Disconnect/reversing switch

Abstract

A combination disconnect/reversing switch for use in explosive environments for isolating an electrical power source from a three-phase motor or for reversing the operation of a motor. The disconnect/reversing switch comprises a handle, mounting plate, front insulator plate, mounting flange, front contact holder, moveable contact holder, rear contact holder, and rear contact retainer. The handle actuates the moveable contact holder between open circuit, or load-grounded, (or reverse in the case of a reversing switch) and closed (or forward) positions. The moveable contact holder contains three electrically conductive pin members which engage corresponding electrical contacts on either the front contact holder, corresponding to the open (or reverse in the case of a reversing switch) position, or rear contact holder, corresponding to the closed (or forward) position. The front and rear contact holders are maintained at a fixed distance from each other by three electrically conductive connector rods upon which is slideably mounted the moveable contact holder. Electrical connections are established between the pin members and the conductive connector rods by electrically conductive bus bars also located on the moveable contact holder.