Solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices include improved arc-less switching capability and overcurrent protection, improved terminal assemblies and improved thermal management features that reduce or eliminate ignition sources for hazardous environments. The solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices are ignition protected and avoid possible explosions and therefore obviate a need for conventional explosion-proof enclosures to ensure safe operation of an electrical power system in a hazardous location.

Solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices include improved arc-less switching capability and overcurrent protection, improved terminal assemblies and improved thermal management features that reduce or eliminate ignition sources for hazardous environments. The solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices are ignition protected and avoid possible explosions and therefore obviate a need for conventional explosion-proof enclosures to ensure safe operation of an electrical power system in a hazardous location.

Solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices include improved arc-less switching capability and overcurrent protection, improved terminal assemblies and improved thermal management features that reduce or eliminate ignition sources for hazardous environments. The solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices are ignition protected and avoid possible explosions and therefore obviate a need for conventional explosion-proof enclosures to ensure safe operation of an electrical power system in hazardous locations.

Solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices include improved arc-less switching capability and overcurrent protection, improved terminal assemblies and improved thermal management features that reduce or eliminate ignition sources for hazardous environments. The solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices are ignition protected and avoid possible explosions and therefore obviate a need for conventional explosion-proof enclosures to ensure safe operation of an electrical power system in hazardous locations.

A contact assembly for connecting electrically and mechanically a first terminal of a first apparatus to a second terminal of a second apparatus, wherein at least one of the first and the second apparatus is movable with respect to the other along a connection/disconnection direction, includes: a plurality of electrically conducting contact-finger-elements, each including a main contact portion configured for engaging the second terminal and an auxiliary contact portion for engaging the first terminal, wherein the finger-contact-elements are supported by a support frame of the contact assembly connectable to the first terminal or are configured for being directly connectable and supportable by the first terminal; one or more spring elements configured for acting on the contact-finger-elements so to urge the main contact portions against the second terminal when the first and the second apparatus are connected. The main contact portions of at least two of the plurality of contact-finger-elements are shifted one relative to the other in such a manner so to engage the second terminal in subsequent moments when the first apparatus is being connected to the second apparatus by a relative movement thereof along the connection/disconnection direction.

A contact assembly for connecting electrically and mechanically a first terminal of a first apparatus to a second terminal of a second apparatus, wherein at least one of the first and the second apparatus is movable with respect to the other along a connection/disconnection direction, includes: a plurality of electrically conducting contact-finger-elements, each including a main contact portion configured for engaging the second terminal and an auxiliary contact portion for engaging the first terminal, wherein the finger-contact-elements are supported by a support frame of the contact assembly connectable to the first terminal or are configured for being directly connectable and supportable by the first terminal; one or more spring elements configured for acting on the contact-finger-elements so to urge the main contact portions against the second terminal when the first and the second apparatus are connected. The main contact portions of at least two of the plurality of contact-finger-elements are shifted one relative to the other in such a manner so to engage the second terminal in subsequent moments when the first apparatus is being connected to the second apparatus by a relative movement thereof along the connection/disconnection direction.