Medium voltage motor control center load discharge device

An apparatus for electrically earthing a load-side conductor in a controller, said apparatus comprising:

• a base;
• a lug electrically connected to said load-side conductor and fixedly attached to said base, said lug including a bevel;
• an earthing bar adapted to contact said lug and provide a ground path from said lug, said earthing bar adapted to move between a charged position and an earthed position;
• a ground connection electrically connected to said earthing bar and adapted to earth said earthing bar;
• a spring having a first end and a second end, said first end engaging said earthing bar and said second end engaging said base, said spring providing a motive force for moving said earthing bar from said charged position to said earthed position;
• a charging mechanism for compressing said spring and moving said earthing bar to said charged position;
• an actuating mechanism for releasing said spring and causing said earthing bar to move to said earthed position;
• and
• an operator for tripping said actuating mechanism.

An apparatus for electrically earthing a load-side conductor in a controller, said apparatus comprising:

• an earthing member connected to ground, said earthing bar adapted to move between a charged position and an earthed position in which said load-side conductor is earthed;
• a spring providing a motive force for moving said earthing bar from said charged position to said earthed position, wherein said spring is compressed in said charged position;
• a sliding member fixedly attached to said earthing member;
• a first member having a central pivot held in fixed spatial relation;
• a second member having a first distal end connected to said first member at a first pivot and an opposite distal end connected to said sliding member at a second pivot;
• and
• a third member defining a slot, said first pivot constrained to said slot;
• whereby movement of said third member causes said first pivot to toggle between a first position corresponding to said charged position and a second position corresponding to said earthed position;

An apparatus for electrically earthing a load-side conductor in a controller, said apparatus comprising:

• a means for electrically connecting said load-side conductor to a lug;
• a means for earthing said lug;
• a means for storing energy;
• and
• a means for releasing said stored energy.