Multi-circuit switching device

A switching device, comprising:

• a first input configured to be electrically connected to a first power source;
• a second input configured to be electrically connected to a second power source;
• a plurality of outputs, each output configured to be electrically connected to an electrical load;
• a plurality of double-pole, double-throw switches, wherein a first pole for each throw is electrically connected to the first input, a second pole for each throw is electrically connected to the second input, and each throw is electrically connected to one of the plurality of outputs;
• a plurality of circuit breakers, wherein each of the circuit breakers corresponds to one of the plurality of double-pole, double-throw switches, each circuit breaker including:
• a first terminal electrically connected to the second power source,
• a second terminal electrically connected to the second pole for a first throw of the corresponding double-pole, double-throw switch,
• a third terminal electrically connected to the second pole for a second throw of the corresponding double-pole, double-throw switch,
• a first protective circuit electrically connected in series between the first terminal and the second terminal, and
• a second protective circuit electrically connected in series between the first terminal and the third terminal.

A system for providing power to an electrical load during a failure of a utility grid, the system comprising:

• a housing including a plurality of first openings and a plurality of second openings, wherein each of the plurality of first openings has a uniform periphery and is configured to receive one of a single-pole, double-throw switch and a double-pole, double-throw switch and wherein each of the plurality of second openings has a uniform periphery and is configured to receive one of a single circuit breaker and a double circuit breaker;
• a first input configured to be connected to the utility grid;
• a second input configured to be connected to another power source;
• a plurality of outputs, each output configured to be connected to an electrical load;
• a plurality of double-pole, double-throw switches, wherein each of the double-pole, double-throw switches is received within one of the plurality of first openings and is configured to selectively establish a first electrical connection between one of the first input and the second input and one of the plurality of outputs via a first throw and to selectively establish a second electrical connection between one of the first input and the second input and one of the plurality of outputs via a second throw;
• and
• a plurality of double circuit breakers, each double circuit breaker corresponding to one of the plurality of double-pole, double-throw switches, wherein each of the double circuit breakers is received within one of the plurality of second openings and includes a first protective circuit electrically connected between the second input and the first throw of the corresponding double-pole, double-throw switch and a second protective circuit electrically connected between the second input and the second throw of the corresponding double-pole, double-throw switch.

A method for configuring a switching device for selectively connecting a first load circuit and a second load circuit between a first power source and a second power source, wherein the switching device includes a double pole, double throw switch and a single circuit breaker, the method comprising the steps of:

• removing the single circuit breaker from an opening in the switching device;
• inserting a double circuit breaker in the opening in the switching device;
• connecting a first electrical conductor between a first pole of a first throw for the double pole, double throw switch and a first protective circuit in the double circuit breaker;
• connecting a second electrical conductor between a first pole of a second throw for the double pole, double throw switch to a second protective circuit in the double circuit breaker;
• and
• connecting the second load circuit to the second throw of the double pole, double throw switch.