Patent ID: 8619395
Filing Date: 2013-12-31
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. An arc suppressor for switchable contacts coupling a voltage source to a load, said arc suppressor comprising: a pair of terminals adapted to be connected across a set of switchable contacts to be protected; a solid state triggerable switch connected between the pair of terminals; a triggering circuit operatively coupled to the solid state triggerable switch operative upon the switchable contacts moving from a closed state to an open state for driving the solid state triggerable switch into a conductive state to short out the switchable contacts; and a pinch-off circuit coupled to the triggering circuit for controlling the length of time that the solid state triggerable switch remains in said conductive state following movement of the switchable contacts from the closed state to the open state; and a voltage surge limiting component connected between the pair of terminals; wherein the component is a transient voltage suppressor.