Patent ID: 6417474
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
An electrical switching apparatus comprising:a load terminal and a line terminal; at least one pair of separable contacts electrically connected between said load terminal and said line terminal; an operating assembly adapted for movement between an open position and a closed position to open and close said separable contacts; an arc chute positioned adjacent said separable contacts; and an arc runner electrically connected to one of said separable contacts and extending toward said arc chute to provide a path for an arc struck between said separable contacts as said separable contacts open with movement of said operating assembly from the closed position, said arc runner having a longitudinal elongated raised ridge generally laterally centered; wherein said separable contacts include a stationary contact and a moving contact; wherein said stationary contact and said arc runner comprise an electrically conductive member having a base surface in contact with said line terminal a stationary contact surface forming said stationary contact, and a runner surface leading toward said arc chute; wherein said raised ridge includes a raised portion above said runner surface and a tapered portion which descends to a position proximate a surface between; said stationary contact surface and said ranger surface; and wherein said tapered portion is above said stationary contact surface.