Zero-current arc-suppression dc circuit breaker

A zero-current arc-suppression circuit breaker arrangement which interrupts current from a D.C. power source to a load, said arrangement comprising:

• a D.C. circuit breaker having separable contacts and connected between the D.C. power source and the load;
• a bypass switch connected across the load for disconnecting the D.C. power source from the load;
• a series circuit including a switch and a capacitor power source having a reverse voltage compared with the D.C. power source and connected in parallel with said D.C. circuit breaker to provide a reverse current for reducing current flowing through said separable contacts of said D.C. circuit breaker to a zero-current level when said switch is closed;
• circuit means connected in series with said D.C. circuit breaker and said capacitor power source to prevent reverse current flow through said D.C. circuit breaker and to maintain current therethrough at the zero-current level for a predetermined time period;
• and
• command circuit means connected to detect the zerocurrent level of the circuit breaker current and to separate the separable contacts of said circuit breaker during said predetermined time period.