Patent ID: 6597549
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A switch for an electric power circuit, comprising:a) a switch mechanism having a first contact and a second contact disposed within a housing and movable between an open position with the contacts separated and a closed position with the contacts in contact, and having a first end coupled to the first contact and a second end coupled to the second contact; b) a first resistor coupled to the first end of the switch mechanism; c) a second resistor coupled to the first end of the switch mechanism; and d) at least one engagement arm external to the housing, coupled to the second end of the switch mechanism and movable between an open position separated from the resistors and a closed position in contact with the resistors, wherein during a closing stroke of the switch mechanism the first resistor and the second resistor are positioned so that when the engagement arm moves from the open position to the closed position, the engagement arm contacts the first resistor before the second resistor and the engagement arm contacts the second resistor before the switch contacts close.