The invention relates to a self-supported activation device for an electromechanical switch, which can be used for the isolation of a faulty element of a battery, comprising a set of electrically connected elements. The activation device (1) is intended to activate switching in a switching device (2) of the type having electrical contact means (3) that can move between first and second electrical positions. The activation device comprises a current sensor (6a, 6b), a retaining element (7), and at least two movable elements (8, 9) solidly connected to a coil (10). When a current is detected by the current sensor (6a, 6b) the activation device can move from a non-activation configuration, in which the movable elements are retained by the retaining element in a first position intended to prevent the movement of the contact means of a switching device, into an activation configuration, in which the movable elements are no longer retained in the first position by the retaining element and instead occupy a second position intended to allow the movement of the contact means of a switching device. The coil (10) comprises a passage space for at least part of the contact means, and each of the movable elements can rotate about an axis such as to clear the passage space, in the aforementioned second position, while remaining solidly connected to the coil.

An improved interruption apparatus includes a plurality of poles, with each of the poles including an actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator can be a fuse having a movable engagement element, and in another embodiment the actuator can be an electric coil that is operable to move a movable engagement element. The interruption apparatus has a single trip unit, and the engagement element of any actuator can actuate the trip unit to move all of the poles from a CLOSED state to an OPEN state.

An improved interruption apparatus includes a plurality of poles, with each of the poles including an actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator can be a fuse having a movable engagement element, and in another embodiment the actuator can be an electric coil that is operable to move a movable engagement element. The interruption apparatus has a single trip unit, and the engagement element of any actuator can actuate the trip unit to move all of the poles from a CLOSED state to an OPEN state.

A trip mechanism for a fuse includes a trip unit disposed within an elongated housing of the fuse, and a processor. The trip unit includes a fuse element and an actuator for severing the fuse element. The processor is in electrical communication with the trip unit, and is adapted to monitor electrical current. Responsive to the processor detecting a predetermined prescribed electrical current, the processor is adapted to signal the actuator to sever the fuse element. The processor is programmable to selectively adjust the predetermined prescribed electrical current, thereby enabling the fuse to have a plurality different current ratings.

A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism and control circuitry are provided to move the switchable contact to an open position in response to a predetermined electrical condition.

A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism and control circuitry are provided to move the switchable contact to an open position in response to a predetermined electrical condition.

A trip mechanism for a fuse includes a trip unit disposed within an elongated housing of the fuse, and a processor. The trip unit includes a fuse element and an actuator for severing the fuse element. The processor is in electrical communication with the trip unit, and is adapted to monitor electrical current. Responsive to the processor detecting a predetermined prescribed electrical current, the processor is adapted to signal the actuator to sever the fuse element. The processor is programmable to selectively adjust the predetermined prescribed electrical current, thereby enabling the fuse to have a plurality different current ratings.

A trip mechanism for a fuse includes a trip unit disposed within an elongated housing of the fuse, and a processor. The trip unit includes a fuse element and an actuator for severing the fuse element. The processor is in electrical communication with the trip unit, and is adapted to monitor electrical current. Responsive to the processor detecting a predetermined prescribed electrical current, the processor is adapted to signal the actuator to sever the fuse element. The processor is programmable to selectively adjust the predetermined prescribed electrical current, thereby enabling the fuse to have a plurality different current ratings.

A thermally responsive switch is provided with a sealed container having a housing and a cover plate secured to the housing; a couple of conductive thermal pins inserted into a couple of through holes provided on the cover plate and secured by an insulative filler; a stationary contact secured to one of the conductive thermal pins inside the container; a heater having one end connected to the other of the conductive terminal pins inside the container and the other end connected to the cover plate; a thermally responsive plate having one end connected to the housing and being configured to invert a direction of curvature thereof at a predetermined temperature; and a movable contact provided on the other end of the thermally responsive plate. The through holes are configured by cylindrical portions, only the cylindrical portions, the filler, and the conductive terminal pins being covered by an insulative resin.

A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism and control circuitry are provided to move the switchable contact to an open position in response to a predetermined electrical condition.