Interlock apparatus and method for disconnect switches

A method of unlocking a closed cover of a switch apparatus, the method comprising:

• changing a spring biased handle to a first OFF biased position from an ON biased position passing through a non-biased position, while maintaining interlocking members in an interlocked position;
• in response to the changing the spring biased handle to the first OFF biased position, changing a switch from a closed circuit to an open circuit position, while maintaining the interlocking members in the interlocked position;
• subsequent to the changing the switch to the open circuit position, changing the spring biased handle to a second OFF biased position from the first OFF biased position;
• and
• in response to the changing the spring biased handle to the second OFF biased position, changing interlocking members from the interlocked position to a non-interlocked position.

A switch apparatus comprising:

• an enclosure;
• having a base and a cover, the cover openably covering the base;
• at least one switch disposed within the enclosure;
• a handle in operative communication with the switch;
• a spring in biasing communication with the handle;
• and
• interlocking members, one of which being in operable communication with the handle, the other being fixedly attached to the cover, wherein:
• the interlocking members, the handle, the biasing spring and the switch having positions relative to each other such that;
• the interlocking members lock the cover in a closed position in response to the handle being disposed in a first OFF biased position, and switch contacts being closed;
• and
• the interlocking members lock the cover in a closed position in response to the handle being disposed in a second OFF biased position, and the switch contacts being opened.