Patent ID: 8854174

Claim:
A fused disconnect switch for use with a retractable fuse having a terminal blade and an opening extending through the terminal blade, the fused disconnect switch comprising: a nonconductive switch housing defining an exterior fuse receptacle and a first terminal blade opening formed through the nonconductive switch housing, the terminal blade opening configured to accept the terminal blade of the retractable fuse; a line side terminal for establishing electrical connection with line side circuitry; a line side fuse terminal proximate the first terminal blade opening and configured to establish an electrical connection with the terminal blade of the retractable fuse; a switch actuator selectively positionable between a closed position completing an electrical path from the line side terminal to the line side fuse terminal and an open position disconnecting the electrical path from the line side terminal to the line side fuse terminal; a nonconductive terminal cover operatively coupled to the switch actuator, the nonconductive terminal cover movable by the switch actuator between a first position and a second position, the nonconductive terminal cover in the first position blocking the first terminal blade opening and preventing access to the line side fuse terminal through the first terminal blade opening when the switch actuator is in the closed position, the nonconductive terminal cover in the second position permitting access to the line side fuse terminal through the first terminal blade opening; and a switch interlock shaft coupled to the switch actuator, wherein a portion of the switch interlock shaft is passed through the opening of the terminal blade and prevents removal of the terminal blade of the retractable fuse when the switch actuator is in the closed position.