Safety switch having interlocking handle and door

A safety switch comprising:

• a housing comprising first and second compartments that are separated by a barrier;
• a switch mechanism in the first compartment;
• a switch assembly comprising a plurality of contacts in the first compartment, wherein the switch mechanism is configured to open and close the contacts;
• an enclosed plenum in the second compartment extending between a lower wall of the housing and the barrier, the plenum configured to receive line side conductors therethrough with the line side conductors extending through an opening in the barrier for connection to the switch assembly in the first compartment;
• one or more fuse holders in the second compartment;
• a first door connected to the housing and covering the first compartment;
• a second door connected to the housing, the second door covering the second compartment in a closed position;
• a handle connected to the switch mechanism, the handle movable between an off position and an on position;
• and
• a locking mechanism operatively connected to the handle, the locking mechanism configured such that:
• the second door is locked in the closed position when the handle is in the on position;
• the second door is movable from the closed position to an open position to expose the second compartment when the handle is in the off position;
• and
• the handle is locked in the off position when the second door is in the open position.

A method comprising:

• providing a safety switch comprising:
• a housing comprising first and second compartments that are separated by a barrier;
• a switch mechanism in the first compartment;
• a switch assembly comprising a plurality of contacts in the first compartment, wherein the switch mechanism is configured to open and close the contacts;
• an enclosed plenum in the second compartment extending between a lower wall of the housing and the barrier, the plenum configured to receive line side conductors therethrough with the line side conductors extending through an opening in the barrier for connection to the switch assembly in the first compartment;
• at least one fuse holder in the second compartment, the at least one fuse holder holding at least one fuse;
• a handle coupled to the switch mechanism that is movable between an off position and an on position;
• a first door coupled to the housing and covering the first compartment;
• a second door coupled to the housing, the second door covering the second compartment in a closed position;
• and
• a locking mechanism in the housing and locking the second door in the closed position with the handle in the on position;
• moving the handle from the on position to the off position with the second door in the closed position;
• unlocking the second door in response to moving the handle from the on position to the off position;
• opening the unlocked second door;
• and
• replacing the at least one fuse in the second compartment.