High voltage switch with condensation preventing bearing assembly and method therefor

A high voltage electric disconnect switch comprising:

• at least one rotating electric insulator,
• the rotating electric insulator including a rotating bearing assembly comprising a rotating bearing shaft and a sealed bearing housing having an interior that contains ball bearings or rollers and bearing races for operatively opening and closing the electric switch,
• the sealed bearing housing having an opening therethrough,
• an air permeable condensation preventing vent mounted in the opening in operative arrangement with the sealed bearing housing, the air permeable condensation preventing vent configured to allow ambient air to flow into and out of the sealed bearing housing only through the air permeable condensation preventing vent while preventing the flow of water into the sealed bearing housing, but allowing air to enter and exit the sealed bearing housing through the air permeable condensation preventing vent while preventing moist air from condensing to keep the interior of the sealed bearing housing dry and free of water,
• the air permeable condensation preventing vent includes an air permeable hydrophobic membrane configured to keep the interior of the sealed bearing housing dry and free of water,
• the ball bearings or rollers and/or bearing races are comprised of corrodible and/or non-corrodible material, the air permeable hydrophobic membrane is configured to prevent freezing of water within the interior of the sealed bearing housing to prevent impairment of operation of the ball bearings or rollers and/or bearing races and the opening and closing of the high voltage electric disconnect switch,
• the ball bearings or rollers and/or bearing races are comprised of corrodible metal,
• the corrodible metal ball bearings or corrodible metal rollers and/or corrodible metal bearing races are configured to be lubricant coated for friction reduction, and,
• the air permeable hydrophobic membrane is configured to prevent deterioration of the lubricant coating by inhibiting water infiltration.