Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an electric switching unit provided with an arc-blasting unit. In one embodiment, an electric switch can be provided. This electric switch can include an arc-blasting unit with a compression cylinder enclosing a compression chamber mobile together with the mobile contacts, and a stationary piston at an end of the compression chamber, provided with a support rod made up as a blowpipe which channels the gas compressed in the chamber when the contacts separate to a nozzle that directs the flow to a separation place of the contacts so as to efficiently blast electric arcs. The arrangement can be relatively lightweight and can occupy relatively little space.

A pressure trip unit for an electrical switch, including an actuating element and at least one flow channel per electrical pole, is disclosed. In an embodiment, the at least one pole of the electrical switch includes at least two switching contacts for making or disconnecting a flow path. The switching contacts of the at least one pole of the electrical switch are disconnectable via the actuating element which can respond to a pressure generated in a disconnection zone of the, in each case, two switching contacts by an electric arc drawn in the event of an electrodynamic recoil of the switching contacts. Further, the disconnection zone is connectable to the actuating element via the flow channel, the at least one flow channel including a nonreturn valve to permit a flow only from the disconnection zone in the direction of the actuating element.

In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved switching mechanism and related components are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus can include a switching mechanism rated to switch at least 27 kilovolts; a housing to house the switching mechanism; an isolation point of the switching mechanism visible from outside the housing to visibly exhibit a physical open-circuit by the switching mechanism; wherein the isolation point is electrically insulated without using SF.sub.6 gas during operation. This abstract is not intended to be used to determine the scope of this patent.

A three-pole polymeric switch with command and protection electronics integrated into a standalone device, wherein the medium voltage interruption element, the command, control and power supply circuits are self-powered by the primary network and installed in the potential. Protection, sectioning, fault indication and communication functions are integrated into the standalone device for use both as an automation device integrated into control centers, and as a protection device against transient currents from short-circuits. The device makes it possible to either reduce the interruption time of electric circuits, thus reducing interruptions during transient events, or isolate stretches when permanent events occur. The device contains a long-range communication radio, allowing long-distance communication by sending its status to control centers, reducing the time required for identifying problematic overhead distribution sections. The device's low cost, low weight and easy installation enables the expansion of automatic control and supervision solutions of overhead electric power distribution lines.

A three-pole polymeric switch with command and protection electronics integrated into a standalone device, wherein the medium voltage interruption element, the command, control and power supply circuits are self-powered by the primary network and installed in the potential. Protection, sectioning, fault indication and communication functions are integrated into the standalone device for use both as an automation device integrated into control centers, and as a protection device against transient currents from short-circuits. The device makes it possible to either reduce the interruption time of electric circuits, thus reducing interruptions during transient events, or isolate stretches when permanent events occur. The device contains a long-range communication radio, allowing long-distance communication by sending its status to control centers, reducing the time required for identifying problematic overhead distribution sections. The device's low cost, low weight and easy installation enables the expansion of automatic control and supervision solutions of overhead electric power distribution lines.

A method is disclosed. The method includes attaching a light beam emitter to an electrical control assembly having at least one control member that is electrically connected to an electrical component, emitting a light beam from the light beam emitter across the at least one control member, moving the at least one control member between a first position in which the light beam is unblocked by the at least one control member and a second position in which the light beam is blocked by the at least one control member, and connecting the light beam emitter to a notification device via an electrical circuit. The method also includes preventing electrical current flow to the notification device when the at least one control member is in the first position.

It is provided an interrupter assembly for power distribution systems that is improved in terms of at least one of compactness, durability, synchronicity and dielectric withstand.

A device for recognizing an arcing fault in incident light that includes a sensor for detecting absorption lines of the incident light, and an evaluation unit which generates an evaluation signal when characteristic absorption lines are detected.

A central module for a three-phase electrical switching device, comprising a central plinth intended to bear a central switch module and a front face comprising control/command members for the switching device. The central plinth comprises rear fixing means capable of fixing a rear plinth intended to bear two rear switch modules, lateral fixing means capable of fixing two lateral plinths intended to each bear a lateral switch module, an actuation mechanism intended to actuate a central switch module, and means for transmitting movements of the actuation mechanism toward the rear plinth and the lateral plinths to be able to actuate the rear and lateral switch modules. A three-phase electrical switching device comprising such a central module is also disclosed.

A circuit breaker includes a pole unit with a moveable electrode and a fixed electrode. A resilient member is operably connected to a first end of the pole unit. A linkage extends from the second end of the pole unit and operably connects to the moveable electrode. A linear actuator is operably connected to the linkage and located away from the pole unit. A Thomson coil or other high-speed actuator is also operably connected to the linkage. A gap is provided between the pole unit and the linear actuator member when the resilient member is not extended. To open the electrodes, the high-speed actuator first acts on the linkage by pulling the movable electrode away from the fixed electrode. The linear actuator then actuates and increases the distance between the contacts of the breaker by pulling the pole unit toward it, closing the gap.