Shorting switch and system to eliminate arcing faults in low voltage power distribution equipment

A shorting switch for eliminating arcing faults in low voltage power distribution equipment, said shorting switch comprising:

• a base supporting a first side and an opposite second side;
• a spring having a first end engaging the first side of said base, said spring also having a second end;
• a release member having an opening therein, said release member having a first end engaging the first side of said base, said release member also having a second end;
• a charge disposed in the opening of said release member, said charge for fracturing said release member;
• a bridging contact biased by the second end of said spring toward the second side of said base, the second end of said release member engaging said bridging contact to normally maintain said spring in a compressed state;
• at least three contacts supported by the second side of said base for electrical engagement by said bridging contact after fracture of said release member;
• and
• at least three terminals respectively electrically connected to said at least three contacts.

A shorting system for eliminating an arcing fault in low voltage power distribution equipment, said shorting system comprising:

• a base supporting a first side and an opposite second side;
• a spring having a first end engaging the first side of said base, said spring also having a second end;
• a release member having an opening therein, said release member having a first end engaging the first side of said base, said release remember also having a second end;
• a charge disposed in the opening of said release member, said charge for fracturing said release member;
• a bridging contact biased by the second end of said spring toward the second side of said base, the second end of said release member normally maintaining said spring in a compressed state;
• two contacts supported by the second side of said base for electrical engagement by said bridging contact after fracture of said release member;
• two terminals respectively electrically connected to said two contacts;
• and
• means for detecting an arcing fault and responsively activating the charge disposed in the opening of said release member, in order that said activated charge fractures said release member, which releases said spring, which drives said bridging contact to short across said two contacts to eliminate said arcing fault.