GB157454A - Improvements in means for extinguishing arcs - Google Patents

Abstract

157,454. Schweitzer & Conrad, (Assignees of Schweitzer, E. 0., and Conrad, N. J.). Sept. 18, 1916, [Convention date]. Sparking, preventing, and arc-rupturing devices; high potential switches; bases, boxes, and cases.-The electrodes of electric switches are immersed in an are-extinguishing liquid contained in a closed container, the said liquid comprising a polyhalogen derivative of a hydrocarbon having more than one carbon atom in the molecule. The particular substances employed are tetrachloro ethylene (C2Cl4), tetrachloroethane (C2H2Cl4), pentachloroethane (C2HCl5), and hexachloroethane (C2Cl6). These substances may be employed as mixtures or solutions in any desired proportion, the last mentioned compound being dissolved in one or more of the other liquids, as it is solid at ordinary temperatures. Fig. 4 illustrates a form of electric switch embodying the invention. The switch is contained in a casing 20 provided with a safety-valve 22 and liquid level indicator 23. Leads 25 pass through insulators 26 mounted in the cover 21, and terminate in stationary contacts 24. A movable contact member 27 is secured to an insulating rod 28, which is connected to the actuating rod 30 by suitable link mechanism, a spring 29 normally holding the switch in the open position. On closing the switch a spring 34 urges a detent 32 into a notch 33 in the rod 28, thus latching the switch in the closed position. An electromagnet 31 is provided, which is energized on abnormal current conditions in the circuit, releasing the detent 32, thus acting as an overload release. The container 20 holds a body of arc-extinguishing liquid of the composition above described. The container is preferably made of fibre impregnated with bakelite.