Patent ID: 7978036

Claim:
A method for safe operation of a switching device including at least one connectable/disconnectable main contact, a moving contact link, and at least one control magnet including a moving armature, the armature and the contact link being operatively connected such that the appropriate main contact is closable or openable during connection or disconnection, the method comprising: identifying a movement distance of greater than zero, which at least one of the armature and a component mechanically connected to and movable with the armature travels through after at least one of connection and disconnection; and initiating at least one device that breaks open welded main contacts, via an initiation device, when the identified movement distance is less than a distance traveled by the at least one of the armature and a component mechanically connected to and movable with the armature when the contacts are not welded and when a specific time period has elapsed after disconnection.