Switchgear with manual trip assembly and mechanical interlock

A switchgear apparatus configured for operation at voltages up to 72.5 kV, comprising:

• a vacuum interrupter assembly having a fixed contact and a movable contact configured to move relative to the fixed contact between a closed position in which the movable contact is in contact with the fixed contact and an open position in which the movable contact is spaced from the fixed contact;
• an electromagnetic actuator configured to move the movable contact between the open position and the closed position;
• and
• a manual trip assembly movable from an initial position to an actuated position to move the movable contact from the closed position to the open position,
• wherein the manual trip assembly includes a handle having a first rotational axis fixed in position to define a fulcrum and a first link having a second rotational axis spaced apart from the first rotational axis, wherein one end of the first link opposite the second rotational axis is pivotably coupled to the handle such that the handle and the first link provide a compound mechanical advantage for the first link to act upon and move the movable contact from the closed position to the open position.

A switchgear apparatus configured for operation at voltages up to 72.5 kV, comprising:

• a vacuum interrupter assembly having a fixed contact and a movable contact configured to move relative to the fixed contact between a closed position in which the movable contact is in contact with the fixed contact and an open position in which the movable contact is spaced from the fixed contact, wherein the movable contact moves along a first path;
• an electromagnetic actuator configured to move the movable contact between the open position and the closed position;
• a manual trip assembly movable from an initial position to an actuated position to move the movable contact from the closed position to the open position;
• and
• a mechanical interlock assembly configured to translate along a second path that intersects the first path to block and prevent the movable contact from moving from the open position to the closed position when the manual trip assembly is in the actuated position.