Method of constructing an electrical connector switching module

Abstract

A connector module for loadbreak operation having an insulating housing and a switch insert. The insert includes a container with a major portion of uniform diameter and a configuration such that the diameter does not increase from its outer end to its inner end, to permit the insert to be installed in the finished housing. Inside the container is a snuffer-contact assembly which has a bore lined with an ablative material. A bore contact having a gas port is attached to a snuffer tube of the assembly and has fixed to it a piston adapter for driving the snuffer-contact assembly toward the open end of the container tube in response to gas generated by arcing inside the bore. Resilient sliding contact means are fixed to the piston and press against the inside wall of the container tube to establish continuous electrical contact with it even while the piston is moving. A gas check valve member is resiliently seated against the inner side of the gas port and forms a gas retaining chamber in the inner end of the container. Matching opposing grooves about the outer perimeter of the snuffer tube and the inner wall of the container hold an open retaining ring which resiliently restrains the snuffer-contact assembly from axial movement in the container.