CN110600301A - Rotary interlocking mechanism of electric switch - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a rotary interlocking mechanism of an electrical switch, which comprises a power distribution device of at least two electrical switches. Each electrical switch has a switch actuator movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A rotating interlock member is rotatably mounted to the housing of the electrical distribution device adjacent the first and second electrical switches. The rotational interlock member is rotatable 180 degrees between a first orientation, wherein the rotational member allows the switch actuator of the second electrical switch to enter its engaged position while preventing the switch actuator of the first electrical switch from moving to its engaged position. In the second orientation, the rotating member allows the first switch actuator to move to its engaged position while preventing the second switch actuator from moving to its engaged position.

Description

Rotary interlocking mechanism of electric switch

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electrical distribution apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, having a plurality of switches. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a switch interlock mechanism for preventing simultaneous engagement of two functionally paired switches in a power distribution apparatus.

Background

In electronic devices, a switch is an electrical component that can open an electrical circuit, for example, to interrupt or divert current from one electrical path to another. One type of electrical switch is a circuit breaker, which is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to electrically engage and disengage a selected electrical circuit from a power source, for example, to protect the circuit from an overload or damage caused by an overload. And (4) short-circuiting. Typically, circuit breakers detect fault conditions, such as overcurrent conditions, and interrupt current accordingly (i.e., "trip the circuit"), which is typically accomplished by opening operating contacts within the circuit breaker to interrupt the current. To resume normal operation, the circuit breaker may be reset, either manually or automatically. The circuit breakers can be manufactured in sizes and configurations varying from small safety circuit breakers protecting individual household appliances to large switchgear designs for protecting high voltage circuits distributing power to entire towns.

In many power supply systems, there are applications where it is necessary to switch circuits between backup power sources. For example, many commercial buildings, residential and industrial facilities require the ability to switch from a standard utility power supply to a backup generator. A common application of this type of arrangement is known as a "diverter switch". To support these applications, some circuit breaker boxes are designed with individual circuits arranged such that when one set of circuits is switched to a conducting state, the other set of circuits is switched to a conducting state. The set of circuits is switched to a non-conductive state in an alternating manner.

In many common breaker box designs, individual breaker switches are packaged such that the switches connectable to the associated circuit are arranged in horizontally or vertically opposed series pairs. To accomplish a switching operation such as that described above, one switch is flipped (opened or closed) before the second switch of the functional pair is flipped (closed or opened). In a diverter switch application where the circuit breaker switch is manually operated, the operator will manually toggle the diverter switch to first disconnect the mains current source from the circuit and then connect the backup generator to the circuit (or vice versa). Manually operated circuit breaker switches are normally spring biased, so once the switch handle reaches top dead center.

A separately acting switch is used in the safety circuit breaker assembly to ensure that the mains current circuit is broken before a separate power supply is connected, thereby preventing power from being fed back into the mains circuit. Additionally, an interlock mechanism has been established that prevents one switch engaged with a first power source from closing at the same time as the second switch in a functional pair engaged with the other power source. Most interlock mechanisms consist of a slidably mounted flapper that is linearly movable between two operating positions. When in the first operating position, the flap prevents the first switch handle from closing while allowing the second switch handle to close. The shutter can then be slid to the second operative position, and prior art switch interlock mechanisms for serially opposed switches tend to be unnecessarily complex mechanisms requiring a large number of parts and moving parts to provide the blocking feature. The complexity of such devices increases manufacturing and assembly costs and provides higher warranty requirements for damaged devices. In addition, a large amount of packaging space is consumed in order to accommodate the linear movement of the flapper, i.e., the multiple operating positions. Accordingly, there is a need for an electrical switch interlock mechanism that prevents multiple switches in a functional group from being engaged simultaneously, while not requiring a large number of components or packaging space to function properly.

Disclosure of Invention

Disclosed herein is a rotational interlock mechanism that requires few parts and is therefore inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install. Disclosed herein are rotational interlock mechanisms characterized by an ergonomic design that minimizes physical labor and discomfort, thereby maximizing efficiency. A fully safe rotational interlock mechanism is disclosed herein that ensures that the blocked switch remains open while allowing easy connection of the unblocked switch, i.e., it is not possible to activate both switches simultaneously. Disclosed herein are rotational interlock mechanisms that minimize packaging space required for proper operation. Disclosed herein is a rotational interlock mechanism that does not require any additional/special tools to move the mechanism.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a power distribution apparatus for distributing power to a load is presented. The electrical distribution device includes at least two electrical switches operatively attached to the housing. Each electrical switch has a respective switch actuator that is movable between a respective engaged position and a respective disengaged position. The rotating member is rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent to the switch actuators of the first and second electrical switches. The rotating member has a body with a receiving portion and a blocking portion. The rotating member is rotatable between first and second orientations. When in the first orientation, the blocking portion prevents one switch actuator from moving to its engaged position, while the receiving portion receives the other switch actuator so that it can move to its engaged position. Conversely, when the rotary member is in the second orientation, the blocking portion blocks the other switch actuator from moving to its engaged position, and the receiving portion receives the one switch actuator to allow it to move to its engaged position.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a circuit breaker assembly is characterized for selectively connecting different power sources to a load. The circuit breaker assembly includes first and second circuit breakers operatively mounted in series and opposite one another. Each circuit breaker is installed in a corresponding one of two columns on both sides of a middle line between the circuit breakers, respectively. Each circuit breaker has a respective handle with respective on and off handle positions. The "open" handle position of the opposing circuit breaker pivots toward the neutral line, while the "open" handle position of the opposing circuit breaker pivots toward the neutral line. The turntable is mounted between the handles of the first and second circuit breakers. The outer peripheral portion of the rotating disk has a slot centered at a zero degree point on the circumference of the rotating disk. The slot is shaped and dimensioned to receive one of the circuit breaker handles. The other peripheral portion of the rotary member is a groove at a 180 degree point on the circumference of the disk, which can receive a circuit breaker handle therein. The rotary plate may be placed in a position in which only a selected one of the first and second circuit breaker handles may be moved to the "ON" position at a time while an unselected one of the first and second circuit breaker handles may be prevented from being moved to the ON position. The slot is shaped and dimensioned to receive one of the circuit breaker handles. The other peripheral portion of the rotary member is a groove at a 180 degree point on the circumference of the disk, which can receive a circuit breaker handle therein. The rotary plate may be placed in a position in which only a selected one of the first and second circuit breaker handles may be moved to the "ON" position at a time while an unselected one of the first and second circuit breaker handles may be prevented from being moved to the ON position. The slot is shaped and dimensioned to receive one of the circuit breaker handles. The other peripheral portion of the rotary member is a groove at a 180 degree point on the circumference of the disk, which can receive a circuit breaker handle therein. The rotary plate may be placed in a position in which only a selected one of the first and second circuit breaker handles may be moved to the "ON" position at a time while an unselected one of the first and second circuit breaker handles may be prevented from being moved to the ON position.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a circuit breaker assembly is presented for selectively connecting different power sources to a load. The circuit breaker assembly includes a housing having a switch panel. The first and second circuit breakers are mounted to the switchgear panel adjacent to each other. The first circuit breaker having a first toggle switch movable along a common plane from a first engaged position in which the first circuit breaker electrically couples a first power source to the load; in the first engaged position, the first circuit breaker disconnects the first circuit breaker from the load. A first power source of a load. The second circuit breaker has a second toggle switch movable along the common plane from a second engaged position, wherein the second circuit breaker electrically couples the second power source to the load, and a second disengaged position, wherein the second circuit breaker disengages the second power source from the load. The circuit breaker assembly also includes a rotary interlock mechanism having a disk-shaped body rotatably mounted on the switch panel between the first and second toggle switches. The disc-shaped body has opposing first and second sides, the first side of the disc-shaped body defining a slot configured to receive the first and second toggle switches, respectively, therein. The second side has a blocking wall configured to physically block the first and second engagement locations. The rotational interlock mechanism is selectively rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation.

The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. Rather, the foregoing summary merely provides an exemplification of some of the novel features disclosed herein. The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and the best modes for carrying out the various aspects of the present invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a representative electrical switch assembly having an exemplary rotational interlock mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

figure 2 is a perspective view illustration of a portion of a representative circuit breaker assembly having another example rotational interlock mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 3 is a plan view of another representative circuit breaker assembly having another example rotational interlock mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary rotational interlock mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like components throughout the several views. Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary electrical switch assembly, generally indicated at 10, and an exemplary rotational interlock mechanism, generally indicated at 12. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are provided for descriptive purposes only. Accordingly, the individual and relative dimensions of the drawings presented herein are not to be considered limiting. Also, many of the disclosed concepts are discussed with reference to circuit breaker assemblies. However, the concepts of the present disclosure are not so limited, but are applicable to any electrical switch assembly having at least two electrical switches. And then turn to the figure. As shown in fig. 1, the electrical switch assembly 10 generally includes a housing, generally indicated at 14, having a top wall 16. Extending between and connecting the first and second opposing sidewalls 18 and 20, respectively. Housing walls 16, 18, 20 cooperate to define an open interior that mounts to an electrical outlet assembly, generally designated 22. 1 is operable for distributing electrical power.

The switch panel 24 extends through an opening in the top wall 16 of the housing 14. A pair of electrical switches, such as a first circuit breaker 26 and a second circuit breaker 28, respectively, are mounted to the housing 14. The first circuit breaker 26 includes a switch actuator in the form of a first toggle switch 30 that is movable between respective engaged and disengaged positions. The second circuit breaker 28 also comprises a switch actuator in the form of a second toggle switch. As shown in fig. 3, which is movable between respective engaged and disengaged positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second circuit breakers 26, 28 are mounted adjacent one another such that the first and second toggle switches 30, 32 are operatively aligned along a common plane (one in a spaced apart relationship at 34 shown for illustrative purposes) the other for pivoting between respective engaged and disengaged positions in a substantially parallel manner. When in the first engaged position, the first toggle switch 30 pivots along the common plane 34. When in the first disengaged position, the second toggle switch 32 is pivoted away from the second toggle switch 32 (i.e., to the left in fig. 1) toward the second toggle switch 32 (i.e., to the right in fig. 1). By way of comparison, the second toggle switch 32 pivots toward the first toggle switch 30 (i.e., generally to the left in fig. 1) when in the second engaged position, and pivots away from the first toggle switch 30 (i.e., generally to the second disengaged position (to the right in fig. 1).

The number, direction and means for activating the electrical switches may be different from that shown in fig. 1, and may be varied individually, collectively and in any combination. Reference is made to fig. 1 without departing from the intended scope and spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the rotational interlock mechanism 12 can be easily modified to operate functionally using more than two switches, as discussed in further derailment below. Furthermore, each electrical switch may be activated by means other than a toggle switch, such as a push button switch or a rocker switch. To this end, the toggle switches need not be operatively aligned along a common plane to pivot between respective engaged and disengaged positions. Instead, the toggle switches may be angularly offset from each other.

According to some configurations, the electrical switch assembly 10 functions as a transfer switch. In this case, the first breaker switch 26 may be a primary main breaker that is movable between on and off positions: when in the engaged or on position, the primary main circuit breaker distributes power from a primary power source, such as a standard utility. A power source, a load; the main circuit breaker functions to cut off the power supply of the main power supply when in the open position or the off position. The second breaker switch 28 may be an auxiliary main breaker, which is movable between ON and OFF positions: when in the engaged or ON position, the auxiliary main breaker distributes power from an auxiliary power source (e.g., a backup generator) to the load; the function of the auxiliary main breaker, when in the open or disconnected position, is to cut off the power supply of the auxiliary power source.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical switch assembly 10 further includes a rotational interlock mechanism 12. Generally, the rotary interlock mechanism 12 includes a rotary member 40 configured to be rotatably mounted to the housing 14 adjacent first and second electrical switches 26, 28 to allow only one of the switches 26, 28 to move to an "on" position at a time. In the present embodiment, it will be appreciated that both switches may be in the open position at once (see, e.g., fig. 2). The rotating member 40 is rotatable between a first orientation, which may be represented as zero degrees, where the rotating member 40 prevents the switch actuator 30 of the first electrical switch 26 from moving to the first engaged position, and a second orientation. Labeled 180 degrees, where the rotating member prevents the switch actuator 32 of the second electrical switch 28 from moving from the second engaged position. When in the first orientation, the rotary member 40 only allows the switch actuator 32 of the second electrical switch 28 to move to its engaged position. Conversely, when in the second orientation, the rotating member 40 only allows the switch actuator 30 of the first electrical switch 26 to move to its engaged position.

In the illustrated example, the rotational interlock mechanism 40 has a disk-shaped body 50 rotatably mounted to the bracket, e.g., via fasteners 42, with between about half of the first and second toggle switches 30, 32. As shown in fig. 1. 1, the outermost diameter of the disc-shaped body is greater than the first and second toggle switches 30, 32 between the distances. The disc-shaped body has opposing first and second sides. The first side of the disk-shaped body includes a slot 44 shaped and dimensioned to separately receive the first and second toggle switches 30, 32 therein. The second side of the disc-shaped body, in contrast, has a blocking wall 46 that extends over and physically interferes with the second engaged position switches 30, 32 of the first or first and second toggle joints, respectively.

Although shown as having a single slot 44, the rotational interlock mechanism 40 may be manufactured with multiple slots 44 without departing from the intended scope and spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the rotational interlock mechanism 40 may include two slots 44 that are offset 90 degrees from each other. By incorporating the additional slot 44, the rotary interlock mechanism 40 can be operated using two pairs of functional electrical switches, allowing one electrical switch of each pair to open while preventing one electrical switch of each pair from moving to the ON position.

When the rotational interlock mechanism 40 is in the first orientation, for example, as shown in fig. 2, the rotational interlock mechanism 40 is in the first orientation. As shown in fig. 2, the first circuit breaker 26 is prevented from being activated because the blocking wall 46 physically obstructs the first engaged position, thereby preventing the first toggle switch 30 from moving to the first engaged position. Conversely, when the rotary interlock mechanism 40 is in the first orientation, the second circuit breaker 28 may be activated because the slot 44 receives the second toggle switch 32 therein. Allowing the second toggle switch 32 to move to the second engaged position. In contrast, when the rotational interlock mechanism 40 is in the second orientation, such as seen in fig. 2, when the rotational interlock mechanism 40 is in the second orientation, the rotational interlock mechanism 40 is in the second orientation. In fig. 1, the second circuit breaker 28 is prevented from being activated because the blocking wall 46 physically blocks the second engaged position, thereby preventing the second toggle switch 32 from moving to the second engaged position. Conversely, when the interlock mechanism 40 is rotated, the first circuit breaker 26 may be actuated. The first toggle switch 30 is in the second orientation because the slot 44 receives the first toggle switch 30 therein, allowing the first toggle switch 30 to move unimpeded to the first engaged position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rotational interlock mechanism 12 is switchable between the first orientation and the second orientation by rotating the rotating member 40 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In some embodiments, the rotating member 40 may only rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary member 40 rotates between different operational orientations while the position 40 of the rotary member remains constant relative to the housing 14. The design 12 of the rotational interlock mechanism is intended to be intuitive; therefore, it is generally not necessary to align features on the rotating member 40 and the toggle switches 30, 32. In some embodiments, however, the rotational interlock mechanism 12 includes an alignment feature, such as a raised tab or visual indicator, for operably aligning the rotational member 40 with the toggle switches 30, 32.

The rotational interlock mechanism 12 can be mounted to the electrical switch assembly 10 in a variety of different ways. As shown in fig. 1, for example, the rotary member 40 is rotatably fastened to the housing 14 via rivets 42, the rivets 42 being received in complementary holes of an elongated mounting bracket 50, the elongated mounting bracket 50 being fixedly mounted to the top wall 16 of the housing 14. In some applications, the mounting bracket 50 is not required and thus may be omitted from the rotational interlock assembly. By way of non-limiting example, fig. 3 thus illustrates a representative circuit breaker assembly, generally indicated at 210, having an exemplary rotational interlock mechanism, generally indicated at 212. The circuit breaker assembly 210 includes a plurality of circuit breakers, represented herein by a first circuit breaker 226 and a second circuit breaker 228, respectively, mounted on the switchgear panel 124. The first circuit breaker 226 includes a first toggle switch circuit breaker 230 movable between respective engaged and disengaged positions, while the second circuit breaker 228 includes a second toggle switch 232 movable between respective engaged and disengaged positions. A diagram of a rotational interlock mechanism 212. 3 includes first and second toggle switches 230, 232 rotatably mounted to housing 212 by a rotating member 240. In contrast to the embodiment of fig. 1, reference is made to fig. 1, a diagram of a rotating member 240. The switch shown in fig. 3 is rotatably secured directly to the switch panel 224, such as by rivets 242. That is, complementary holes (not visible in the view provided) are made in the switch panel 224. The large end of rivet 224 passes through a complementary hole in switch panel 224 and then deforms to expand, thereby holding the rivet in place.

One or more optional protrusions 48 protrude from the upper surface of the rotational member 40. In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 1, the swivel member 40 includes two projections 48, each of which is a square radial flange stamped from a disc-shaped body and extending generally perpendicularly from the swivel member 40. The protrusion 48 facilitates rotation of the rotary member 40 between the first orientation and the second orientation by providing a gripping surface for the operator's fingers. In another example, fig. 2-1 illustrate a representative circuit breaker assembly, generally indicated at 110, having an exemplary rotational interlock mechanism, generally indicated at 112. The circuit breaker assembly 110 includes a plurality of circuit breakers, represented herein by a first circuit breaker 126 and a second circuit breaker 128, respectively, mounted on a switchgear panel 124. The first circuit breaker 126 includes a first toggle switch 130, the first toggle switch 130 being movable between respective engaged and disengaged positions, and the second circuit breaker 128 includes a second toggle switch 132, the second toggle switch 132 being movable between respective engaged and disengaged positions. A diagram of a rotational interlock mechanism 112. 2 includes first and second toggle switches 130, 132 with a rotating member 140 rotatably mounted in the housing 112. In contrast to the embodiment of fig. 1, with reference to fig. 1, the rotating member 140 of fig. 1 comprises a rotating member 140. Fig. 2 includes two projections 148 each flange is a triangular, radially offset flange stamped out of the rotating member 140 and extending generally perpendicular to the rotating member 140. In an alternative configuration, the rotating member 240 of fig. 2 comprises the rotating member 240. The embodiment of fig. 3 includes a single protrusion 248, which is a rectangular tab that is mechanically fixed or otherwise attached to the top surface of the rotating member 240. Alternatively, fig. 2. Fig. 4 illustrates another exemplary rotational interlock mechanism, generally designated 312, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the rotational interlock mechanism 312 is comprised of a disc-shaped rotating member 340 that is rotatably secured to the housing bracket 314 by a single rivet 342. In contrast to fig. 1 and 2. Referring to fig. 1 to 3, the rotating member 340 of fig. 3 is formed to correspond to the rotating member 340. The embodiment shown in fig. 4 includes a single protrusion 348, which is a raised surface stamped out of the disc shaped rotating member 340.

The rotational interlock mechanism disclosed herein is susceptible of many variations and modifications. For example, although shown throughout the figures as a generally flat, disc-shaped component, the rotating member may take a variety of alternative shapes, such as oval, polygonal, rectangular, etc., as well as geometric shapes such as cylindrical, frustoconical, etc. Further, the rotating member may be operably attached to the housing by various alternative means, such as a combination of nuts and bolts, bushings, bearings, or threaded screws. For this reason, the attachment means need not be a separate component, but may be integrally formed with the rotary member. For example, the rotating member may be pre-formed with a male quick-fastening feature protruding from one side of the rotating member. As a further example, the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 4 has a flat edge which rests against the respective switch actuator when the switch actuator is moved into the engaged position.

An advantage of some of the disclosed aspects is that the rotational interlock mechanism requires few parts (as few as two in some designs), and is therefore inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install. To this end, the rotational interlock may be manufactured in a single die operation, which reduces material costs and minimizes production time and costs. In addition, some designs require only a single rivet to attach the rotational interlock mechanism to the switch assembly, thereby further reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the assembly process, which in turn reduces assembly time and labor costs. Another advantage of using rivets, as compared to threaded fasteners, is that friction between the connection interface and the interlocking plates is reduced, thereby minimizing the operating forces required, and therefore,

another advantage of some disclosed aspects is that the rotational interlock mechanism has an ergonomic design that minimizes physical effort and discomfort, thereby maximizing efficiency. For example, the ergonomic design of the rotational interlock mechanism may provide for greater tolerances (e.g., margins or errors) when the switch is replaced. In particular, slidably mounted shutters require precise alignment of the plate and the electrical switch for proper operation. Rather, some aspects of the present disclosure only require that the rotational interlock mechanism be generally aligned with a functionally paired electrical switch to allow an operator to change the active switch. In addition, the operation of the rotary interlock mechanism is intuitive and therefore requires no special training, thereby minimizing the possibility of improper use.

An advantage of some of the disclosed aspects is that the rotational interlock mechanism is completely fixed, thereby ensuring that the blocked switch remains open while allowing easy connection of the unblocked switch. Another advantage is that the rotational interlock mechanism minimizes the packaging space required for proper operation. While the slidable interlock plate requires additional packaging space to accommodate multiple operating positions, the rotary interlock mechanism does not change position relative to the housing and therefore does not require additional packaging space to function properly. Another advantage over the prior art is that some of the disclosed designs operate normally without the need for additional or special tools.

While particular embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations may be apparent in light of the foregoing. This description is made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In this regard, elements and limitations that are disclosed in, for example, the abstract, summary, and detailed description section but not explicitly recited in the claims should not be inferred to be incorporated into the claims by implication, either individually or collectively.

Claims (10)

1. A circuit breaker assembly for selectively connecting different power sources to a load, the circuit breaker assembly comprising: first and second circuit breakers are operatively mounted to the switchgear panel in series and opposite one another, each circuit breaker being mounted in a respective one of two columns ON either side of a mid-line between the circuit breakers, each circuit breaker having a respective handle with respective ON and OFF handle positions, wherein the ON handle position of the opposite circuit breaker is pivoted toward the mid-line and the OFF handle position of the opposite circuit breaker is pivoted away from the mid-line; and a rotary disk mounted between the handles of the first and second circuit breakers, an outer peripheral portion of the rotary disk defining a slot centered at a zero degree point ON a circumference of the rotary disk, the slot being shaped and sized to receive one of the circuit breaker handles, another outer peripheral portion of the rotary member at a 180 degree point ON the circumference of the disk having no slot capable of receiving one of the circuit breaker handles therein, whereby the rotary disk can be placed in a position where only a selected one of the first and second circuit breaker handles can be moved to the ON position at a time while preventing a non-selected one of the first and second circuit breaker handles from being moved to the ON position.

2. A circuit breaker assembly for selectively connecting different power sources to a load, the circuit breaker assembly comprising: housing with switch panel: a first circuit breaker mounted to the switchgear panel, the first circuit breaker having a first toggle switch movable along the common plane from a first engaged position, where the first circuit breaker electrically couples the first power source to the load and the first circuit breaker disconnects the first power source from the load; a second circuit breaker mounted on the switch panel adjacent the first circuit breaker, the second circuit breaker having a second toggle switch in line with and opposite the first toggle switch, the second toggle switch movable along the common plane from a second engaged position, wherein the second circuit breaker electrically couples the second power source to the load, and a second disengaged position, the second circuit breaker disconnecting the second power source from the load; and a rotary interlock mechanism having a disk-shaped body rotatably mounted between first and second toggle switches, the disk-shaped body having opposing first and second sides, the first side of the disk-shaped body defining a slot at a first location, the slot configured to separately receive the first and second toggle switches therein at a zero degree point on a circumference of the rotary interlock mechanism, and the second side having a blocking wall at a 180 degree point on the circumference of the rotary interlock mechanism, the blocking portion configured to physically block the first and second engagement locations, wherein the rotary interlock mechanism is selectively rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein the blocking wall blocks movement of the first toggle switch to the first engagement location and, when moved to the second engagement location, the slot receives the second toggle switch therein, in which case, at the blocking wall, the blocking wall prevents the second toggle switch from moving to the second engaged position and the slot receives the first toggle switch therein when moving to the first engaged position.

3. A power distribution apparatus for distributing power to a load, the power distribution apparatus comprising: first and second electrical switches are operatively connected to the housing, each electrical switch having a respective switch actuator that moves between respective engaged and disengaged positions and a rotary member rotatably mounted on the housing adjacent the switch actuators of the first and second electrical switches, the rotary member having a body with a receiving portion and a blocking portion, the body of the rotary member being disc-shaped and rotatably mounted on the housing, an outer peripheral portion of the disc-shaped body received between the switch actuators of the electrical switches defining the receiving portion at a zero degree point on the circumference of the rotary member and another outer peripheral portion of the disc-shaped body defining the blocking portion at a zero degree point on the circumference of the rotary member at a 180 degree point on the circumference of the rotary member, wherein the rotary member is rotatable between a first orientation and a second position, in the second orientation, the blocking portion prevents one switch actuator from moving to the engaged position and the receiving portion receives the other switch actuator when moving to the engaged position, in which case the blocking portion prevents the other of the switch actuators from actuating to the engaged position and the receiving portion receives the one actuator when moving to the engaged position.

4. The electrical distribution apparatus of claim 1, wherein the switch actuator comprises first and second toggle switches that pivot along a common plane between respective engaged and disengaged positions, and wherein the rotating member body is rotatably mounted on the common plane between the toggles.

5. The electrical distribution device of claim 4, wherein a diameter of the disc-shaped body is greater than a distance between the switch actuators of the first and second electrical switches.

6. The electrical distribution device of claim 4, wherein the first toggle switch pivots along the common plane toward the second toggle switch when moved to the first engaged position and pivots away from the second toggle switch when moved to the first disengaged position.

7. The electrical distribution device of claim 6, wherein the second toggle switch pivots along the common plane toward the first toggle switch when moved to the second engaged position and pivots away from the first toggle switch when moved to the second disengaged position.

8. The electrical distribution device of claim 1, wherein the receiving portion is a slot defined in an outer peripheral portion of the rotary member body, the slot configured to receive the switch actuator of the second electrical switch therein when the rotary member is in the interior, the switch actuator of the first electrical switch being received in the first orientation when the rotary member is in the second orientation.

9. The electrical distribution device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is a slot configured to individually receive the switch actuator therein, and the blocking portion is a blocking wall configured to physically obstruct the engaged position of the switch actuator.

10. The electrical distribution device of claim 9, wherein the blocking wall prevents the switch actuator of the first electrical switch from moving to the respective engaged position and the slot receives the switch actuator therein when the rotary member is in the first orientation, and wherein the blocking wall prevents the switch actuator of the second electrical switch from moving to the respective engaged position and the slot receives the switch actuator of the first electrical switch therein when the second electrical switch is moved to the respective engaged position and when the rotary member is in the second orientation.