Solid state parallel arc isolating device

A high voltage contact control system comprising:

• a first main mechanical contact configured to be connected to a positive feeder line, the first contact being controlled by a drive voltage and having a first portion and a second portion that when in contact allow current to flow between them;
• a second main mechanical contact configured to be connected to a negative feeder line, the second contact having a first portion and a second portion that when in contact allow current to flow between them;
• a short circuit protection system configured to be operably between the positive and negative feeder lines and configured to selectively provide a bypass path between the positive feeder line and the negative feeder line that diverts current away from the first and second contacts, the short circuit protection system comprising:
• a first solid state arc prevention element that can operate in at least two modes;
• a second solid state arc prevention element connected in series with the first solid state arc prevention and that can operate in at least two modes;
• and
• a controller configured to, upon detection of a short circuit, cause one of the first solid state arc prevention element or the second solid state arc prevention element to operate in a fully ON mode and an other of the first solid state arc prevention element and the second solid state arc prevention element to operate in a linear mode or a fully ON mode to establish the bypass path.