Grounding switch for use in metal-clad switchgear
OwnerSeth Bensoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A metal-clad compliant grounding/earthing switch device configured for use within conventional switchgear is described. The device is equipped with adequate and compliant insulation of all bus connections, and is configured to close during maintenance outages grounding the live parts of the circuit feed by a particular breaker. The device enables electricians to perform maintenance and repairs in the event of an outage safely, and without the need to manually install a temporary Ground-and-Test Device. An insulated clam shell is present to limit fault propagation from live components until components are confirmed as grounded prior to maintenance of the switchgear.
Claims7
A grounding switch for use in a metal-clad switchgear, comprising:
- an earth switching device, said earth switching device including:
- at least one fixed contact, said at least one fixed contact is insulated;
- and
- at least one movable contact selectively connected to the at least one fixed contact to ground said at least one fixed contact, said at least one movable contact rotating about an axis;
- a crankarm, said crankarm rotating about the axis;
- an insulating boot, said insulating boot configured to insulate a first portion of live components of said at least one fixed contact;
- an insulated clam shell, said insulated clam shell covering a second portion of said live components of said at least one fixed contact until said live components are grounded, at which time, said insulated claim shell is configured to open, providing access for maintenance to the metal-clad switchgear;
- and
- wherein said insulated claim shell is equipped with a deliberate split disposed at a center of said insulated claim shell to facilitate break-away of said insulated claim shell as a fail-safe precaution.
A grounding switch for use in metal-clad switchgear comprising:
- an earth switching device, said earth switching device including:
- at least one fixed contact, said at least one fixed contact is insulated;
- and
- at least one movable contact selectively connected to the at least one fixed contact to ground said at least one fixed contact, said at least one movable contact rotating about an axis;
- a crankarm, said crankarm rotating about the axis;
- an insulating boot, said insulating boot configured to insulate a first portion of live components of said at least one fixed contact;
- an insulated clam shell, said insulated clam shell covering a second portion of said live components of said at least one fixed contact until said live components are grounded, at which time, said insulated claim shell is configured to open, providing access for maintenance to the metal-clad switchgear;
- wherein said insulated clam shell is equipped with a deliberate split disposed at a center of said insulated clam shell to facilitate break-away of said insulated clam shell as a fail-safe precaution;
- an aluminum rod, said aluminum rod coupled to said insulated clam shell;
- a spring;
- wherein said aluminum rod is configured to convey force to said spring when said insulated clam shell is closed;
- wherein said spring is configured to convey force to said insulated clam shell, opening said insulated clam shell;
- and
- wherein said insulated clam shell is composed of polycarbonate plastic.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.