Inventors:
Winthrop M. Leeds - Pittsburgh PA
Assignee:
Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA
International Classification:
H01H 3370
Abstract:
A resistor assembly, together with a serially-connected resistor break, is connected in parallel, or shunting relationship, to an interrupting assembly, and arranged so that the resistor contacts remain closed while the main power-interrupting contacts open, and thereby divert the series line current through the resistor assemblage. This reduces the magnitude of the power-transmission line-current being interrupted, and lowers the rate of voltage rise across the main contacts so that arc reignition does not occur.
During the closing operation of the circuit-breaker, the mechanical operating arrangement is such that the resistor contacts close prior to the closing of the main power interrupting contacts, so that any voltage surges occurring during the electrical charging of the transmission line are adequately controlled.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a generally V-shaped interrupting assemblage is bridged by one or more resistor assemblages in a generally-horizontal fashion, the resistor assemblage having its own series-connected break, the latter being mechanically linked or connected to the operating-rod structure of the main power interrupting assemblage, constituting one of the upstanding leg portions of the V-shaped power interrupting assemblage. In a particular embodiment, each of the legs encloses its own main power break, and the resistor assemblage may include two series resistor breaks, if desired, together with one or more series resistor elements or assemblages.