High voltage disconnecting switch

A disconnecting switch for a high voltage electrical substation, comprising:

• a plurality of articulated arms pivotally connected together to define a movable system, one end of said movable system being connected to a stationary support means;
• a contact head connected to an opposite end of said movable system;
• a main conducting bar suspended from a high voltage conductor, such that said contact head is movable between said main conducting bar and said stationary support means via said movable system;
• and
• a stationary arcing contact electrically connected to said main conducting bar, said contact head comprising:
• an insulating fork defined by a v-shaped splayed part for contact with and centering of said main conducting bar, and a central slot which receives said main conducting bar;
• a movable main contact for electrical contact with said main conducting bar during engagement of said main conducting bar in said central slot;
• a movable arcing contact whip including a retaining pin;
• and
• an operating mechanism for controlling said movable arcing contact whip to electrically contact said stationary arcing contact, comprising a trip lever and a finger, said finger movable between a locked position to lock said retaining pin to prevent movement of said movable arcing contact whip and an unlocked position to unlock said retaining pin to allow movement of said movable arcing contact whip, said finger being driven by said trip lever which is biased from contact with said main conducting bar.