Patent ID: 7683287

Claim:
A transformer switch, comprising: a first arc chamber assembly comprising a first member, a second member, a first channel extending between the first member and the second member, and first and second stationary contacts coupled to the second member and disposed on opposite sides of the first channel, each of the first and second stationary contacts being configured to be electrically coupled to a first circuit of a transformer; a second arc chamber assembly comprising a third member, a fourth member, a second channel extending between the third member and the fourth member, and third and fourth stationary contacts coupled to the fourth member and disposed on opposite sides of the second channel, each of the third and fourth stationary contacts being configured to be electrically coupled to a second circuit of the transformer, the second channel being substantially co-axial with the first channel; a trip assembly comprising a magnet; and a Curie metal element coupled to at least one of the first and second stationary contacts, the Curie metal element releasing a magnetic coupling between the magnet and the Curie metal element upon a fault condition in the transformer, the Curie metal element releasing the magnetic coupling upon attaining a temperature, which causes the Curie metal element to lose magnetic properties, wherein the trip assembly opens the first circuit and the second circuit upon the release of the magnetic coupling.