This disclosure describes a hybrid circuit breaker for an industrial automation system. The hybrid circuit breaker may include a breaker switch and a solid-state switching circuit coupled in parallel. Moreover, the hybrid circuit breaker may include a disconnector switch coupled in series with the breaker switch. For example, the solid-state switching circuit may include a number of solid-state devices. A control system may provide control signals to the disconnector switch, the breaker switch, and the solid-state switching circuit to switch on and switch off the hybrid circuit breaker. The hybrid circuit breaker may enable or reduce (e.g., halt) electrical current flow based on receiving the control signals. Operation of the breaker circuit and the solid-state switching circuit that are coupled in parallel may provide reduced heat generation while providing safe switching of the hybrid circuit breaker. Moreover, operation of the disconnector switch may provide galvanic isolation.

A switch includes: a first contact and a second contact placed on an operation axis and facing each other; an urging part that urges the second contact to a first contact side; and a second magnetic material part that engages with the second contact to restrict the second contact from moving to the first contact side. The switch also includes: a conductor part that passes current when an arc is formed between the first contact and the second contact; and a first magnetic material part that surrounds the conductor part. When current flows through the conductor part, the second magnetic material part is disengaged from the second contact.

A disconnector device is connectable to pole-mounted equipment in a power grid. The disconnector device is activated in case of an overload condition, thereby disconnecting the pole-mounted equipment. The disconnector device comprises a passive radio device to be enabled via an incoming radio signal. The passive radio device, upon being enabled, transmits, in at least one state of the disconnector device, an indicator radio signal indicative of the respective state of the disconnector device, the state being one of an activated state and a deactivated state of the disconnector device.

An electrical switch includes a pivotally supported blade, a toggle mechanism, and an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism is drivable in a first direction to pivot the blade about a first axis and toward a closed blade position. When pivoting toward the closed blade position, the toggle mechanism inhibits the blade from pivoting about a second axis. Upon reaching the closed blade position, continued motion of the operating mechanism in the first direction causes the toggle mechanism to pivot the blade about the second axis toward a closed contact position. In the closed contact position, the blade contacts at least one blade contact to electrically connect the blade and a first electrical terminal.

An electrical switch includes a pivotally supported blade, a toggle mechanism, and an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism is drivable in a first direction to pivot the blade about a first axis and toward a closed blade position. When pivoting toward the closed blade position, the toggle mechanism inhibits the blade from pivoting about a second axis. Upon reaching the closed blade position, continued motion of the operating mechanism in the first direction causes the toggle mechanism to pivot the blade about the second axis toward a closed contact position. In the closed contact position, the blade contacts at least one blade contact to electrically connect the blade and a first electrical terminal.

A circuit interrupting device for use with a electrical power distribution system includes a housing containing a circuit interrupting mechanism. A battery tube is positioned in the housing. A battery assembly is configured to be inserted into the battery tube. The battery assembly includes a battery assembly body having a first end and a second end. A battery is positioned in the battery assembly body. The battery assembly is configured such that both a positive contact and a negative contact are exposed from the second end of the battery assembly body. In some embodiments, the battery assembly includes a keyed portion mates with the battery tube to ensure alignment of the battery assembly in the battery tube.

A switch includes: switch blades for multiple phases which perform three-position switching among ON, OFF, and ground, using a rotation shaft; and phase-to-phase connection mechanisms which support the switch blades for the phases so as to be insulated among the phases and against the ground, and which connect the switch blades for the phases and cause them to cooperate with each other. The phase-to-phase connection mechanisms include fitting couplings made of an insulating material and each composed of a large-diameter endless frame body and a small-diameter endless frame body which are fitted to each other. The fitting couplings are arranged on the same axial line.

A circuit interrupting device for use with a electrical power distribution system includes a housing containing a circuit interrupting mechanism. A battery tube is positioned in the housing. A battery assembly is configured to be inserted into the battery tube. The battery assembly includes a battery assembly body having a first end and a second end. A battery is positioned in the battery assembly body. The battery assembly is configured such that both a positive contact and a negative contact are exposed from the second end of the battery assembly body. In some embodiments, the battery assembly includes a keyed portion mates with the battery tube to ensure alignment of the battery assembly in the battery tube.

The invention relates to a high-voltage or medium-voltage switching system comprising at least one switching unit 1, which has a rotary switch 1A and a drive unit 10 for rotating the rotary switch, the drive unit 1 having a drive motor 9. The drive unit 1 has an actuation unit for actuating the drive motor 9, which is formed in such a way that when the drive motor 9 is operated the rotary switch 1A adopts a plurality of predetermined switching positions. The actuation unit has a switching member 17 for switching the drive motor 9 on and off and a rotatable body 16, as well as an activation element 18, which cooperates with the rotatable body 16, for activating the switching member 17. The activation element 18 and the switching member 17 ensure, together with the rotatable body 16, that the drive motor 9 is only switched on and off in particular rotational positions which correspond to particular switching positions of the switching unit 1, in such a way that the different switching positions can be approached highly precisely.

Devices, systems and methods are provided to improve communication of switch sensor and status signals between a medium voltage overheard switchgear and an intelligent electronic device (IED). A switchgear interface device is deployed proximally to a switchgear and/or junction box situated at a distal end of a utility pole. The switchgear interface device (SID) receives, processes and combines sensor signals and status signals from switches in the switchgear with metadata for transport as digital signals to an IED mounted at the other end of the utility pole. The cabling for sensor and status signals between the SID and the IED can be fiber or Ethernet. The digital signals can be formatted using the IEC61850 standard. The SID can have drive electronics and send open and close command signals to the switches to eliminate the need for a multi-pin connector cable for transport of switch power signals from the IED.