Hybrid switching apparatus of the withdrawable type

A switching apparatus for electric power distribution grids comprising:

• one or more first and second line terminals intended to be electrically connected to corresponding first and second line conductors of an electric line, respectively;
• a first switching unit having one or more first electric poles, each first electric pole comprising a first pole contact intended to be electrically connected to a corresponding first line terminals, a second pole contact and one or more solid-state switches electrically connected to said first and second pole contacts and adapted to operate in a conduction state or in an interdiction state to allow or interrupt a current flow,
• wherein said first switching unit is reversibly switchable between a closed condition, in which said solid-state switches are in a conduction state, and an open condition, in which said solid-state switches are in an interdiction state,
• wherein said first switching unit is reversibly movable between an insertion condition, in which said first pole contacts are coupled with said first line terminals, and a withdrawal condition, in which said first pole contacts are uncoupled from said first line terminals;
• a second switching unit having one or more second electric poles, each second electric pole comprising a third pole contact intended to be electrically connected to a corresponding second pole contact of the first switching unit, a fourth pole contact intended to be electrically connected to a corresponding second line terminal and electric contacts electrically connected to said third and fourth pole contacts and adapted to operate in a coupled state or on an uncoupled state to allow or interrupt a current flow,
• wherein said second switching unit is reversibly switchable between a closed condition, in which said electric contacts are in a coupled state, and an open condition, in which said electric contacts are in an uncoupled state,
• wherein said second switching unit is reversibly movable between an insertion condition, in which said fourth pole contacts are coupled with said second line terminals, and a withdrawal condition, in which said fourth pole contacts are uncoupled from said second line terminals,
• a first actuating arrangement adapted to actuate said first switching unit during at least a withdrawal manoeuvre of said first switching unit, upon activation by a user;
• a second actuating arrangement adapted to actuate said second switching unit during at least a withdrawal manoeuvre of said second switching unit, upon activation by a user;
• a controller adapted to control the operation of said switching apparatus;
• wherein said controller is configured:
• to prevent said first actuating arrangement from moving said first switching unit from an insertion condition to a withdrawal condition, upon activation by a user, if at least one of said first and second switching units are in a closed condition;
• to allow said first actuating arrangement to move said first switching unit from an insertion condition to a withdrawal condition, upon activation by a user, if both said first and second switching units are in an open condition.