Polyphase isolator switches

High voltage polyphase switchgear comprising, in combination:

• metallic envelope means for containing dielectric gas under pressure;
• partition means for separating said envelope means into adjacent compartments which are separated in gas tight fashion from each other;
• a set of electrical conductors in one compartment and a set of electrical conductors in the other compartment, the conductors of each set being spaced from each other and from the envelope means whereby to conduct polyphase current, a first array of spaced contacts within said one compartment connected respectively to the conductors of that set within said one compartment and a second array of spaced contacts in said one compartment, pairs of contacts of the first and second arrays being coplanar and similarly spaced, and the contacts of said second array being connected to said envelope means, a third array of spaced contacts within said other compartment connected respectively to the conductors of that set within said other compartment;
• said partition means comprising an insulator rotatably mounted about a fixed axis;
• a plurality of connecting conductors projecting through said insulator in radially outwardly spaced relation to said axis and in symmetrical distribution thereabout, each connecting conductor including contacts at its opposite ends which bridge between the contacts of said first and third arrays in a first position of said insulator and engage only said second array of contacts in a second position of said insulator;
• and
• means for rotating said insulator between said first and second positions.