An external switch actuator includes: a guide tube having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be attached to a door of a compartment in substantial alignment with both a hole in the door and a switch actuator within the compartment, and the second end configured to be disposed within an interior of the compartment and separated from the switch actuator by a gap when the door is closed; a coupling shaft configured to be operably placed within the guide tube, the coupling shaft having an electrical insulator disposed between an actuator side adapter and a switch side adapter, and a length equal to or greater than a distance between the switch actuator and the hole in the door when the door is closed.

Apparatuses and methods for activating a switch are provided. The switch is supported by one of a bracket and a panel and includes a switch body and a switch plunger that is moveably coupled to the switch body to activate and deactivate the switch. In one example, the apparatus includes a clamp body that is configured to be removably coupled to the one of the bracket and the panel and that has an opening formed therethrough. The apparatus further includes a rod portion having a first end portion that has a surface that includes a first concave surface. The rod portion is configured to be advanced through the opening. The surface interfaces with the switch plunger and moves the switch plunger to activate the switch when the clamp body is coupled to the one of the bracket and the panel and when the rod portion is advanced through the opening.

An external switch coupler includes: a guide tube having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be attached to a door of a compartment in substantial alignment with both a hole in the door and a switch coupler within the compartment, and the second end configured to be disposed within an interior of the compartment and separated from the switch coupler by a gap when the door is closed; a coupling shaft configured to be operably placed within the guide tube, the coupling shaft having an electrically insulative member disposed between an coupler side adapter and a switch side adapter, and a length equal to or greater than a distance between the switch coupler and the hole in the door when the door is closed.

Power switch manipulation apparatuses that allow users to manipulate power switches of FRUs mounted within storage racks in a manner free of a user having to physically reach into the storage rack to manipulate the power switches. One embodiment of the disclosed manipulation apparatus broadly includes a base member that may be rigidly secured to a portion of the frame of a storage rack (e.g., on a side or vertical member adjacent a rear door or opening of the rack at the same or similar height as at least one of the power switches) along with a tool that is movably mounted or mountable to the base member for manipulating a power switch of a FRU mounted in the rack.

A drill motor racking apparatus for remote operation of a circuit breaker is disclosed. The drill motor racking apparatus comprises: a racking adapter, wherein the racking adapter is adapted to be engaged by and secured in a racking mechanism of a circuit breaker; a gearbox having an input and an output; a flexible shaft cable having a first end and a second end, wherein the racking adapter is connected to the first end of the flexible shaft cable and wherein the gearbox is incorporated between the flexible shaft cable and the racking adapter to provide a torque multiplication required to rack the circuit breaker; and a drill adapter adapted to be engaged by and secured in a drill, wherein the drill adapter is attached to the second end of the flexible shaft cable. A method of using the drill motor racking apparatus is also disclosed.

Apparatuses and methods for activating a switch are provided. The switch is supported by one of a bracket and a panel and includes a switch body and a switch plunger that is moveably coupled to the switch body to activate and deactivate the switch. In one example, the apparatus includes a clamp body that is configured to be removably coupled to the one of the bracket and the panel and that has an opening formed therethrough. The apparatus further includes a rod portion having a first end portion that has a surface that includes a first concave surface. The rod portion is configured to be advanced through the opening. The surface interfaces with the switch plunger and moves the switch plunger to activate the switch when the clamp body is coupled to the one of the bracket and the panel and when the rod portion is advanced through the opening.

An external switch coupler includes: a guide tube having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be attached to a door of a compartment in substantial alignment with both a hole in the door and a switch coupler within the compartment, and the second end configured to be disposed within an interior of the compartment and separated from the switch coupler by a gap when the door is closed; a coupling shaft configured to be operably placed within the guide tube, the coupling shaft having an electrically insulative member disposed between an coupler side adapter and a switch side adapter, and a length equal to or greater than a distance between the switch coupler and the hole in the door when the door is closed.

The present disclosure relates to a system of assemblies for remotely actuating a tap box to a continuous access busway. The system includes a tap box having a male component with electric contacts positionable between an engaged position and a disengaged position with a continuous access busway. A remote actuator interface positioned along the tap box for being selectively attached to a remote actuator device for manipulating the male component between the engaged position and the disengaged position. The remote actuator device may be a powered actuator device or an elongated control rod wherein the powered actuator device and elongated control rod may be selectively coupled to the remote actuator interface to manipulate the male component between the engaged position and the disengaged position relative to the continuous access busway from a safe distance to reduce the event of injury due to arch flashing or electrocution.

A safety lockout device for switchgear includes a movable member adapted to be moved from a first position to a second position. A switch is adapted to electrically isolate a motor in the switchgear and a blocking arm is coupled to a shaft of the motor. In the first position, the movable member engages the switch to close the electrical motor circuit and the blocking arm is free to rotate with the motor shaft. In the second position, the movable member moves away from the switch so that the switch is in an open circuit state disconnecting power to the motor and a portion of the movable member is moved to a position whereby the blocking arm engages the movable member to prevent rotation of the motor shaft and a change of state of the switchgear. The position of the movable member relative to the switch provides a visual indication of the operating state of the switchgear.

A fire alarm testing device including an electrical-switch assembly, and internal circuitry. The electrical-switch assembly includes a face-plate with the face-plate including two screw-holes, a control knob, two voltage/resistor measuring points, a plurality of electrical contacts, and two mounting screws. The internal circuitry is mechanically and electrically coupleable to the face-plate, and electrically communicable with a fire alarm system. The control knob also includes four rotatable positions including normal, open, ground, and short such that the fire alarm system is testable by rotating the knob. The electrical-switch assembly is rated for 0-40 volts direct current and is rated up to 350 milliamps and is rated up to 3.5 continuous current-amps. Preferably, electrical-switch assembly is water resistant sealed from dust and debris. Protective caps or plugs are installed where required to prevent foreign objects into the device.