Fuse switch

An apparatus for use in a power distribution system, said apparatus comprising:

• a first assembly including a first support having an electrically conductive portion, an arm pivotally mounted to said first support for movement between a closed position and an open position, said arm having a conductive portion which is adapted to be electrically connected to one of a power source and a load and which is spaced from said conductive portion of said first support both when said arm is in its closed position and when said arm is in its open position, said first assembly further comprising a spring biasing said arm to its open position, and a fuse electrically connected between said conductive portion of said arm and said conductive portion of said first support, said fuse retaining said arm in its closed position against the bias of said spring, and
• a second assembly including a second support having an electrically conductive portion adapted to be electrically connected to the other of a power source and a load, a moveable contact pivotally mounted to said second support for movement between a closed position, an open position, and an intermediate position, said moveable contact having a conductive portion which is electrically connected to said second support when said moveable contact is in its open position, its closed position, and its intermediate position, said conductive portion of said moveable contact being electrically isolated from said conductive portion of said first support and electrically isolated from said conductive portion of said arm when said moveable contact is in its open position, and said conductive portion of said moveable contact being in electrical contact with both said conductive portion of said arm and said conductive portion of said first support when said moveable contact is in said intermediate position.