Folding high voltage electric power switch

A foldable high voltage electric power switch, comprising:

• three phase insulators and a central switch insulator;
• three of blade arms, each selectively connecting a respective electric power tap at the central insulator to an electric power tap at a respective phase insulator;
• a platform supporting the insulators;
• wherein the platform includes a first lateral beam supporting a first phase insulator, a second lateral beam supporting a second phase insulator, and a central beam supporting the central switch insulator and a third phase insulator;
• wherein the first and second lateral beams are pivotally connected to the central beam;
• wherein the platform further includes a first and second struts pivotally connected to the central beam, each removably connected to a respective lateral beam;
• wherein the platform is configured for folding for transportation through pivotal articulation of the lateral beams and struts with the insulators, power taps, blade arms, structural beams and struts remaining attached to each other;
• and
• wherein the platform is configured for unfolding and readying for installation through pivotal articulation of the lateral beams and struts and securing of the struts beams to the lateral beams.

A method for readying a foldable high voltage electric power switch for installation, comprising:

• providing a switch including a plurality of phase insulators, a central switch insulator, a plurality of blade arms, each blade arm selectively connecting a respective electric power tap at the central insulator to an electric power tap at a respective phase insulator, and a platform comprising one or more structural beams and one or more struts supporting the insulators;
• testing and adjusting switch mechanism with the switch in an unfolded configuration;
• folding the platform with the insulators, power taps, blade arms, structural beams and struts of the platform remaining attached to each other for transportation;
• loading the switch on a road truck and transporting the folded switch to an installation location;
• unloading the switch at an installation location;
• and
• unfolding the switch through pivotal articulation and securing of the attached structural beams and struts to ready the switch for installation.