Electrical bridge attached to high current switch

A high current switch for use in connecting and disconnecting an electrolytic cell in a series connected system of plural electrolytic cells without interrupting current to the remainder of the cells of the system, said switch comprising:

• a first contact plate having a contact surface;
• a second contact plate having a contact surface;
• means for moving one of said first and second contact plates between a closed position whereat said contact surfaces are in contact and an open position whereat said contact surfaces are separated;
• and
• flexible secondary conductor means, connected to said first and second contact plates, for forming a secondary electrical connection between said first and second contact plates during movement thereof to said open position, and for thereby preventing arcing between said contact surfaces, said secondary conductor means being positioned such that movement of said contact plates to said open position mechanically deforms said secondary conductor means, said secondary conductor means having a cross-sectional size sufficiently smaller than the size of said contact surfaces such that said secondary conductor means becomes ruptured with movement of said contact plates to said open position.