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.

Circuit interrupter devices have a first housing with a circuit interrupter, a second housing coupled to the first housing, a ground fault circuit and current transformer in the second housing. The current transformer has an open channel. The circuit interrupter devices also include at least one power conductor having a rigid or semi-rigid body with opposing first and second end portions extending between the first and second housings. The second end portion of the at least one power conductor extends through the open channel in the current transformer and terminates in a breaker load collar(s).

Circuit interrupter devices have a first housing with a circuit interrupter, a second housing coupled to the first housing, a ground fault circuit and current transformer in the second housing. The current transformer has an open channel. The circuit interrupter devices also include at least one power conductor having a rigid or semi-rigid body with opposing first and second end portions extending between the first and second housings. The second end portion of the at least one power conductor extends through the open channel in the current transformer and terminates in a breaker load collar(s).

A switchgear includes: a tank having a first through hole; a fixed contact in the tank; a movable contact capable of reciprocating between a position in contact with the fixed contact and a position separated from the fixed contact; and an operating rod capable of reciprocating in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the movable contact, and penetrating through the first through hole. The switchgear further includes: a connecting plate connecting the movable contact and the operating rod; a shielding plate disposed closer to the fixed contact than the connecting plate, having a second through hole through which the operating rod penetrates and a third through hole through which the movable contact is capable of passing formed therein; a first bearing disposed in the first through hole to support the operating rod; and a second bearing disposed in the second through hole to support the operating rod.

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 circuit assembly includes a first signal branch connecting a signal connection to an electrical load via a semiconductor switch and a second signal branch connecting the signal connection to the electrical load via a relay. When a sensor detects a polarity change in an electrical signal within a test time interval, a controller may close the semiconductor switch at a first signal time such that electrical energy is supplied to the electrical load, actuate the relay at a second signal time after the semiconductor switch has been closed, and open the semiconductor switch after the relay has been closed such that electrical energy is supplied to the electrical load solely via the second signal branch.

A gas circuit breaker of an embodiment includes a sealed container, a first contact part and a second contact part, an operation mechanism, an insulating nozzle, a pressure accumulator, and an electric field shield. The insulating nozzle is displaced in conjunction with the first contact part in a separation process of the first contact part and the second contact part. The insulating nozzle surrounds arc discharge generated between the first contact part and the second contact part. The electric field shield is attached to the insulating nozzle. The electric field shield has a floating potential during a period of at least part of the separation process. The electric field shield is electrically connected to the second contact part such that the electric field shield has the same potential in a completely open electrode state in which separation between the first contact part and the second contact part is terminated.

A gas circuit breaker of an embodiment includes a sealed container, a first contact part and a second contact part, an operation mechanism, an insulating nozzle, a pressure accumulator, and an electric field shield. The insulating nozzle is displaced in conjunction with the first contact part in a separation process of the first contact part and the second contact part. The insulating nozzle surrounds arc discharge generated between the first contact part and the second contact part. The electric field shield is attached to the insulating nozzle. The electric field shield has a floating potential during a period of at least part of the separation process. The electric field shield is electrically connected to the second contact part such that the electric field shield has the same potential in a completely open electrode state in which separation between the first contact part and the second contact part is terminated.

A power switch module including a switch element, an electromagnetic relay (EMR) and a switching circuit is provided. A first terminal of the switch element is grounded. A control terminal of the switch element receives a driving signal. First control terminals of the switching circuit and the EMR are coupled to a DC power. Second control terminals of the switching circuit and the EMR are coupled to a second terminal of the switch element. Power input terminals of the switching circuit and the EMR are coupled to each other and coupled to an input terminal of the power switch module. Power output terminals of the switching circuit and the EMR are coupled to each other and coupled to an output terminal of the power switch module. The switching circuit is configured to prevent an arc phenomenon caused on the EMR when the EMR is turned on or turned off.

A power switch module including a switch element, an electromagnetic relay (EMR) and a switching circuit is provided. A first terminal of the switch element is grounded. A control terminal of the switch element receives a driving signal. First control terminals of the switching circuit and the EMR are coupled to a DC power. Second control terminals of the switching circuit and the EMR are coupled to a second terminal of the switch element. Power input terminals of the switching circuit and the EMR are coupled to each other and coupled to an input terminal of the power switch module. Power output terminals of the switching circuit and the EMR are coupled to each other and coupled to an output terminal of the power switch module. The switching circuit is configured to prevent an arc phenomenon caused on the EMR when the EMR is turned on or turned off.