S&c Electric Company

Edward A Steele

James K Niemira

Edward J Rogers

Henry W Kowalyshen

Buddy B McGlone

David H Devonald, Iii

Chester H Lin

James A Hansen

David H Devonald

Buddy B Mcglone

A switchgear module is provided that is assembled from one or more molded housing portions to provide a gas-tight volume for the housing of electrical components. The switchgear modules include provisions for assembly of various combinations of switchgear modules into a variety of electrical circuit configurations while maintaining a gas seal of the switchgear modules. In a preferred arrangement, the switchgear module includes bus conductors that are integrally incorporated during the molding of the switchgear module housing and that are accessible from opposite sides of the module. Further, the switchgear module includes integrally molded features for providing access to make electrical interconnections between the bus conductors of adjacently positioned switchgear modules. Thus, the finally assembled and tested switchgear modules with pressurized internal volume may be configured to provide a variety of different electrical circuit combinations of the internal components and are also capable of being reconfigured as desired into different configurations or lineups without the loss of the seal of the interior volume of the switchgear modules. The switchgear module includes a complete internal and integral system to satisfy desirable operating practices to deenergize, test and ground the circuit before working thereon. Specifically, the switchgear module includes an integral indicator with test feature, a visible open gap in the circuit which is readily observable externally to the module, and a ground position for the internal switch to ground the circuit. In a preferred arrangement, an operating mechanism is internal to the module and controls the position of either a loadbreak switch or a disconnect switch between three operable positions, close, open, and ground. The operating mechanism is charged and operated by an operating train that is connected to an operator control.

Switchgear module and configurations, and method of fabrication and

Electrical switchgear module for power distribution systems

A loadbreak switch is provided that utilizes a pivotally mounted movable jaw contact and a main stationary contact that is positioned in the middle of an arc runner. For operation at voltages 15 kV and above, the switch utilizes a shunt contact that bridges the arc runner and that is above and coplanar with the main stationary contact. A magnetic field is developed by the current that flows through a coil of wire disposed around the arc runner. This configuration when utilized in an environment of insulating gas, provides efficient extinguishing of arcs upon opening of the contacts. Further, the open jaw contact is easily visible to establish an open gap.

Rotating arc interrupter for loadbreak switch

A vent arrangement for enclosures that prevents the penetration of a pry bar. The vent arrangement includes a first predetermined pattern of openings of predetermined shape and dimensions provided at the exterior wall of the enclosure. The dimensions of the openings and the spacing between the openings are determined relative to the pry bar and the material in which openings are formed, such that the pry bar cannot fully enter the openings and such that the portion of the pry bar that can be applied to the openings does not cause any substantial deformation of the material surrounding the openings that could permit widening of the openings so as to allow full entry of the tip of the pry bar. In a preferred embodiment, to permit the maximum percentage area of openings within the pattern of openings while achieving the desired tamper-resistant characteristics, the first predetermined pattern of openings includes staggered rows of openings such that the openings of adjacent rows are not aligned.

Vent for enclosures

A vent arrangement is provided for enclosures that prevents the entry of water into the enclosure and that also prevents the penetration of a pry bar or probe wire. The vent arrangement includes a first predetermined pattern of openings of predetermined shape and dimensions provided at the exterior wall of the enclosure. The dimensions of the openings and the spacing between the openings are determined relative to the pry bar and the material in which openings are formed, such that the pry bar cannot fully enter the openings and such that the portion of the pry bar that can be applied to the openings does not cause any substantial deformation of the material surrounding the openings that could permit widening of the openings so as to allow full entry of the tip of the pry bar. In a preferred embodiment, to permit the maximum percentage area of openings within the pattern of openings while achieving the desired tamper-resistant characteristics, the first predetermined pattern of openings include staggered rows of openings such that the openings of adjacent rows are not aligned. The vent arrangement also includes a baffle plate spaced behind the predetermined pattern of openings. The baffle plate includes facilities to freely pass air, but prevents the ingress of any water than may enter through the first predetermined pattern of openings. The baffle plate is arranged to direct all such water out through the bottom of the first predetermined pattern of openings. In a preferred arrangement, the vent arrangement also includes facilities to prevent the ingress of a probe wire beyond the baffle plate and into the enclosure even if the probe wire passes into the venting arrangement beyond the first predetermined pattern of openings. In a specific embodiment, this is achieved by the provision of a double layer of wire-mesh screen or the like disposed within the vent arrangement between the first predetermined pattern of openings and the baffle plate. The double layer of wire-mesh screen is arranged in a closed path in the shape of a cage or the like.

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Chicago, IL, United States of America

Edward A Steele