Solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices include improved arc-less switching capability and overcurrent protection, improved terminal assemblies and improved thermal management features that reduce or eliminate ignition sources for hazardous environments. The solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices are ignition protected and avoid possible explosions and therefore obviate a need for conventional explosion-proof enclosures to ensure safe operation of an electrical power system in hazardous locations.

A device for controlling the switching of the contacts in an electrical apparatus comprises a unit inside, which are mounted a control lever in a pivot connection with the unit between two positions, a rotating element connected to the lever, and an actuating shaft connected between the rotating element and electrical contacts. The device further comprises a torsion spring mounted between the control lever and the rotating element, and a first and a second pawl scissor-mounted via a torsion spring, the first pawl cooperating with a first cam track of the lever to disengage the first pawl from a first stop and release the rotating element, and the second pawl cooperating with a second cam track of the lever to disengage the second pawl from a second stop and release the rotating element.

A protection device for an electrical apparatus to realize a degree of protection includes: a front part, which has a cutout, through which a partially insulated cable or bar is insertable; and a rear part, from which the non-insulated part of the cable or bar is extendable into an interior of the electrical apparatus. A channel passes through the front part and the rear part. A stop is arranged within the channel, on which the insulation jacket of the insulated part of a cable or bar may abut.

A device for controlling the switching of the contacts in an electrical apparatus comprises a unit inside, which are mounted a control lever in a pivot connection with the unit between two positions, a rotating element connected to the lever, and an actuating shaft connected between the rotating element and electrical contacts. The device further comprises a torsion spring mounted between the control lever and the rotating element, and a first and a second pawl scissor-mounted via a torsion spring, the first pawl cooperating with a first cam track of the lever to disengage the first pawl from a first stop and release the rotating element, and the second pawl cooperating with a second cam track of the lever to disengage the second pawl from a second stop and release the rotating element.

A safety apparatus is a terminal shield having an indication circuit incorporated therein. The safety apparatus is usable with a circuit interrupter to overlie one or more terminals of the circuit interrupter that are connected with line and load conductors and to thereby form a circuit interrupter apparatus. The safety apparatus can be employed at the line side of a circuit interrupter, at the load side of a circuit interrupter, or at both sides of a circuit interrupter. The safety apparatus can be provided as part of a new circuit interrupter apparatus or can be provided to retrofit existing circuit interrupters. The indication circuit advantageously outputs from a top surface of the terminal shield one of a visual indication and an audible indication when one or more terminals of the circuit interrupter are electrified, thereby easily conveying to a technician the portions of the circuit interrupter that are electrified.

In one embodiment, a fuse cutout cover has an integral roof portion. The roof portion covers the energized top of a fuse in a first type of cutout. An attachable roof extension covers the energized top of a fuse in a larger second type of cutout, such as a Fault Tamer™ cutout. By adding the roof extension, the same cover may be used with two types of cutouts, and there is not a large gap over the fuse, preventing wildlife from entering the gap. In another embodiment, a second roof is formed over the first roof portion to accommodate different types of cutouts. Electrical insulation between wildlife and the energized cutout is also increased.

In one embodiment, a fuse cutout cover has an integral roof portion. The roof portion covers the energized top of a fuse in a first type of cutout. An attachable roof extension covers the energized top of a fuse in a larger second type of cutout, such as a Fault Tamer cutout. By adding the roof extension, the same cover may be used with two types of cutouts, and there is not a large gap over the fuse, preventing wildlife from entering the gap. In another embodiment, a second roof is formed over the first roof portion to accommodate different types of cutouts. Electrical insulation between wildlife and the energized cutout is also increased.

Modular circuit protection devices and configurable panelboard systems include arc-free operation, thermal management features providing safe operation in hazardous environments at lower cost and without requiring conventional explosion-proof enclosures and without entailing series connected separately provided packages such as circuit breaker devices and starter motor contactors and controls.

For protecting wildlife from high voltage conductors proximate to a utility pole, dielectric covers are used to cover fuse cutouts, bushings, or other connections to insulators. Such covers include a vertical slot for receiving an energized wire so the cover can be installed using a hot-stick while the wire is energized. To eliminate leakage currents flowing across the cover under high voltage conditions, which previously led to localized melting of the cover, inner walls of the cover are molded that are laterally separated from the outer walls of the cover. The double wall design eliminates leakage currents due to the extra dielectric wall and air gap, and the inner wall is not subject to contamination from conductive pollutants. The double wall design also increases the insulating properties of the cover.

An electrical assembly including a first conductor, at least a second conductor parallel and electrically isolated from the first conductor, a component connecting to the first conductor and the second conductor, a cover including fastener slots each configured for receiving a fastener therein configured for securing the cover partially within the component, and including at least two isolation slots each configured for receiving and electrically and mechanically isolating the first conductor and the second conductor from each other and from each fastener, and a base configured to secure and align the cover and the component.