A switching device for low-voltage or medium-voltage applications including: one or more electric poles; for each electric pole, at least a fixed contact and at least a movable contact, each movable contact being reversibly movable between a coupled position, at which the movable contact is coupled with a corresponding fixed contact, and an uncoupled position, at which the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact, wherein a separation gap is present between the movable contact and the fixed contact, when the movable contact is in the uncoupled position. The switching device includes, for each electric pole, at least an arc-diverting element made of electrically insulating material.

A switching device for low-voltage or medium-voltage applications including: one or more electric poles; for each electric pole, at least a fixed contact and at least a movable contact, each movable contact being reversibly movable between a coupled position, at which the movable contact is coupled with a corresponding fixed contact, and an uncoupled position, at which the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact, wherein a separation gap is present between the movable contact and the fixed contact, when the movable contact is in the uncoupled position. The switching device includes, for each electric pole, at least an arc-diverting element made of electrically insulating material.

Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for detecting and suppressing DC electric arcs at a component, and are particularly adapted for vehicle wiring harnesses. The apparatus can include a detector circuit electrically connected to input and output terminals so as to be electrically connected in parallel to the component, the detector circuit being configured to detect a significant voltage spike across the component upon the component actuating between open and closed positions. The detector circuit can also be configured to transmit a control signal upon detecting the significant voltage spike. The detector circuit can include multiple circuit elements, enabling both the detection of the significant voltage spike and the transmission of the control signal, that are directly electrically connected to each other. A switching circuit conducts electricity from the power source side of the component to the load side of the component upon receipt of the control signal.

Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for detecting and suppressing DC electric arcs at a component, and are particularly adapted for vehicle wiring harnesses. The apparatus can include a detector circuit electrically connected to input and output terminals so as to be electrically connected in parallel to the component, the detector circuit being configured to detect a significant voltage spike across the component upon the component actuating between open and closed positions. The detector circuit can also be configured to transmit a control signal upon detecting the significant voltage spike. The detector circuit can include multiple circuit elements, enabling both the detection of the significant voltage spike and the transmission of the control signal, that are directly electrically connected to each other. A switching circuit conducts electricity from the power source side of the component to the load side of the component upon receipt of the control signal.

A circuit interrupting device including a loop split interrupter for interrupting a loop split circuit, and a quick whip interrupter for interrupting a charging circuit.

A circuit interrupting device including a loop split interrupter for interrupting a loop split circuit, and a quick whip interrupter for interrupting a charging circuit.

A switchgear includes a movable part capable of reciprocating movement, a movable contact coupled to the movable part, a member that biases the movable contact, a latch capable of switching between a first state in which movement of the movable contact is restricted and a second state in which movement is permitted, a part that accommodates the movable part and the movable contact therein, a fixed contact provided outside of the accommodating part, and a moving part that moves with the movable contact. The latch is switched to the second state when the movable contact has moved against the biasing force. The accommodating part contains a first region and a second region, which is on a side of the fixed contact with respect to the first region within a range of movement of the moving part. The first region has an inner diameter smaller than that of the second region.

A heat transfer system is disclosed that includes an electrocaloric element including an electrocaloric material and electrodes arranged to impart an electric field to the electrocaloric material. A first thermal flow path is disposed between the electrocaloric material and a heat sink. A second thermal flow path is disposed between the electrocaloric material and a heat source. An electric power source is in operative electrical communication with the electrodes. The system also includes an arc suppression circuit in series with the electrocaloric element. The arc suppression circuit includes an interruptible electrical connection configured to interrupt the electrical connection in response to detection of an arc between the electrodes, and a series shunt connection in parallel with the interruptible electrical connection, with the series shunt connection including a series shunt load.

A DC circuit breaker includes a case, two fixed contacts, two movable contacts, a bypass plate electrically connecting the two movable contacts, a moving block to move the bypass plate, a moving block biasing member to bias the moving block in a direction away from the fixed contacts, a thermally responsive member, a latch, a shutter, and a shutter biasing member. The thermally responsive member deforms when an installation surface equals or exceeds a prescribed temperature. The latch restricts movement of the moving block by locking the moving block when the thermally responsive member is in a pre-deformation state. The latch cancels the restriction of the movement the thermally responsive member deforms. The shutter is insertable between the fixed contacts and the movable contacts. The shutter biasing member constantly biases the shutter in a direction to be inserted between the fixed contacts and the movable contacts.

A DC circuit breaker includes a case, two fixed contacts, two movable contacts, a bypass plate electrically connecting the two movable contacts, a moving block to move the bypass plate, a moving block biasing member to bias the moving block in a direction away from the fixed contacts, a thermally responsive member, a latch, a shutter, and a shutter biasing member. The thermally responsive member deforms when an installation surface equals or exceeds a prescribed temperature. The latch restricts movement of the moving block by locking the moving block when the thermally responsive member is in a pre-deformation state. The latch cancels the restriction of the movement the thermally responsive member deforms. The shutter is insertable between the fixed contacts and the movable contacts. The shutter biasing member constantly biases the shutter in a direction to be inserted between the fixed contacts and the movable contacts.