A system including an arc flash sensor that detects an arc flash event and an arc flash mitigation device in communication with the sensor. The mitigation device includes a path of least resistance having a path input and a path output. The arc flash sensor is located downstream the output. The mitigation device includes an electro-mechanical switch between the input and the output and an actuator. The mitigation device also includes a bypass power switch device that includes a solid-state circuit interrupter and that conduct current between the input and the output in response to an open-circuit condition of the switch. A system controller is provided to generate a trigger to activate the actuator to generate the open-circuit condition of the switch, which causes the power switch device to interrupt a fault current associated with a fault event in response to detection of the arc flash event.

A device for permanently secure disconnection of an electric circuit with high currents at high voltages with an inductive load is provided. The device has a first and a second switch/switch group, connected to each other in series and can be transferred from a closed state into a separated state for disconnecting the electric circuit, wherein none of the switches/switch groups is formed such that it is capable of permanently disconnecting the electric circuit by itself, and a control unit, which actuates the second switch/switch group and which is formed such that the second switch/switch group is transferred from the closed state into the separated state after the first switch/switch group. Further provided is an electric circuit which includes the device and a voltage source, a load resistance and an inductive load. A method using the device is also provided.

A system including an arc flash sensor that detects an arc flash event and an arc flash mitigation device in communication with the sensor. The mitigation device includes a path of least resistance having a path input and a path output. The arc flash sensor is located downstream the output. The mitigation device includes an electro-mechanical switch between the input and the output and an actuator. The mitigation device also includes a bypass power switch device that includes a solid-state circuit interrupter and that conduct current between the input and the output in response to an open-circuit condition of the switch. A system controller is provided to generate a trigger to activate the actuator to generate the open-circuit condition of the switch, which causes the power switch device to interrupt a fault current associated with a fault event in response to detection of the arc flash event.

A system including an arc flash sensor that detects an arc flash event and an arc flash mitigation device in communication with the sensor. The mitigation device includes a path of least resistance having a path input and a path output. The arc flash sensor is located downstream the output. The mitigation device includes an electro-mechanical switch between the input and the output and an actuator. The mitigation device also includes a bypass power switch device that includes a solid-state circuit interrupter and that conduct current between the input and the output in response to an open-circuit condition of the switch. A system controller is provided to generate a trigger to activate the actuator to generate the open-circuit condition of the switch, which causes the power switch device to interrupt a fault current associated with a fault event in response to detection of the arc flash event.

A system for isolating a fault in a direct current (DC) grid using thermionic arc extinction. The system includes a DC grid that includes a transmission line. The DC grid also includes a plurality of current interrupters disposed on the transmission line. Each of the plurality of current interrupters on the transmission line are electrically coupled to one another in series. At least one of the current interrupters includes a fixed terminal end and a moveable terminal end. Further, at least one of the current interrupters has an arc shield housing at least two arcing contacts. At least one of the arcing contacts comprises a first conducting material that has a first vaporizing point.

A system for isolating a fault in a direct current (DC) grid using thermionic arc extinction. The system includes a DC grid that includes a transmission line. The DC grid also includes a plurality of current interrupters disposed on the transmission line. Each of the plurality of current interrupters on the transmission line are electrically coupled to one another in series. At least one of the current interrupters includes a fixed terminal end and a moveable terminal end. Further, at least one of the current interrupters has an arc shield housing at least two arcing contacts. At least one of the arcing contacts comprises a first conducting material that has a first vaporizing point.

An improved breaker for high current or voltage applications, for instance industrial and/or railways applications, is provided wherein a high current must be switched on/off or interrupted with high efficiency and extremely fast intervention times. The breaker may include a base portion including an activating mechanism including a holding mechanism and a release mechanism, an intermediate switching or breaking contact portion, including fixed contacts and movable contacts, and a top arc chute extinguishing portion covering the intermediate switching or breaking contact portion.

A switchgear having bus transfer current switching capability by a turn and twist mechanism that includes a contact system for electrical current conduction and bus transfer switching is provided. The contact system has fixed and movable contact assemblies. Each contact assembly includes main contacts and arcing contacts. The arcing contacts are for bus transfer switching. The movable contact assembly includes a current path pipe and an end piece. The current path pipe is a cylindrical pipe, and the end piece is a rectangular block. The movable contact assembly includes a movable main contact provided on the rectangular block, and a movable arcing contact provided at the end of the cylindrical pipe on a portion about the periphery. During engagement, the cylindrical pipe turns about a first axis to bring the contact assemblies proximal to each other, and twists about a second axis for engagement of the main contacts.

This limiter pole (B) for a multipole DC electrical switch (2) comprises a compartment in which an input terminal and an output terminal for a direct electric current are provided, along with a first electrical contact connected to the input terminal and a second electrical contact connected to the output terminal, third and fourth electrical contacts connected to one another in series, the third and fourth contacts being capable of being moved simultaneously relative to the first and second electrical contacts, respectively, between a closed position, in which the first and third contacts and the second and fourth contacts make contact with one another so as to allow the direct electric current to flow between the input terminal and the output terminal, and an open position, in which said contacts are located away from one another, interrupting the flow of the current between the input terminal and the output terminal. The limiter pole (B) comprises a first electric arc formation chamber in which the first and third electrical contacts are placed, a second electric arc formation chamber in which the second and fourth electrical contacts are placed, and first and second electric arc extinguishing chambers which are associated with the first and second electric arc formation chambers, respectively.

An electrical interrupter device for switching a short-circuit electrical current in an electric circuit is disclosed. The device comprises a vacuum evacuated housing (58); first and second electrodes (54, 56) at least partially located within the housing. The first and second electrodes (54, 56) are separated by a rail gap. A third electrode (52) moveable relative to the first and second electrodes (54, 56) between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position is provided, whereby an electrical arc is generated between the third electrode (52) and at least one of the first and second electrodes (54, 56) during said movement. Once generated, the arc is directed by the first and second electrodes (54, 56) away from the third electrode (52).