Abstract:
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&#39;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.

Description:
The United States Government has rights in this invention pursuant to the employer-employee relationship between the Government and the inventors as U.S. Department of Energy employees at the Brookhaven National Energy Technology Laboratory. 
    
    
     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. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention together with the above-stated and other objects and advantages may best be understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an elevational view of a device for remote actuation of an electrical switch, in accordance with features of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A-B  depict a detail view of a proximal end of a heterogeneously constructed, elongated electrical insulator used to manipulate the switch, in accordance with features of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2C  depicts an alternative switch captive means, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2D  depicts another alternative switch captive means, in accordance with features of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a wall-mounted switch enclosure capable of receiving at least one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a detailed schematic view of the mechanical advantage means provided by one embodiment of the invention in accordance with features of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  depicts a partially exploded view of another embodiment of the invention in accordance with features of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     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. 
     As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. 
     Turning first to  FIG. 1 , depicted there is an elevational view of one embodiment of the instant invention. The invention comprises a generally elongated device  10  for facilitating remote actuation of switches. The device  10  comprises at least one rigid elongated substrate such as an adjustable bar  16  having a first end  17  and a second end  19 . In one embodiment, the adjustable bar comprises an adjustable rail or a telescoping member. In a preferred embodiment, the device  10  comprises 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 bar  16  comprises an electrically insulating material. The adjustable bar  16  must be sufficiently rigid to form a base for the remaining components of the device  10 . 
     In axial alignment with the bar  16  is a sleeve  27  adapted to slidably receive the second end  19  of the bar  16 . The sleeve defines a first end  29  and a second end  31 . In extending beyond the length of the bar  16 , the sleeve  27  also defines the telescoping member. 
     Mounted intermediate to the first end  29  and second end  31  of the sleeve  27  is a means  26  for reversibly fastening the bar  16  to the sleeve  27 . This fastening means  26  facilitates fastening of the sleeve  27  to infinite points along longitudinally-extending portions of the bar  16 . The fastening means  26  threadably communicates with a transverse aperture of the sleeve so as to frictionally engage with an opposing surface of the bar  16 . 
     Switch Housing 
     Engagement Detail 
     Located at the first end  17  of the adjustable bar  16  is a first gripping means  20 . The second end  31  of the sleeve  27  terminates in a second gripping means  22 . In one embodiment of the invention, the gripping means  20 ,  22  comprise 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 means  20 ,  22  are intended to mount the telescoping member to a switch enclosure. Inasmuch as different types of switch enclosures are in use, different gripping or mounting means  20 ,  22  are used. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the gripping means  20  comprises an angled substrate such that one end of the substrate extends at an angle β from the longitudinal axis a of the adjustable bar  16 .  FIG. 1  shows 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 regions  21 ,  23 ,  33  and  35 . 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 means  20 ,  22  can 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 means  20 ,  22  would 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 means  20 ,  22  are 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 means  20 ,  22  engage 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 bar  16  and mating sleeve  27 , and/or intermediate the ends of these rigid substrates. 
     In one embodiment, the gripping means  20 ,  22  are removably attached to the telescoping member thereby allowing the removal and replacement of the gripping means as desired. 
     The adjustable bar  16  including gripping means  20 ,  22  features parallel and oppositely directed clamping surfaces  21 ,  23 , designated herein as a first clamping surface  21  and a second clamping surface  23 . These first  21  and second  23  clamping surfaces face inwardly toward each other and the center of the device. The first clamping surface  21  is movable with respect to the rest of the device, while the second clamping surface  23  remains fixed. 
     Optionally, the gripping means  20 ,  22  are 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&#39;s length is selected to match a range of switch enclosure physical dimensions, so as to facilitate secure installation of the adjustable bar  16 . In one embodiment, where the switch enclosure protrudes beyond the surrounding wall, the length of the device  10  is adjusted so that its clamping surfaces  21 ,  23  removably 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 device  10  on switch enclosures which do not extend beyond the plane formed by the wall, the bar  16  is positioned within the confines of the enclosure and extended axially, i.e., outwardly from the sleeve  27 , to provide the device  10  with 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 device  10  is extended so that an outwardly facing surface  33  of the first gripping means  20  and an outwardly directed facing surface  35  of the second gripping means  22  are in physical proximity to engage the receptacles. 
     In light of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that each of the gripping means  20 ,  22  defines 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 means  20  may itself be in slidable communication with its support rod  16 , and fastened in place at infinite positions along the rod via a wing nut  39  or some other friction engaging means. In this instance, a region of the gripping means  20  defines a transverse channel  50  or aperture to allow passage of the support rod  16  completely through the region of the gripping means that lies coaxially with the support rod. As shown, the wingnut  39 , threadably received by the coaxially aligned region of the gripping means  20 , extends into the channel at an angle substantially perpendicular to the axis of the channel, to contact the support rod  16 .  FIG. 1  shows 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 means  20 ,  22  of the device  10 . In an embodiment, the mounting points include brackets, blocks, recesses, a protrusion or boss, or other mounting means. 
     Bar Extension 
     Detail 
       FIG. 1  depicts the adjustable bar  16  in telescoping communication with the sleeve  27  to facilitate length extensions. An axially extending platform  25  communicates with longitudinally extending groves in the bar  16  or sleeve  27  via a tongue/groove configuration. In other embodiments, the platform  25  is connected to, otherwise communicates with the bar  16  or sleeve  27  via a second sleeve mechanism, which is integral to the platform  25 , and adapted to slidably communicate with either the bar  16  or sleeve  27 . The fastener adjustment mechanism  26  allows the platform  25  to move along the longitudinal axis of the bar  16 . In one embodiment, the fastener adjustment mechanism  26  comprises 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 bar  16  or the first sleeve  27 . 
     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 means  12  for 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 platform  25  is provided for mounting a switch-gripper and switch-activating mechanism  36 , the platform attached to the first end  29  of the sleeve  27 . The mechanism  36  comprises a first pulley  40  in rotatable communication with the platform  25 . A second pulley  42  communicates with the first pulley  40  (and therefore the platform) via a cord, rope, cable tether, or suitable flexible elongated substrate  14 . A first end  41  of the flexible elongated substrate  14  is anchored to the platform  25  and in close spatial relationship to the first pulley  40 . A second end  43  of the flexible elongated substrate  14  is free-hanging from the first pulley  40 . 
     In one embodiment of the invention ( FIG. 2A ), the elongated substrate  14  is a composite structure comprising a core fiber  13  and a sheath  15 . A proximal end of the core fiber  13  is terminated in a plurality of opposing substrates  28  to define an opening  21 . The opening is adapted to receive a switch protrusion  23 , in situations where the switch protrudes from the face plate  111  of a switch box (see also  FIG. 3 ). Given the polymeric construction of the core fiber, the proximal end is engineered such that the opposing substrates  28  are normally spring biased in a lateral direction, as depicted in  FIG. 2B . 
     The sheath  15  is adapted to slide over the core fiber  13  such that any annular space  17  between an outside surface of the fiber  13  and an inside surface of the sheath is at a minimum. This minimal clearance will facilitate closure of the opening  21  about 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 fiber  13 , 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 fiber  13  by positioning the fiber such that the switch is surrounded by the opposing substrates. Then, the sheath  14  is 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 sheath  15  instead 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 in  FIG. 2A  physically 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 in  FIGS. 2A-B  can be utilized with a single pulley configuration such that the proximal end of the composite fiber  14  threads through a first pulley  40  to engage the switch. The distal end of the composite fiber is pulled by the user of the device. 
     Tether arrangements depicted in  FIGS. 2C-D  are preferably utilized a two pulley configuration as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  5 .  FIG. 2   c  depicts a first region  46  of the elongated substrate  14  colored 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,  18  and distally positioned so that it is between the first pulley  40  and the distal end of the tether  18 . This way, if a user attempts to pull the tether  18  through 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 in  FIG. 2C . Rather, the elongated substrate  14  incorporates one or more safety labels  48 . The safety label  48  includes actuation distances for different voltage potentials. The operator is able to move sufficiently away from the switch by referencing the safety label  48 . Inasmuch as the safety label is integrated into the elongated substrate  14 , the information contained thereon is always available to the operator. 
     Positioned in close spatial relationship to the second pulley  42  is the means  12  for 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&#39;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 means  12  comprises 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&#39;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 pulley  42  and the switch captive means  12  may 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 means  12 , shown in  FIG. 2D , comprises a first adjustment screw  78  and a second opposing adjustment screw  80  coaxially aligned with the first screw. The substantially flat opposing surfaces of the adjustment screws  78 ,  80  form a switch receipt aperture  84 . During installation of the switch captive means  12 , at least one adjustment screw  78  or  80  is opened so as to accommodate a protruding switch handle or nub within the aperture  84 . Upon positioning the switch nub within the aperture  84 , at least one adjustment screw  78 ,  80  is closed so as to narrow the aperture  84  and frictionally fix the switch within its aperture  84 . In at least one embodiment, the switch captive means  12  includes a plate  82  designed to close the switch aperture  84  from an additional side. The plate  82  prevents direct access to the switch once the captive means  12  are installed and further assists in the installation of the captive means  12  on the switch by closing-off one side of the aperture  84 . 
     The flexible substrate  18 , such as the tethers shown in  FIGS. 2A-D , allows operators of the actuator to remotely operate the switch handle captured by the switch gripping means  12 . In one embodiment, a two-step method is necessary for switch actuation. 
     The tether  18  must 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 tether  18  is of a length sufficient to allow the device operator to stand behind a shielding wall.) In the case of the configuration depicted in  FIGS. 2A-B , this length is determined by first positioning a protective sheath  15  over 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 fiber  13  is 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 fiber  13  and 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 tether  18  is generally comprised of an insulating material, for example nylon. 
     The switch activating mechanism  36  moves in any direction in reference to the bar  16 . The switch activating mechanism  36  is shown as substantially parallel to the bar  16 . The only limit on the distance between the switch activating mechanism  36  and the mechanical advantage holder  24  is the distance between the pulleys as dictated by the length of the tether  18 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  comprises a single switch activation mechanism  36  attached to the bar  16 . 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 in  FIG. 3 . The switch enclosure  114  is permanently affixed to the wall surface  110 . For the enclosure  114  depicted in  FIG. 3 , the gripping means must also accommodate the panel access door  112 . The panel access door  112  must be open to actuate switches contained by the enclosure  114 ; however, the panel access door  112  inhibits 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 doors  112 . When installing on such enclosures  114 , the gripping means  20 ,  22  are extensible over the first dimension  116  of the enclosure  114 . In one embodiment, the grippers engage the regions proximal  118  to the ends of the first dimension  116  of the enclosure  144 . Mounting points may be added to the proximal regions  118 . 
       FIG. 4  schematically depicts the switch activation mechanism  36 . The mechanism comprises the two interconnected pulleys  40 ,  42 . The first pulley  40  is fixed to the fastening platform  25 . The platform  25  is substantially a flat surface for attaching first pulley  40  to the platform  25 . However, as can be appreciated from the above description, the platform  25  includes a number of features to enable it to removably connect with the adjustable bar  16  or the sleeve  27 . 
     The flexible elongated substrate  14 , such as a tether, engages, enmeshes with or otherwise communicates with the first pulley  40 , by being routed between the pulley  40  and the platform  25 . The tether  14  continues and is threaded through a second pulley  42 , the second pulley being closest to the switch engaging mechanism  12  than the first pulley. The tether  14  only frictionally engages the second pulley  42 , but has its first end  4  fixed to the first pulley  40  or to the platform onto which is mounted the first pulley. The switch activating mechanism  32  is connected to, or in registration with, the second pulley  42 . 
     A pulling force F, applied to the free end of the tether, is translated along the first pulley  40  towards the second pulley. The switch activator  12  attached to the second pulley  42  is able to overcome an opposing force F 2 , as long as the initial pulling force F is at least greater than half the strength of the opposing force F 2 . 
     The activating mechanism  32  provides 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 tether  14 . 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 activator  12  is 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. 5  depicts another embodiment of the invention. In place of an adjustable bar  16 ,  FIG. 5  shows use of a first rail  50  in slidable communication with a second rail  54 . The platform  25  is affixed to a first surface  58  of second rail  54  so as to allow for the removable positioning of the platform  25  along longitudinally extending regions of the first rail  50 . In one embodiment, two sets of parallel rails (depicted as 90 degree equal-leg metal angles, with only one set of rails shown in  FIG. 5 ) are mounted so that one rail  50  may slide inside the outer rail  54 . A rail locking device  56  is used to lock the second or outer rail  54  to the first or inner rail  50 . The distal ends  57 ,  58  of the rails terminate in a gripping means  20 . The outer rail is also connected to a corresponding gripping means, not shown. 
     The rail device  56  is designed to lock the outer rail  54  in place through the application of frictional force on the first surface  58  of the outer rail  54  and the second surface  59  of the outer rail  54 . 
     To operate the device, an operator first positions the adjustable bar  16  in 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 device  10  is attached to the switch housing or adjacent structures using the gripping means  20 . Once the device  10  is anchored, the switch captive means  12  is mated with the target switch. 
     Upon taking a safe position, the switch operator applies force to the tether  14  by, for instance, pulling at the extreme end (or at a pre-marked safe location) of the tether  14 . The force is then transferred to the switch captive means  12 , 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 platform  25  is used in conjunction with the cross bar  16 . For example, opposing switch captive means  12  are 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 tether  14 . The number of switch captive means  12  is dictated by the length of the adjustable bar  16  and additional switch captive means  12  are installed as needed on a single bar  16 . Further, in those implementations of the invention designed for actuation of several switches, the platform  25  is elongated so as to accommodate multiple actuation means. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.