Arrester support and disconnector structure

Abstract

An arrester support and disconnector structure enclosed, in one embodiment, a cylindrical housing having a lower wall with a weakened zone. Electrically conductive members extend through the upper and lower walls of the housing and make electrical connection with the arrester and a ground wire, respectively. Between the conductive members is an explosive charge which is detonated by the passage of excess current, thereby removing the lower member. The cylindrical body has an exterior recess to receive a supporting strap. In another embodiment, the support structure includes an elongated nonconductive body mounted at one end to a conventional support bracket. At the other end an upper surface supports an arrester and a housing below that surface contains the disconnector, again containing upper and lower conductive members with an explosive charge therebetween. The housing surrounding the conductive members has a weakened zone which is separated when the charge is detonated by excessive current. After detonation of the explosive charge which removes the arrester ground lead in each embodiment, the arrester will still be mechanically supported by the remaining intact section of nonconductive bracket, the contour of which provides sufficient insulating strength between the energized base of the failed arrester and the grounded bracket to allow the arrester to remain energized without causing a system outage.