In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved switching mechanism and related components are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus can include a switching mechanism rated to switch at least 27 kilovolts; a housing to house the switching mechanism; an isolation point of the switching mechanism visible from outside the housing to visibly exhibit a physical open-circuit by the switching mechanism; wherein the isolation point is electrically insulated without using SF.sub.6 gas during operation. This abstract is not intended to be used to determine the scope of this patent.

The invention relates to a universal vacuum interrupter (UVI) (30) for an air disconnect switch (100) comprising a rotatable actuating arm (21) arranged for engagement by a corresponding contact (16), such as a roller, attached to the main blade (12) of an air disconnect switch (100). In particular, the actuating arm (21) comprises two rods (22) extending next to each other and adapted for receiving the corresponding contact (16) of the main blade (12) between them. The two rods (22) are movable to alter the distance between them but are biased together by biasing means (24), e.g. helical springs. As the corresponding contact (16) of a main blade (12) will be in engagement with both rods (22) during disconnection and reconnection of the air disconnect switch (100), arcing is thereby prevented. Preferably, the two rods (22) of the UVI (30) are made of aluminium.

An arrangement and a method for switching high currents include at least one vacuum switching path and at least one rated-current contact switching path. The at least two switching paths are electrically connected in parallel. One current path for a rated current is routed over at least one rated-current contact of said rated-current contact switching path, and a parallel current path for a short-circuit current is routed over at least one contact of a vacuum tube of the vacuum switching path.

An apparatus is disclosed comprising an interrupter and a first internal contact disposed within the interrupter; wherein an external terminal of the interrupter is configured for serving as a terminal in a switching mechanism; and wherein the first internal contact and the external terminal form opposite ends of a unitary conductive bar.

An apparatus is disclosed comprising a vacuum interrupter; an upper insulating shield forming part of a support structure to mechanically support the vacuum interrupter in a mounted position; a top portion of the vacuum interrupter seated in the upper insulating shield; a first lower insulating shield forming part of the support structure to mechanically support the vacuum interrupter in a mounted position; and a lower portion of the vacuum interrupter seated in the first lower insulating shield, wherein the upper insulating shield and the lower insulating shield are mechanically coupled with one another independent of the vacuum interrupter.

In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved switching mechanism and related components are provided.

In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved switching mechanism and related components are provided.

A switchgear system operable at voltages up to 27 kV includes an enclosure containing atmospheric air and a loadbreak module disposed within the enclosure. The loadbreak module includes a loadbreak module housing made of a solid dielectric material, a vacuum interrupter enclosed within the loadbreak module housing and having a fixed contact and a movable contact, and an interchange electrically connected to the movable contact. The vacuum interrupter is operable to selectively break or establish an electrical pathway between the interchange and a terminal in response to movement of the movable contact relative to the fixed contact. The switchgear system further includes a bushing coupled to the enclosure and a disconnect switch electrically connected in series between the loadbreak module and the bushing. The disconnect switch includes a disconnect switch housing made of a solid dielectric material.

An electrical assembly has an isolator function, a circuit breaker function and at least one ground electrode function. The at least one ground electrode function, the isolator function and the circuit breaker function are integrated in one and the same module. A locking unit is integrated in the module. The locking unit subjects the isolator function, the circuit breaker function and the at least one ground electrode function to mutual interlocking.

A contact assembly for an electrical component includes: a bus member; and a switching assembly structured to move between first and second positions. The switching assembly includes: a stationary contact extending from the bus member, a movable contact engaging the stationary contact when the switching assembly is in the first position and disengaging the stationary contact when the switching assembly moves toward the second position, and a switching device coupled to the bus member. When the switching assembly is in the first position, the switching device and the stationary contact are electrically connected in parallel with the bus member and the movable contact. When the switching assembly moves from the first position toward the second position, the switching device disconnects power after the movable contact disengages the stationary contact in order that electrical disconnection between the bus member and the movable contact occurs within the switching device.