Method for interrupting a current-carrying path

A method for interrupting electrical current through a circuit interrupter, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) defining a first current carrying path through the interrupter;
• (b) defining a second current carrying path including a variable resistive element electrically in series with and upstream of an open circuit section, the second current carrying path being electrically in parallel with the first current carrying path, the open circuit section including a plurality of spaced-apart conductors;
• (c) directing electrical current through the first current carrying path;
• (d) opening the first current carrying path;
• (e) directing electrical current through both the first and second current carrying paths during an initial phase of interruption through the variable resistive element prior to through the open current section;
• and
• (f) terminating electrical current through the first and second current carrying paths by combined resistances of the current carrying paths.

A method for interrupting electrical current through an electrical device, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) directing substantially all of the electrical current through a first current carrying path within the device;
• (b) initiating interruption of the first current carrying path during an initial phase of interruption;
• (c) directing current through the first current carrying path and a second current carrying path in parallel with the first current carrying path during an intermediate phase of interruption, the second current carrying path including in series at least one variable resistance element, a plurality of conductive plates, and a plurality of air gaps downstream of the at least one variable resistance element, the current being directed through the at least one variable resistance element prior to through the plurality of air gaps;
• and
• (d) terminating current flow through the first and second current carrying paths in a final phase of interruption.