A system including an arc flash sensor that detects an arc flash event and an arc flash mitigation device in communication with the sensor. The mitigation device includes a path of least resistance having a path input and a path output. The arc flash sensor is located downstream the output. The mitigation device includes an electro-mechanical switch between the input and the output and an actuator. The mitigation device also includes a bypass power switch device that includes a solid-state circuit interrupter and that conduct current between the input and the output in response to an open-circuit condition of the switch. A system controller is provided to generate a trigger to activate the actuator to generate the open-circuit condition of the switch, which causes the power switch device to interrupt a fault current associated with a fault event in response to detection of the arc flash event.

A system including an arc flash sensor that detects an arc flash event and an arc flash mitigation device in communication with the sensor. The mitigation device includes a path of least resistance having a path input and a path output. The arc flash sensor is located downstream the output. The mitigation device includes an electro-mechanical switch between the input and the output and an actuator. The mitigation device also includes a bypass power switch device that includes a solid-state circuit interrupter and that conduct current between the input and the output in response to an open-circuit condition of the switch. A system controller is provided to generate a trigger to activate the actuator to generate the open-circuit condition of the switch, which causes the power switch device to interrupt a fault current associated with a fault event in response to detection of the arc flash event.

A system for isolating a fault in a direct current (DC) grid using thermionic arc extinction. The system includes a DC grid that includes a transmission line. The DC grid also includes a plurality of current interrupters disposed on the transmission line. Each of the plurality of current interrupters on the transmission line are electrically coupled to one another in series. At least one of the current interrupters includes a fixed terminal end and a moveable terminal end. Further, at least one of the current interrupters has an arc shield housing at least two arcing contacts. At least one of the arcing contacts comprises a first conducting material that has a first vaporizing point.

A system for isolating a fault in a direct current (DC) grid using thermionic arc extinction. The system includes a DC grid that includes a transmission line. The DC grid also includes a plurality of current interrupters disposed on the transmission line. Each of the plurality of current interrupters on the transmission line are electrically coupled to one another in series. At least one of the current interrupters includes a fixed terminal end and a moveable terminal end. Further, at least one of the current interrupters has an arc shield housing at least two arcing contacts. At least one of the arcing contacts comprises a first conducting material that has a first vaporizing point.

The present invention relates to a rotary switch. In particular, the rotary switch includes a main contactor having a main contact carrier and a main cam, a shaft rotatably journaled in the main contactor and extending axially through the main contactor, and an auxiliary contactor. When the switch is rotated from the ON position to the OFF position, the shaft rotates to break open auxiliary contacts before main contacts break open upon further rotation of the shaft.

The present invention relates to a rotary switch. In particular, the rotary switch includes a main contactor having a main contact carrier and a main cam, a shaft rotatably journaled in the main contactor and extending axially through the main contactor, and an auxiliary contactor. When the switch is rotated from the ON position to the OFF position, the shaft rotates to break open auxiliary contacts before main contacts break open upon further rotation of the shaft.

A contact device includes a moving contactor, a pair of moving contacts arranged in one direction, a pair of fixed terminals, and a pair of fixed contacts. At least one fixed terminal, selected from the pair of fixed terminals, includes a contact holder. The contact holder includes a first fixed extension and a second fixed extension. As for either a current component flowing in the one direction into the fixed contact or a current component flowing in the one direction out of the fixed contact, the current component flowing through the first fixed extension has a larger amount of current than a current component flowing through the second fixed extension.

A system for isolating a fault in a direct current (DC) grid using thermionic arc extinction. The system includes a DC grid that includes a transmission line. The DC grid also includes a plurality of current interrupters disposed on the transmission line. Each of the plurality of current interrupters on the transmission line are electrically coupled to one another in series. At least one of the current interrupters includes a fixed terminal end and a moveable terminal end. Further, at least one of the current interrupters has an arc shield housing at least two arcing contacts. At least one of the arcing contacts comprises a first conducting material that has a first vaporizing point.

A system for isolating a fault in a direct current (DC) grid using thermionic arc extinction. The system includes a DC grid that includes a transmission line. The DC grid also includes a plurality of current interrupters disposed on the transmission line. Each of the plurality of current interrupters on the transmission line are electrically coupled to one another in series. At least one of the current interrupters includes a fixed terminal end and a moveable terminal end. Further, at least one of the current interrupters has an arc shield housing at least two arcing contacts. At least one of the arcing contacts comprises a first conducting material that has a first vaporizing point.

A system includes a mechanical switching device having a first moveable contact operatively connected to selectively contact a first static contact. A second moveable contact is operatively connected to selectively contact a second static contact that is electrically connected in parallel with the first static contact. The first and second moveable contacts are mechanically connected to each other to move between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position. The first moveable contact contacts the first static contact before the second moveable contact contacts the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move into the closed circuit position from the open circuit position. The first moveable contact disconnects from the first static contact after the second moveable contact disconnects from the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move from the closed circuit position into the open circuit position.