Switching device

Abstract

A switching device for low or medium voltage electric power distribution network, the switching device including one or more electric poles, each electric pole including: an insulating housing extending along a longitudinal axis and fixed to a main support structure of the switching device; a first pole terminal and a second pole terminal electrically connectable with a corresponding phase conductor of an electric power source and with a corresponding load conductor of an electric load, respectively; a movable contact and a fixed contact, which are electrically coupleable or decoupleable one with or from another upon a movement of the movable contact towards or away from the fixed contact, the fixed contact being electrically connected with the first pole terminal, the movable contact being electrically connectable with the second pole terminal; a movable circuit assembly including a plurality of semiconductor devices adapted to switch in a conduction state or in an interdiction state depending on the voltage applied thereto, the semiconductor devices being electrically connected in series one to another in such a way that a current can flow according to a predefined conduction direction when the semiconductor devices are in a conduction state, the movable circuit assembly including first and second assembly terminals for the plurality of semiconductor devices. The movable circuit assembly is operatively coupled with the movable contact and moves together with the movable contact during a movement of the movable contact towards or away from the fixed contact, the semiconductor devices switching in a conduction on state or in an interdiction state depending on the position of the movable contact.