Patent ID: 6657150
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: H01H,H02H

Abstract:
A shorting switch for eliminating arcing faults in power distribution equipment, said shorting switch comprising:a vacuum switch comprising a vacuum envelope containing a fixed contact assembly and a movable contact assembly movable along a longitudinal axis between a closed circuit position in electrical contact with the fixed contact assembly and an open circuit position spaced apart from the fixed contact assembly; a driven member; a mount mounting the driven member for linear movement along a path substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the movable contact assembly, said driven member coupled to the movable contact assembly to move the movable contact assembly between the open circuit position and the closed circuit position with the linear movement of the driven member; a spring member having a compressed state and a released state, which moves said driven member and the movable contact assembly to the closed circuit position; a release member having an opening therein, said release member coupled to said driven member and normally maintaining said spring member in the compressed state; a charge disposed in the opening of said release member, said charge being actuated to fracture said release member and release said spring member to the released state; and first and second terminals respectively electrically interconnected with said fixed contact assembly and said movable contact assembly.