Voltage transformer disconnect grounding system
AssigneePowell Electrical Manufacturing Company
InventorMichael W. Wactor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device grounding system is shown which ensures that upon disconnect, an operator will be able to visually determine that a ground has been applied to the disconnected device. The grounding system is designed to mechanically drive a linkage which is controlled by the position of pullout chassis such that when the power bus is connected to the device, the ground is removed in a fail safe manner. As the chassis is opened, a gap distance is achieved between the device and the power source after which a ground rod is driven against input contacts on the disconnected device. The ground rod remains against the contacts through the full movement of the withdrawn chassis to ensure against inadvertent contacts with live devices.
Claims10
A drawout, associated with an electric power system, comprising:
- a power device having a power connection to connect to and disconnect from a source of power;
- means, including an input terminal to said power device, for receiving power from said power source when said drawout is in a connected position;
- and
- a grounding device, controlled by movement of said drawout between said connected position and a disconnected position, for connecting a ground connection to said input terminal, wherein said grounding device comprises a linkage assembly, actuated by a ramp permanently affixed to a protective frame of said drawout, for rotating said ground connection into contact with said input terminal.
A grounding mechanism for an electrical device, comprising:
- one or more ground rods for contacting one or more electrical terminals;
- a guiderail assembly, said assembly further comprising a channel having an upper and a lower level, said upper and lower levels connected by a ramp;
- a linkage assembly connecting a roller and said one or more ground rods such that said one or more ground rods are mechanically rotated with respect to said one or more electrical terminals when said roller traverses said ramp.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.