Load break switch

Abstract

A compact load break switch having at least one vacuum interrupter connected between two terminals carried by respective insulating bushings through a current exchange assembly. The vacuum interrupter is disposed within one of the insulating bushings, and a current exchange insulating housing having portions which extend telescopically into both insulating bushings, provides adequate creepage distance through air from the vacuum interrupter and the current exchange assembly to a grounded housing for the load break switch. Also, a current transformer is disposed about the insulating housing to provide remote indication of the flow of fault current through the current exchange assembly. The switch operating mechanism includes: a torsion spring which when fully charged, is capable of opening and closing the switch several times; a motor driven spring charging mechanism, for fully recharging the torsion spring after each switch operation; a solenoid actuated latch mechanism which may be remotely actuated to open or close the switch; a lockout mechanism for preventing closure of the switch when the torsion spring has insufficient stored energy to open the switch thereafter without being recharged; auxiliary switches for remote indication of the position of the load break switch; and manually-opened mechanisms for recharging the torsion spring and operating the load break switch.