Vacuum load break switch

A vacuum load break switch comprising support means having first, second and third spaced apart insulator support members, first, second and third electrically conductive terminals respectively affixed to one end of said insulator support members;, visible knife switch means extending between said first and second conductive terminals, vacuum interrupter means electrically connected between said second and third conductive terminals so that said visible knife switch means and said vacuum interrupter means are connected in series;

• a manual switch operator mounted on said support means, a grounding member mounted on said support means and electrically connected to ground;
• interconnect means interconnecting said manual switch operator to both said visible knife switch means and said vacuum interrupter means in a manner such that in a switch closing operation of said manual switch operator, said knife switch means closes before said vacuum interrupter means, and in an opening operation said vacuum interrupter means opens before said visible knife switch means;
• and said grounding member being mounted such that said visible knife switch means contacts same when in the fully open position to connect said visible knife switch means to ground.