Dual breaking point electrical joint

A switch assembly for making and breaking electrical connections in an electrical circuit having an incoming line and an outgoing line, the switch assembly comprising:

• an electrically insulated platform;
• a first electrically conductive jaw mounted to the platform, the first jaw being configured to electrically connect to the incoming line of the electrical circuit;
• a second electrically conductive jaw mounted to the platform adjacent the first jaw, the second jaw being configured to electrically connect to the outgoing line;
• and
• a blade comprising an electrical insulator and a first electrically conductive plate attached to and electrically insulated from a second electrically conductive plate via the electrical insulator;
• and
• an electrically conductive element electrically connecting the first and second electrically conductive plates,
• wherein the blade is pivotably coupled to the platform to rotate between an engaged position, whereat the blade delivers an electrical current received from the incoming line via the first jaw through the first and second plates and the electrically conductive element to the outgoing line via the second jaw, and a disengaged position, whereat the blade is electrically decoupled from the first and second jaws such that the voltage of the electrical load is broken down separately at the first jaw and at the second jaw.

An electrical distribution device for connecting to an electrical circuit with an incoming line and an outgoing line, the electrical distribution device comprising:

• an enclosure;
• an electrically insulated platform disposed within the enclosure;
• a first electrically conductive jaw mounted to the platform, the first jaw being configured to electrically connect to the incoming line of the electrical circuit;
• a second electrically conductive jaw mounted to the platform adjacent the first jaw, the second jaw being configured to electrically connect to the outgoing line, the second jaw being distinct and spaced from the first jaw;
• a blade comprising an electrical insulator and a first electrically conductive plate attached to and electrically insulated from a second electrically conductive plate via the electrical insulator,
• an electrically conductive single-piece mounting hinge pivotably coupling the blade to the platform, the electrically conductive mounting hinge electrically connecting the first electrically conductive plate to the second electrically conductive plate;
• and
• a rotor rotatably mounted within the enclosure, the rotor having at least one blade slot receiving the blade therethrough, the rotor being configured to selectively move the blade between a disengaged position, whereat the blade is electrically decoupled from the first and second jaws, and an engaged position, whereat the blade distributes an electrical current received from the incoming line via the first jaw through the first and second plates and the electrically conductive mounting hinge to the outgoing line via the second jaw.