Patent ID: 6441709
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: H01H,H02H

Abstract:
A device for short-circuit protection of an electromechanical contactor, which comprises:a current-limiting mechanism connected in series with an electromechanical contactor, said current-limiting mechanism comprising a contact configuration having a fixed contact, a movable contact, and an arcing chamber associated therewith; said current limiting mechanism defining a first bridging circuit with a bridging contact having a closing position to close said bridging contact and an opening position to open said bridging contact, a second bridging circuit, and arc runners, said bridging contact being opened under a nominal operating condition; said current-limiting mechanism being configured, in an event of a short circuit, to first close said bridging contact of said first bridging circuit for reducing a current load on the contactor, and to then establish a bridging function with a switching arc and via said second bridging circuit said switching arc being established when said bridging contact of said first bridging circuit is opened, and said switching arc commutates from said bridging contact onto said arc runners and runs into said arcing chamber, for interrupting the short-circuit.