and electric current results at said protective element; separating means connected to said protective element for generating at least one of an electrical and mechanical separation of said protective element from said power line, without disconnecting such a power line from such a load connected to the failed protective element, upon detecting such increase of at least one of temperature and electric current; and means for mechanical actuation connected to said separating means and comprising a mechanical control link, said mechanical control link for being placed in a tripped state when said protective element fails and when said separating means have generated such mechanical or electrical separation, wherein said means for mechanical actuation is connectable to the electric switchgear apparatus by means of the mechanical control link for actuating opening or tripping of said apparatus when said mechanical link is in a tripped state.