Patent ID: 7679478
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A switching device for selectively switching electrical power from an electrical power source to a load circuit comprising: a housing; an electromechanical actuator comprising a permanent magnet in the housing; a fixed contact fixedly mounted in the housing; a contact arm pivotally mounted in the housing, the contact arm carrying a movable contact and having a lever, the contact arm being operatively connected to the actuator to be selectively positioned thereby for selectively electrically contacting the moveable contact with the fixed contact, the permanent magnet being operable to hold the contact arm in a position such that the moveable contact is separate from the fixed contact; a rotational actuator rotationally mounted to the housing, the rotational actuator including a leg proximate the lever so that rotational movement of the rotational actuator pivotally moves the contact arm to override the electromechanical actuator; and an operating spring disposed between the housing and the contact arm to bias the switching device contacts to a closed position and wherein actuation of the electromechanical actuator selectively separates the contacts and the rotational actuator, when manually turned to an override position, overrides the electromechanical actuator and moves the contact arm to the closed position.