Remote switch actuator

The invention provides a device and method for actuating electrical switches remotely. The device is removably attached to the switch and is actuated through the transfer of a user's force. The user is able to remain physically removed from the switch site obviating need for protective equipment. The device and method allow rapid, safe actuation of high-voltage or high-current carrying electrical switches or circuit breakers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a device and method for activating a switch, and in particular, the invention relates to a removable and adjustable switch actuator for remote activation of a switch handle, or toggle, and a method for remote activation of a switch or toggle.

2. Background of the Invention

Toggling or actuation of electrical switches is common place. However, significant danger is created by the toggling of switches associated with high-current circuits. The danger stems from the sudden breakdown of voltage resistance of the air surrounding the switch. Normally, air is a good insulator, however, the resistivity of air may be overcome if air provides the optimum path to ground and a sufficiently-large electrical current exists.

The passage of electrical current through air creates arcs. Electrical arcs have practical uses, such as in welding, plasma cutting, or as a light source; however not all electrical arcs are desirable. Unintentional electrical arcs formed by high voltage and high current electrical discharges result in particularly dangerous events called arc flashes.

Arc flashes are potentially destructive events releasing large amounts of energy in the form of light and heat. While arc flashes are possible only in some environments (above 480 Volts (V)), the resulting potential injury and risk of damage is unacceptable. For example, industrial equipment such as loading devices commonly use three-phase connections resulting in voltage potential differences of at least 480 volts. If a sufficiently large fault current occurs on such a circuit, the amount of energy released by a resulting arc flash could be catastrophic. Continuing the example, if at 480 Volts, 10,000 Amperes of fault current continues for 10 cycles at 60 Hz, the resulting arc flash would release 0.8 mega joules of energy. By comparison, a hand grenade releases about 0.6 mega joules of energy. While much of the energy released by an arc flash event (radiant energy) is different from a chemical explosion (mechanical shock), both are highly dangerous inasmuch as both produce significant pressure/shock waves that violently propel solid or molten material outward.

The actuation of electrical switches, such as circuit breakers, is especially prone to arc flash events. Upon actuation, the flow of current is interrupted. However, as no switch operates instantly, an ungrounded fault current develops prior to the flow of current ceasing. While it may dissipate harmlessly, arc flashing is also possible resulting in injury to the operator and property damage.

The danger posed by arc flash events has been recognized by worldwide engineering bodies and safety groups. For example, IEEE 1584-2002, Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations, IEEE Industry Applications Magazine, January-February 2005, pages 23-31 provides a method of calculating the level of arc-flash hazard dangers in several scenarios. This industry standard further recommends personal protective equipment (PPE) and specifies a safe working distance. Similarly, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 70-2002 “The National Electrical Code” (NEC) specifies the required warning labels and OSHA Standards 29-CFR, Part 1910 addresses standards for workplaces.

One of the most common means of protecting personnel from arc-flash injury is the use of protective apparel. This apparel can be insulated gloves and full body suits. These suits are aptly named “bee keeper” suits. Due to their insulating capacity, the suits are both uncomfortable to wear and are also expensive. Further, the protective suits require time to don and subsequently remove, even if the switch actuation requires no more than a few seconds. In environments where the ambient temperatures exceed approximately 60° F., these suits cause the wearers to perspire excessively.

The inconvenience of donning bulky protective suits results in their being used less frequently.

A need exists in the art for a method and device for actuating electrical and thermal switches and toggles quickly from safe distances. The method and device should facilitate remote actuation so as to obviate the need for protective apparel. The method and device should adapt to various switch gear configurations and housings. Furthermore, the method and device should electrically and/or thermally insulate the user from arcing or outgassing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a device and method of facilitating actuation of mechanical electrical switches prone to arc flash events which overcomes many of the disadvantages of the prior art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide the means to facilitate toggling of electrical switches from a safe distance. A feature of the invention is the use of a force tether to actuate a switch. An advantage of the invention is that the device can be employed from a distance beyond a zone of danger posed by electrical and pressure-breaching arc flash events.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a device for actuation of switches by operators wearing minimal to no protective clothing. A feature of the invention is that an actuation tether employed by the system is electrically and/or thermally insulating. An advantage of the invention is the elimination of time consuming or bothersome protective measures.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a means to actuate switches remotely without permanent alteration to enclosures of switches, valves, or toggles. A feature of the present invention is gripping means removably connected with the enclosures. An advantage of the present invention is that it is adaptable to be received by any type of switch housing configuration or immobile objects in close spatial relationship to the switch.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch actuation means that increases (e.g. leverages) the force applied by the user, thereby overcoming any internal switch resistance. A feature of the invention is that, in one embodiment, the invention includes a flexible means to provide mechanical advantage to the user in the form of a pulley array. An advantage is that the force applied to the system by the user is increased, thereby allowing the operator to remotely actuate a switch with less force than would be necessary if the operator was actuating the same switch through direct contact. Another advantage is that the flexible means prevents actuation of the subject switch at dangerous proximities to the switch.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means to removably attach a switch actuator to any size or type of power switch. A feature of the invention is the use of an infinitely adjustable gripping means to accommodate a variety of switch panel enclosures. A further feature of the invention is that several different varieties of gripping means frictionally engage the switch housing. An advantage of the invention is that the actuator is adjustable to any number of alternate switch enclosures.

Another object of the invention is to provide a visible indicator of whether the user is too proximate to the switch. A feature of the invention is that the minimum safe distance is denoted on the switch actuator. An advantage of the invention is that the operator can directly determine whether a safe operating distance has been accomplished.

Yet another object of the invention is a method of actuating several electrical switches via one embodiment of the invention. A feature of the invention is the use of more than one switch actuator with a single cross bar. An advantage of the invention is that multiple switches may be controlled using a single bar installation.

Briefly, the invention provides a device for remote switch actuation, the device comprising: at least one adjustable member having a first end having a means for grip-ping, and a second end; a second member having a first open end for containing the second end of the first adjustable member and a second end having a means for grip-ping/mounting; a means for securing and adjusting the first adjustable member within the second member; a platform fixed to the first adjustable member secured within the second member wherein a switch gripping and a switch activating mechanism is mounted on said platform; and a switch gripping and a remote switch activating mechanism.

The invention also provides a method for remote switch manipulation, the method comprising removably positioning a platform in close spatial relationship to the switch; mounting an elongated electrical insulator to the platform such that the electrical insulator is in slidable communication with the platform; encapsulating the switch with a first end of the electrical insulator, such that the switch is electrically and physically isolated from its surroundings; and applying a first force to a second end of the electrical insulator sufficient to remotely actuate the switch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

Turning first toFIG. 1, depicted there is an elevational view of one embodiment of the instant invention. The invention comprises a generally elongated device10for facilitating remote actuation of switches. The device10comprises at least one rigid elongated substrate such as an adjustable bar16having a first end17and a second end19. In one embodiment, the adjustable bar comprises an adjustable rail or a telescoping member. In a preferred embodiment, the device10comprises two adjustable bars, each bar having a first end and a second end. Each bar may be made from any suitable material, such as a conductive metal; however, in some embodiments of the invention, the adjustable bar16comprises an electrically insulating material. The adjustable bar16must be sufficiently rigid to form a base for the remaining components of the device10.

In axial alignment with the bar16is a sleeve27adapted to slidably receive the second end19of the bar16. The sleeve defines a first end29and a second end31. In extending beyond the length of the bar16, the sleeve27also defines the telescoping member.

Mounted intermediate to the first end29and second end31of the sleeve27is a means26for reversibly fastening the bar16to the sleeve27. This fastening means26facilitates fastening of the sleeve27to infinite points along longitudinally-extending portions of the bar16. The fastening means26threadably communicates with a transverse aperture of the sleeve so as to frictionally engage with an opposing surface of the bar16.

Switch Housing

Engagement Detail

Located at the first end17of the adjustable bar16is a first gripping means20. The second end31of the sleeve27terminates in a second gripping means22. In one embodiment of the invention, the gripping means20,22comprise a hook assembly. The hook assembly engages protruding sides of a switch housing (not shown). Other gripping means may include hook-and pile configurations, a vise-like assembly, gripping based on friction surface tension, and/or temporary adhesive.

The gripping means20,22are intended to mount the telescoping member to a switch enclosure. Inasmuch as different types of switch enclosures are in use, different gripping or mounting means20,22are used. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, the gripping means20comprises an angled substrate such that one end of the substrate extends at an angle β from the longitudinal axis a of the adjustable bar16.FIG. 1shows the one end of the angled substrate extending substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis α. Optionally, the angled substrate defines fluted surfaces or other friction enhancing means at the enclosure contact regions21,23,33and35. Safety enhancements may further include the angled substrate comprising electrically insulating material such as, but not limited to rubber, wood, polymer, and combinations thereof.

In other embodiments, the gripping means includes a hook assembly designed to be received by a corresponding mounting point on a wall or other structure surrounding the switch. Furthermore, certain switch enclosures feature slots where the gripping means20,22can be removably received. In an alternative embodiment, the switch enclosure is mounted in a depression within a wall or is surrounded by a housing which extends beyond the plane formed by the face of the switch. In such embodiments, the gripping means20,22would not impart inward or medial force against the outside of the enclosure, but rather lateral pressure or outwardly directed force against on the inside of the enclosure sufficient to maintain the telescoping bar in place.

Switch enclosures often contain banks of switches and several empty positions reserved for future expansion of the electrical service. Embodiments of switch enclosure gripping means20,22are envisioned to removably engage the switch enclosure whereby the gripping mean define cross sections complementary to the cross sections of the aforementioned empty switch box positions. This adapts the gripping means to be received by one or a plurality of unoccupied breaker cavities, receptacles or other apertures found on the faces of typical switch enclosures. In this embodiment, the gripping means20,22engage with or otherwise anchor to the face of switch enclosures at points medially disposed from the edges of the switch enclosures. As such, these cross section-compatible gripping means are disposed at the ends of the rigid elongated substrates comprising the telescoping bar16and mating sleeve27, and/or intermediate the ends of these rigid substrates.

In one embodiment, the gripping means20,22are removably attached to the telescoping member thereby allowing the removal and replacement of the gripping means as desired.

The adjustable bar16including gripping means20,22features parallel and oppositely directed clamping surfaces21,23, designated herein as a first clamping surface21and a second clamping surface23. These first21and second23clamping surfaces face inwardly toward each other and the center of the device. The first clamping surface21is movable with respect to the rest of the device, while the second clamping surface23remains fixed.

Optionally, the gripping means20,22are removably attached to the side of the switch enclosure using temporary attachment means. In other embodiments, the gripping means, or a complementary surface of a portion of the gripping means, is permanently coupled with the switch enclosure.

The device's length is selected to match a range of switch enclosure physical dimensions, so as to facilitate secure installation of the adjustable bar16. In one embodiment, where the switch enclosure protrudes beyond the surrounding wall, the length of the device10is adjusted so that its clamping surfaces21,23removably engage the sides of the switch enclosure via medially-directed, or inwardly directed, force, thereby locking the adjustable bar in place over the front face of the switch panel.

When installing the device10on switch enclosures which do not extend beyond the plane formed by the wall, the bar16is positioned within the confines of the enclosure and extended axially, i.e., outwardly from the sleeve27, to provide the device10with significant breadth to engage other immobile physical features of the enclosure or the surrounding wall. For example, if the switch enclosure surroundings include wall receptacles, the device10is extended so that an outwardly facing surface33of the first gripping means20and an outwardly directed facing surface35of the second gripping means22are in physical proximity to engage the receptacles.

In light of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that each of the gripping means20,22defines a plurality of surfaces for engaging switch enclosures via laterally directed force, medially directed force, or a combination of medially-directed and laterally-directed force. It should be further appreciated that the gripping means20may itself be in slidable communication with its support rod16, and fastened in place at infinite positions along the rod via a wing nut39or some other friction engaging means. In this instance, a region of the gripping means20defines a transverse channel50or aperture to allow passage of the support rod16completely through the region of the gripping means that lies coaxially with the support rod. As shown, the wingnut39, threadably received by the coaxially aligned region of the gripping means20, extends into the channel at an angle substantially perpendicular to the axis of the channel, to contact the support rod16.FIG. 1shows such a slidable gripping means in phantom.

Optionally, in those situations involving switch enclosures that do not extend beyond the plane formed by the wall, the invention further comprises mounting points that may be added to the wall or to the switch enclosure. The mounting points are designed to securely fasten the device to the wall while allowing for rapid connection of the gripping means20,22of the device10. In an embodiment, the mounting points include brackets, blocks, recesses, a protrusion or boss, or other mounting means.

Bar Extension

Detail

FIG. 1depicts the adjustable bar16in telescoping communication with the sleeve27to facilitate length extensions. An axially extending platform25communicates with longitudinally extending groves in the bar16or sleeve27via a tongue/groove configuration. In other embodiments, the platform25is connected to, otherwise communicates with the bar16or sleeve27via a second sleeve mechanism, which is integral to the platform25, and adapted to slidably communicate with either the bar16or sleeve27. The fastener adjustment mechanism26allows the platform25to move along the longitudinal axis of the bar16. In one embodiment, the fastener adjustment mechanism26comprises a thumb screw in threadable communication with a region of the second sleeve defining a transverse threaded aperture. The screw extending through the aperture, contacts the bar or the first sleeve and locks same into a particular position relative to the bar16or the first sleeve27.

The adjustable bar may comprise a pneumatic adjustment means allowing the bar to match the dimensions of opposing interior surfaces of the enclosure, which houses the power switch to be remotely operated. Such pneumatic means provides infinite horizontal or vertical positioning adjustment of a means12for capturing a switch, as described herein, and secures positioning of the device by applying laterally-directed, or outwardly directed force to the opposing interior surfaces.

Activation Substrate

Detail

The platform25is provided for mounting a switch-gripper and switch-activating mechanism36, the platform attached to the first end29of the sleeve27. The mechanism36comprises a first pulley40in rotatable communication with the platform25. A second pulley42communicates with the first pulley40(and therefore the platform) via a cord, rope, cable tether, or suitable flexible elongated substrate14. A first end41of the flexible elongated substrate14is anchored to the platform25and in close spatial relationship to the first pulley40. A second end43of the flexible elongated substrate14is free-hanging from the first pulley40.

In one embodiment of the invention (FIG. 2A), the elongated substrate14is a composite structure comprising a core fiber13and a sheath15. A proximal end of the core fiber13is terminated in a plurality of opposing substrates28to define an opening21. The opening is adapted to receive a switch protrusion23, in situations where the switch protrudes from the face plate111of a switch box (see alsoFIG. 3). Given the polymeric construction of the core fiber, the proximal end is engineered such that the opposing substrates28are normally spring biased in a lateral direction, as depicted inFIG. 2B.

The sheath15is adapted to slide over the core fiber13such that any annular space17between an outside surface of the fiber13and an inside surface of the sheath is at a minimum. This minimal clearance will facilitate closure of the opening21about the switch protrusion when the sheath is slid in a proximal direction toward the protrusion. Specifically, as the sheath is pushed toward the proximal end of the fiber13, the leading edge of the sheath imparts medially directed force on the outside surfaces of each of the opposing substrates. When the sheath is positioned at its most proximal point, the opposing substrates are in close spatial relationship to each other so as to form a cavity having a cross section complementary to the cross section of the switch protrusion.

Users of the device first engage the switch protuberance with the core fiber13by positioning the fiber such that the switch is surrounded by the opposing substrates. Then, the sheath14is slid over the substrates so as to cause the substrates to encapsulate and otherwise capture the switch.

The length of the sheath is determined to provide a safe distance between the switch and a user of the invented device. If the user pulls on the sheath15instead of a distal end of the fiber protruding from a distal end of the sheath, the sheath slides distally, without imparting a force on the switch. As such, the position of the sheath at its proximal-most position, as shown inFIG. 2Aphysically and electrically isolates the switch from the user and adjacent structures while simultaneously preventing the user from directly manipulating the switch.

Only when the user positions the sheath between herself and the switch is safety actuated. In that configuration, a safe distance for manipulation via the core fiber, is evident upon respective indicia on the outside surface of the core fiber, as designated by the arrows.

The tether configuration shown inFIGS. 2A-Bcan be utilized with a single pulley configuration such that the proximal end of the composite fiber14threads through a first pulley40to engage the switch. The distal end of the composite fiber is pulled by the user of the device.

Tether arrangements depicted inFIGS. 2C-Dare preferably utilized a two pulley configuration as shown inFIGS. 1,4and5.FIG. 2cdepicts a first region46of the elongated substrate14colored red. A safe operating distance is reached only once the first region is fully extended away from the switch. Optionally (FIG. 1), a protective sheath can be placed over the distal region of the tether,18and distally positioned so that it is between the first pulley40and the distal end of the tether18. This way, if a user attempts to pull the tether18through the sheath, the sheath simply slides distally without actuating the switch. Only when the sheath is positioned forward of proximal of the tether is the safety indicia visible on the tether.

A sheath need not be utilized in the tether configuration shown inFIG. 2C. Rather, the elongated substrate14incorporates one or more safety labels48. The safety label48includes actuation distances for different voltage potentials. The operator is able to move sufficiently away from the switch by referencing the safety label48. Inasmuch as the safety label is integrated into the elongated substrate14, the information contained thereon is always available to the operator.

Positioned in close spatial relationship to the second pulley42is the means12for engaging a switch component, said means comprising a clip, a cord, a clamp, or some other rigid or flexible grabbing mechanism. In one embodiment, this captive means defines an enclosure or shell, the interior of which clamps or otherwise engages the switch. This configuration prevents direct contact of the switch by the user's hand, such that actuation of the switch occurs only through a pulling force applied to the flexible elongated substrate. In one embodiment, the switch captive means12comprises a handle designed to removably connect with the switch to be actuated.

As noted supra, a proximal end of the tether terminates in a switch cover shell. The shell engages the switch to anchor the tether to the switch. Due to the shell's cover and interaction with the switch, a user cannot directly impart torque to the switch so as to activate it. In one embodiment, the shell envelopes the switch in a flexible cocoon and is in rotatable communication with the switch. As force is applied to the tether, the switch covering shell is made taut and, and the switch is actuated.

The combination of the second pulley42and the switch captive means12may be encapsulated by a flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve is pre-marked so as to be extended to a minimal safe distance. The extended sleeve ensures that the switch is only actuated from the safe distance.

Another switch captive means12, shown inFIG. 2D, comprises a first adjustment screw78and a second opposing adjustment screw80coaxially aligned with the first screw. The substantially flat opposing surfaces of the adjustment screws78,80form a switch receipt aperture84. During installation of the switch captive means12, at least one adjustment screw78or80is opened so as to accommodate a protruding switch handle or nub within the aperture84. Upon positioning the switch nub within the aperture84, at least one adjustment screw78,80is closed so as to narrow the aperture84and frictionally fix the switch within its aperture84. In at least one embodiment, the switch captive means12includes a plate82designed to close the switch aperture84from an additional side. The plate82prevents direct access to the switch once the captive means12are installed and further assists in the installation of the captive means12on the switch by closing-off one side of the aperture84.

The flexible substrate18, such as the tethers shown inFIGS. 2A-D, allows operators of the actuator to remotely operate the switch handle captured by the switch gripping means12. In one embodiment, a two-step method is necessary for switch actuation.

The tether18must be of a length sufficient to first force the user to move beyond a zone of danger stemming from a possible arc flash-, thermal-, or pressure-breaching event at the switch site. (For example, in one embodiment, the user force tether18is of a length sufficient to allow the device operator to stand behind a shielding wall.) In the case of the configuration depicted inFIGS. 2A-B, this length is determined by first positioning a protective sheath15over the tether and sliding the sheath toward the switch until the proximal end of the sheath encapsulates the switch. Upon so positioning the sheath, distal regions of the core fiber13is exposed, and along with the distal regions, indicia of where the user should hold the core fiber depending on the energy or pressure associated with the switch gear.

Second, once the sheath is positioned, and the core fiber is extending through the sheath with substantially no slack, axial force is imposed on the core fiber13and in a distal direction, for a time, and in sufficient amount to actuate the switch. Thus, in this embodiment of the device, the switch can only be actuated when the core fiber is first positioned within the sheath and then drawn tight by the user. As noted supra, written indicia or other visible markings exist along the tether to indicate safe grabbing distances to the user, depending on current levels. The tether18is generally comprised of an insulating material, for example nylon.

The switch activating mechanism36moves in any direction in reference to the bar16. The switch activating mechanism36is shown as substantially parallel to the bar16. The only limit on the distance between the switch activating mechanism36and the mechanical advantage holder24is the distance between the pulleys as dictated by the length of the tether18.

As shown inFIG. 1, the device10comprises a single switch activation mechanism36attached to the bar16. As such, the device comprises at least one switch capture means. In other embodiments, not shown, a plurality of switch activation mechanisms similarly mounted are envisioned.

In regards to selecting materials for the components of the invention, the primary consideration is that the materials be low cost and of light weight. Further, in order to not propagate the electrical danger of an arc flash event, the materials are either electrically and thermally insulating, or are finished with an insulating coating, or have a layer of insulating material where needed.

A wall and switch enclosure are depicted inFIG. 3. The switch enclosure114is permanently affixed to the wall surface110. For the enclosure114depicted inFIG. 3, the gripping means must also accommodate the panel access door112. The panel access door112must be open to actuate switches contained by the enclosure114; however, the panel access door112inhibits mounting of the device. Generally, higher-voltage motor-control centers do not have access panels and are fully accessible. However, lower voltage/amperage panels often include panel access doors112. When installing on such enclosures114, the gripping means20,22are extensible over the first dimension116of the enclosure114. In one embodiment, the grippers engage the regions proximal118to the ends of the first dimension116of the enclosure144. Mounting points may be added to the proximal regions118.

FIG. 4schematically depicts the switch activation mechanism36. The mechanism comprises the two interconnected pulleys40,42. The first pulley40is fixed to the fastening platform25. The platform25is substantially a flat surface for attaching first pulley40to the platform25. However, as can be appreciated from the above description, the platform25includes a number of features to enable it to removably connect with the adjustable bar16or the sleeve27.

The flexible elongated substrate14, such as a tether, engages, enmeshes with or otherwise communicates with the first pulley40, by being routed between the pulley40and the platform25. The tether14continues and is threaded through a second pulley42, the second pulley being closest to the switch engaging mechanism12than the first pulley. The tether14only frictionally engages the second pulley42, but has its first end4fixed to the first pulley40or to the platform onto which is mounted the first pulley. The switch activating mechanism32is connected to, or in registration with, the second pulley42.

A pulling force F, applied to the free end of the tether, is translated along the first pulley40towards the second pulley. The switch activator12attached to the second pulley42is able to overcome an opposing force F2, as long as the initial pulling force F is at least greater than half the strength of the opposing force F2.

The activating mechanism32provides simplicity of design and low requirements to train staff. The use of mechanical components ensures that operators will be able to diagnose any malfunction and correct problems, such as misrouting of the tether14. Further, by using a pulley-based mechanical advantage system, switch actuation can take place remotely without the use of a power supply at the switch. However, in other embodiments, different mechanical advantage means are employed including pneumatic force transfers. Finally, in an electronic embodiment of the invention, the switch activator12is moved by an electrical solenoid. In such embodiments, the user exerts minimal force on a hardwired or wireless control in order to toggle a switch.

FIG. 5depicts another embodiment of the invention. In place of an adjustable bar16,FIG. 5shows use of a first rail50in slidable communication with a second rail54. The platform25is affixed to a first surface58of second rail54so as to allow for the removable positioning of the platform25along longitudinally extending regions of the first rail50. In one embodiment, two sets of parallel rails (depicted as 90 degree equal-leg metal angles, with only one set of rails shown inFIG. 5) are mounted so that one rail50may slide inside the outer rail54. A rail locking device56is used to lock the second or outer rail54to the first or inner rail50. The distal ends57,58of the rails terminate in a gripping means20. The outer rail is also connected to a corresponding gripping means, not shown.

The rail device56is designed to lock the outer rail54in place through the application of frictional force on the first surface58of the outer rail54and the second surface59of the outer rail54.

To operate the device, an operator first positions the adjustable bar16in close proximity to the target switch, and preferably over the face of an open switch box such that the device spans substantially the entire breadth of the switch box. The device10is attached to the switch housing or adjacent structures using the gripping means20. Once the device10is anchored, the switch captive means12is mated with the target switch.

Upon taking a safe position, the switch operator applies force to the tether14by, for instance, pulling at the extreme end (or at a pre-marked safe location) of the tether14. The force is then transferred to the switch captive means12, which in turn actuates the switch. If an arc flash or pressure breach event occurs during activation, it does not harm the operator, who is sufficiently distant from the event.

In other configurations, not shown, more than one platform25is used in conjunction with the cross bar16. For example, opposing switch captive means12are used in one embodiment to allow the toggling of a switch handle in either direction. Other embodiments are directed to actuation of switches with high physical resistance, which may require more than one activator. In some embodiments, the invention further comprises pulley sheaves designed to increase the mechanical advance of the tether14. The number of switch captive means12is dictated by the length of the adjustable bar16and additional switch captive means12are installed as needed on a single bar16. Further, in those implementations of the invention designed for actuation of several switches, the platform25is elongated so as to accommodate multiple actuation means.