US1214079A

US1214079A - Convertible cut-out switch.

Info

Publication number: US1214079A
Application number: US2602215A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph Sachs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1915-05-05
Filing date: 1915-05-05
Publication date: 1917-01-30
Anticipated expiration: 1934-01-30

Description

@www l. SACHS. CONVERTIBLE CUT-OUT SWITCH. APPLICATION min A1AY5. 1915.

Patented Jan. 30, 1917.

,l /0 la 4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

yam. 5

I. SACHS. CONVERTIBLE CUT-OUT SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 5,19I5.

Patented Jan. 30, T917 4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

wif/71515555 J. SACHS.

CONVERTIBLE CUT-OUT SWITCH. APPLICATION .FILED MAY 5.'1915.

ii E:

E if

InvEn r Amm@ 31 @M m9 Patented Jan. 30,1917. l

9V 9 4 SHEETS-*SHEET 3- I. SACHS.

CONVERTIBLE CUT-OUT SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 5. ISIS.

Patented Jan. 30, 1917.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

GD@ 'Z4 Iven fr y dise@ Sachs.

Afm/ne forms of cut out switches, possesses JOSEPH SACHS, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

CONVERTIBLE CUT-OUT SWITCH.

Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 30, i917.

Application led May 5, 1915. Serial No. 26,022.

of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements 1n Convertible Cut-Out Switches, of which the following isA a specification.

This invention relates to what I shall for convenience term a convertible cut out switch, the principal object ofthe invention being the provision of an appliance which can when required subserve all the functions of an ordinary cut out switch, but which can in a simple and highly advantageous manner be readily and quickly converted into a meter testing cut out switch and service connection appliance. Preferably the appliance comprises as a part thereof a switch of suitable character and polarity combined with an automatic cut out or protective device which will usually but not necessarily be of fuse type and of a polarity suitable to the switch device. In the ordinary cut out switches, the cut out, generally of the fusible type, has been mounted on the same base with the switch, the cut out and switching elements of the device being permanently connected and forming one complete unchangeable device. The cut out switch and meter testing appliance of my invention while possessing the protective cut out features and the switching features of the old the additional and very important advantage of convertibility into a meter testing cut out switch using the cut out and the switching elements or means in their switching and protective capacity, while at the same time permitting the elements mentioned in conjunction with other means comprising the appliance of my invention to be utilized for efficient, expeditious and precise meter testing. I do not restrict myself to any particular means by which the cut out switch can be converted into a meter testing switch. To produce this result I provide means whereby the meter coil is inserted between the cut out and the switch. It will be clear that when so inserted, the cut out will be on one side of the coil and the swltch on the other side of the coil. It will also be understood that for instance in ay two-wire circuit where the meter has only a single coil, provision need only be made for connecting in the single coil in the manner above described. In other cases, for instance in a three-wire meter having two coils, provision is made for connecting both coils in the manner discussed. These two coils of the three-wire meter would be in the two outside wires of the three-wire circuit, and consequently they would be inserted between the cut out and the switching member of the switch controlling .each of the two outside wires of the three-wire circuit.

In the particular form of the invention herein sho-wn, I have obtained the desired result as above stated by placing the cut out member which is shown in the form ofla fuse on the side of the switching member of the switch to which it is connected either through the medium of the inserted meter coil or through the medium of what I cLl a cross over, which latter is used when the cut out switch does not function for meter testing purposes. It Will be understood that such a cross over would be used in connecting the cut out with the switching member of the switch whenever the device is to be used as a cut out switch only and that whereever a meter coil is to be connected to the device so that it may function as a meter testing cut out switch, then one or more cross overs will be dismounted and the meter coil be connected from the cut out to the switching member in its place. From the above statements it is clear that the current flow when the device is used as a cut out switch (nonmeter testing), is through the cut out to the switch or vice versa. The connection between the cut out and the switch to provide a series current flow just mentioned may as stated be made and is shown as being made in the particular embodiment of my invention herein shown by so-called cross overs connectible and demountable for the purposes stated, but it will be understood that I may provide any other means for so connecting the cut out and switch that there may be inserted between these two elements or means or placed in series with them, a meter coil when the appliance is to serve as a meter testing cut out switch.

It will be clear also that when the device has been prepared to serve as a meter testing cut out switch, it will also be provided with suitable means for the connection to such of the contacts and terminals of the appropriate meter testing appliances. Such means, however, are not necessary when the appliance merely serves as a cut out switch (non-meter testing). However, as will be appreciated from the showing of the particular embodiment herein shown and described, the aforesaid testing device coacting means may be used when the device is prepared for either service.

As will be understood from what I have already noted I have shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part'of the present specification one of the many different forms of embodiment of the invention. In these drawings, however, I vhave shown a two-pole cut out switch and a three-pole cut out switch, which differ merely in their polarity and each convertible in the manner fully set forth. I do not restrict myself to the disclosure made; I may depart therefrom in many particulars within the scope of the invention defined by the claims following the description of said disclosure.

Referring to said drawings: Figure 1 is a face view of a three-wire cut out switch convertible into either a three-wire cut out switch (non-meter testing) or into a meter testing cut out switch. Fig. 2 is an elevation as seen from the lower part of Fig. l. Figs. 3 and 4 are views corresponding to Figs. 1 and 2 respectively of a two-pole apliance the a i )liance havin@ been converted to serve as a meter testing cut out switch. Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are details of certain testing devices hereinafter more particularly described. Fig. 8 is a face view of the cut out switch shown in Fig. l which has been converted into a meter testing cut out switch to serve on a three-wire circuit with two meter coils. F ig. 9 is a similar view with the testing devices of Figs. 5, G and 7 connected thereto. Figs. l0 and 11 are diagrams showing the normal connections of the appliances shown in Fig. 3 (the two wire meter testing cut out switch) and the device shown in Fig. S (the three-wire meter testing cut out switch) respectively. The connections show the normal arrangement of each of the appliances in relation to the meter and circuits and wires of that particular installation. Figs. 12 'and 13 are diagrams showing the appliances of Figs. 10 and l1 respectively conditioned for testing the meter connected with the respective appliances. The testing circuits. wires and devices are shown by the dotted lines, while the normal connections are shown b v full lines.

Like characters refer to throughout the several figures.

As I have already noted there may be any number of poles. For example in Figs. l and 2 I have shown the appliance arranged to serve as a cut out switch (nontesting), the movable switching device denoted in a general way by 2 having three arms, branches or blades as 3. This movable switching device or switch 2 is assolike parts ciated with suitable contacts as4, there being one pair of contacts for each arm or blade of the switching device. These contacts may be mounted in any desirable way, for example on the base 5 of some insulating material, such as porcelain. In the construction shown this base 5 also serves as a support for one or more cut out elements, although this .may not always be necessary. As will be inferred, the contacts operatively associated with each of the branches or blades 3 of the switching de,- vice 2 may be of a'ny desirable character, although those illustrated are of two-lip clip type, each branch, blade or arm 3 at one end thereof being pivoted as at 6 be tween the lips of a copcrating Contact and being projectable into and from between the lips of the complemental contact o-f that pair. In the construction shown, therefore, the switching device 2 is mounted for'swinging movement to permit it to bc brought in alternation to circuit opening and closing position. Associated with each of the contacts 4 is wire connecting means of some suitable kind, such as that denoted in a general way by 7 in each case. The contacts may be connected to the insulating base 5 in any of the ways familiar in this art. The blades, branches or arms 3 are connected in some convenient way by a transverse operating member as 8 usually of some insulating material or at least insulated from the several blades and which may if desired, be provided with a handle 9 to facilitate its operation.

'hile the switch under consideration is of three-pole or three-wire construction and adapted to close and open the three wires of a three-wire circuit, the cut out means cooperating with the switch means may vary. That is to say there may be a separate cut out element for each pole controlled by the switch, or if desired only certain poles or wires of the circuit controlled by the switch may be thus equipped. In the particular showing now under consideration, the two outside poles or wires are furnished with cut out elements or means. ,The neutral pole is free of cut out means, but as will be understood and appreciated there may be instances where I may providethe neutral or central wire controlled by the switch with a cut out element or means. As will be obvious in the case of a three-wire appliance, cut out means or elements may be provided in such of the wires or poles as the conditions necessitate.

The switch means or switch and the cut out means are both mounted in the particular showing under consideration on a common base which is naturally of advantage, but which is not always essential. While the switch means and the cut out means may be positioned relatively one to the other in Lamme any desired relationship to function in the manner and for the* purpose described, I prefer to place the cut out means at the side of the switchv means as represented in Figs. 1 and 2. Furthermore I find it desirable to place each cut out element for a particular wire or pole of the circuit, adjacent to the branch, arm or blade 3 controlling that particular wire of the circuit. Consequently where as shown in a three-wire appliance only two of the wires are fused, the cut out element for each of the fused wires the two outside wires of the three wire circuit) are placed one on each side of the switch or switch means 2. Consequently each single pole or single wire cut out element is immediately adjacent to its complemental switch, arm, branch or blade 3. lVhen the third or neutral wire of the three wire switch is also fused, this cut out element may be placed inA any desired location.

As I have already observed, the cut outs may be of any suitable nature. l'prefer, however, that they be fuse cut outs, and that they be fixed; that is to say, they play no part in actual function of switching; in other words, they are non-switching or circuit cont-rolling elements except so far asA their functioning to automatically open the circuit under excess current or other abnormal conditions. When l speak of these cut out elements as being fixed, l do not mean to imply that no part of them is movable. `What l do mean is that the cut out element is in fixed relation when operatively associated with the 'other elements of the complete appliance and does not function and is not movable as a switching element. `While l have stated that l prefer to have the cutout element or elements of fuse character, it will be understood thatl any type or style of fuses may be employed; for instance.; --there may be link fuses or inclosed fuses. or as l have shown plug fuses of the common Edison screw plug type. Each cutout element denoted in a general way by 1() will comprise suitable contacts and connecting lneans held together on an insulating base which in the particular showing is a part of the insulating base 5. l have shown the cut out elements as being adapted to use the well-known screw plug fuses, and the manner in which these are received into and carried by the contacts of the-base portion of the cut. out element is well understood. llach of the cut out elements 10 is provided with terminal connecting means 11 at one end and connecting means 1Q at the other end. Each of the cut out elements or single pole fusev devices is connected at one end to one of the contacts of the immediately adjacent switch branch. blade or arm 3 by what may he conveniently termed a cross over as 13.

This cross over consists of a metal stamping and 1s adapted at its terminals to be clamped to the connecting means associated with the aforesaid parts. cross over 13 is connected at one terminal with the connecting means 12vof-a out out element 10 and is connected at. its other terminal with the wire connecting means 7 associated with the rupturing contact 4, thus providing a direct current path between the clamped firmly in place by the nuts or equivalent means of the two connecting means to which I have already alluded.

lli/here a cut out element or single pole fuse device is used in complemental or cooperative relation with a switch blade, arm or branch, in one of the wires or poles of a circuit, the current may enter either through the cut out element and pass to the switch arm adjacent thereto, or the reverse may be the case. lin either instance, the current crosses over from one to the other of these elements by the cross over when present. So long as the complete appliance serves merely as a cut out switch (non-testing), it

does not matter in which direction the cur rent passes. When the device serves as a meter testing cut out switch and the current crosses from one element to the other through a meter coil instead of through the cross over, then it is important that the current enters or the service be connected to the cut out element. Current now passes through the cut out element through the meter coil and to the arm, blade or branch or switch element adjacent thereto. lt may,

therefore, be said that the cut out element is on the service side and the switch element referred to is on the load side. TVhile this relationship of the elements refers particularly to their functioning in the device when 1?- arranged as a meter testing ,cut out switch, the elements may be referred to in this manner under any other condition, although they may serve reversely.

ln Figs. 3 and 4 l have shown a two-pole appliance. rfhe only difference between the appliance shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and that represented in Figs. 3 and l is in the number of poles of the switch device, there being only two in the appliance shown in Figs. 3 and 4, instead of three as that shown in `Figs. l and 2. For this reason l shall denote the parts shown in Figs. 3 and l with the same characters plus a prime mark the corresponding parts in Figs. 1 and 2. As will be lin the device shown each` lli) obvious, it is necessary in testing, and when a cross over or cross overs are dismounted by unscrewing the nut or nuts of the particular cross over, and to substitute, theret'or, means associable with testing means, aud there are other places where these testing means are to be applied. The testing device receiving means are also placed at these points. These testing device receiving means as will he clear, may be of any suitable nature and the hollow or socketfnuts 14 and Il may be provided. In the three-pole switch the socket nuts are denoted b v l-l and in the two-pole the socket nuts are denoted by 14. These socket nuts are not shown as mounted in Figs. 1 and 2 illustrative of the three-pole appliance but are represented operatively positioned in Figs. 8 and 9 where the threepole appliance has been converted into a meter testing cut out switch. In Figs. Sand 4 the two-pole appliance there shown lhas been converted to serve, in a two-wire circuit having a single coil two wire meter, as a. meter testing cut out switch.

Fig. 8 shows 'the three-pole appliance of Figs. l and 2 with both Crossovers 13 dismounted or removed and the socket nuts 1l appropriately placed for testing. I have described one form of a convertible cut out switch or appliance or a switch and'cut out device interchangeably usable as a cut out switch and as a meter testing cut out switch. When the appliance is used as a meter testing cut out switch I may, as will be evident, employ in conjunction therewith or as a part thereof the necessary adjuncts to carry into effect the testing operation. The hollow or socketed nuts to which I have alluded meet, as one illustration, advantageously the desired requirements. As will be also understood, the testing appurtenances themselves may be of any suitable kind, although those shown and now to be described meet the required conditions.

In order to make the usual test of the meter installed with a meter testing cut out switch appliance such as here shown, I ha ve found it desirable to use certain styles ot' testing plugs, cables or as they may be called testing devices. These are generally of three kinds among which is a by-pass or jumper such as 15 which comprises two plug terminals with their insulated handles connected by a tleXible cable, wire or cord, the cord being intersected by a plug receiving socket as shown in my application for patent for service and meter testing and connection block, iiled December 14, 1914. Serial No. 877,113. The purpose of this intermediate socket inserted in the iiexible cable connecting the two plugs of this by-pass or jumper 15, is to provide some means whereby potential plug connection may be made with the jumper or by-pass. This potential plug may be that shown in Fig. 4 and denoted by 16 consisting of a plug with an` insulating handle and a flexible cable connected thereto. The main testing plug and cable 1s as shown in Fig. 5 and denoted in a general way by 17 consisting of a plug with its insulating handle and connected flexible cable serving in the main testing circuit.

In Fig. 8 I have shown a three-pole meter testing cut out switch with the cross overs removed and the testing device receiving socketed nuts 14 applied. In this condition the appliance is ready to be connected into a service. In Fig. 9 the appliance as shown in its meter testing converted form, is now shown connected to the service, load and meter wires and also with the testing appurtenances, plugs or devices mounted thereon in one of several convenient testing relations. The switching device 2 is in the open position as is necessary for testing purposes for the reason hereinafter' settorth. In order to make the mannerin which the block is connected clear, the service load and meter wires are shown connected to the appliance. The two outside service wires are denoted by 18', while the neutral service wire of the three-wire circuit is denoted by 19. The two outside load wires of the three-wire circuit are denoted by 20, while the inside or nelltral load Wire is denoted by 21. 22 designates the two wires connectible to the terminals of one of the meter coils, while 23 indicates the two wires connectible to the terminals of the other meter coil. It will be understood that there are as has already been explained two coils in the three-wire meter installed with this appliance. In order that the normal connections of the service, load and meter coil wires may be more clearly understood, reference may be had to Fig. 11. which shows diagrammatically the appliance of Fig. 9 connected in a normal service circuit. It will be noted that the service, load and meter coil wires have been given the same character in this figure as in Fig. 9. The meter coils, of the three-wire two coil meter (potential coil connected inside) denoted in a general way by 24, are each denoted by 25. In the normal service connected condition asi shown in the diagram of Fig. 1l, the service end of the three-wire circuit has each of its two outside legs or wires connected to the service end ot' each of the two fused cut out clelnents, while the central or neutral leg or wire is connected to the service end ot' the central or neutral blade, arm, branch or switching element of the three-wire switch device. From the meter end of each of the cut out elements the circuit passes through that particular meter coil and across to the meter end of an outside blade, arm or switch element of the switch device. The two outside legs of the switching elements, arms, blades or branches of the switch device to the two outside 'load wires, while the central or neutral load wire order that the circuit connections, when the appliance has been so prepared for testing the meter connected thereto, may be made clear, I have shown in Fig. 13 the testing circuit connections which have been represented by the dotted lines. In order to prepare the appliance with its connected meter for testing, it is irst desirable to by-pass or jump the circuit around the meter for thus insuring current supply to the customers load and also making it possible to open or free by means of the switch device such of the .meter terminals as may be required to perform the desired test. It is, therefore, necessary to by-pass around each of the tWo meter coils from the meter coil connected end of each of the cut out elements to the load connected end of the cooperative or complemental switching element, blade or branch of the switch device, connected to that particular coil. It is also necessary to jump across from the service to the load end of the central or neutral switching member, blade or branch of the switch device in order that when the switch device is opened for the purpose stated, current will be in-` sured from the service to the load wire in this neutral leg of the circuit. In other words inasmuch as the meter connected contacts of the switch device are freed for testing purposes when the switch device is opened, it is, therefore, essential that the break or rupture in each of the switching elements, blades or arms be jumped or bypassed before the switch device is opened. To by-pass the three legs of the three wire circuit around the switch device, three jumpers or by-passes 15 or similarly functioning means or devices may be used. rI`he plug ends of each of these by-passes are insel-ted in the proper socketed nuts 1-1 and when so inserted, their position and relationship is as indicated in Figs. 9 and 13. The switch device may now be opened, if desired, and such opening of the switch device in no way affects current supply to the consumers load, and it willalso be noted that each ot the two outside legs of the three wire circuit is protected b v its cut out element. The main testing circuit may now be connected to the meter terminals which have been electrically freed or disconnected from the load side of the circuit by the opening up of the switching device and the disconnection of each of the blades from its complemental rupturing end contact clip. To effect this connection of the main testing circuit with the disconnected terminals of the two meter coils, the plug end of each of two of the main testing devices or plugs 17 is each inserted into the socketed nuts 14 connected to the rupturing end clip contacts complemental and cooperative with the two outside blades of the switch device. Current for the test as will be noted, is supplied to the testing circuit including the two meter coils, through the connection to the meter end of each of the cut out elements of one terminal of each meter` coil. From what has been statedg'it will be clear that in this particular testing arrangement, current forthe test is supplied from the service, but as will be understood, there are other testing arrangements and connections..l I may also add that the particular test shown is one in which the two meter coils of the threewire meter are tested in series with a standard meter denoted in a general way'by 26 and a standard resistance denoted generally by 27, both of which are connected in series in the main testing circuit and with the two meter coils. It has been made clear that the switch performs two functions, that is to say it serves as a circuit controlling device to open and close the circuit connection between ,the service and the load wires, while it also serves the purpose of a disconnecting means for freeing such .of the meter terminals as are connected to the switch device, for testing purposes. At this point I may note that while I have shown the socketed nuts associated with the clip contacts of the two outside switching elements of the switch device to each of which clip contacts one terminal of one of the meter coils is connected, these socketed nuts may if desired, be omitted, and

if so omitted some other provision must be made whereby connection may be made with the meter terminals so connected for testing purposes. rllhis may be done by providing a different form of contact on the main testing plugs and cables 17, so that these contacts instead of being of round plug form as shown may be of' blade form and enter if desired directly into and between thc lips of the clip contacts thus freed by the opening of the switch device.

I have already referred to the two-pole or two-wire appliance as shown converted for use as a meter testing cut out switch in Figs. 3 and 4. The various parts, members and elements of this structure are as has been stated, when of the same general character as those of the three-wire appliance, referred to by the same numeral with the addition of a prime mark. This also applies to the diagrammatic illustrations inFigs. 10 and 12 which show respective-ly a normal connected and a test connected two-Wire appliance with its meter, service wires and load wires. The wires of the diagram in Figs.

10 and 12 have been numbered like those in 13o Figs. 11 and 13 with the addition of the prime mark, this also applying to the meter and meter coils. From what has already been stated, it is unnecessary to go into a detailed description of the circuit and testlng connections. The general principles apply as enunciated in connection with the three pole appliance with the exception merely that there is no neutral and also that instead of there being two meter coils, there is only one main meter coil. .Consequently while the switch device of the two wire-appliance is provided with two switching elements, blades or branches and each of the switching elements is complemental to and coacts with a cut out element adjacent thereto, it is unnecessary to remove both of the cross overs 13 because there is only one meter coil to be connected in only one of the legs of the circuit.

It will be clear from the foregoing desciiption taken in connection with the annexed drawings that my invention comprehends (whenconverted to serve as a meter testing cut out switch) a switching element with its complemental contacts, one of which is adapted to be electrically freed or disconnected from the other, the switching element being connected on the load side of a meter coil, the other side of which coil is connected to a service connection which may as shown comprise a cut out element, for the purpose of permitting the opening of the switching element and the freeing of the meter coil connected contact cooperative therewith when a by-pass is connected across from the service connection to the load connected end of the switching element.

Furthermore, the invention comprises the substantially equally important feature of being convertible from a meter testing cut out switch to a cut out switch (non-testing) or vice versa. When converted'to serve as a non-testing cut out switch, it possesses all of the cut out and switching characteristics of such appliances with the great advantage of being convertibly usable as stated.

What I claim is:

1. A load-controlling switching element and its complemental contacts, one of them constituting a load connectible contact and the other a meter coil connectible contact, the switching element when in the open position electrically freeing the meter coil connectible contact, and a circuit-controlling element connectible on the service side, said second element and the load side connectible contact of the switching element having means whereby current may be by-passed between the two elements.

2. A load-controlling switching element and its complemental contacts, one of them constituting a load connectible contact and the other a meter coil connectible Contact, the latter being adapted for connection with one terminal of a meter coil, the switch element when in the open position freeing the meter coil connectible contact, a service side circuit-controlling connectible element having means also connectible to the other terminal of said meter coil, and means associated with said switching element and said service side connectible element for bypassing across from the switching element to the service element whereby said switching ,element may be opened without interrupting current flow between said elements.

3. A service side connected circuit controlling element, a load side connected loadcontrolling switching element both of said elements having means connectible to the terminals of a meter coil, and said switching element being adapted to electrically free the so connectible means associated therewith, and means associated with the service side connected element and the load end of the switching element for by-passing across from one to the other of said elements to thereby permit the opening of the switching element without interrupting the cudrrent flow from the service to the load s1 e.

4. A switching element and its complemental contacts, one of lthem constituting a load connectible contact and the other a meter coil connectible contact, the switching element constituting a load-controlling element and when in the open position electrically freeing the meter coil connectible contact, and a circuit-controlling element connectible on the service side, said second element and the load side connectible contact of the switching element having means whereby current may be by-passed between the two elements, said second element having a fuse.

5. A cut out element connectible to the service side and a switching element connectible to the load side of-a meter coil, said cut out element at its meter connectible end and said switching element at its load connectible end being provided with means whereby current may be by-passed between the two elements and around the meter coil and switch break when the switching element is open.

6. A service side connected fusible cut out element and a load side connectible switching element, each of said elements being provided with means for the by-passing of current from one end of one element to the opposite end of the other element.

7. In a meter testing appliance, a cut out element connectible on the service side of a meter coil and a switching element connectible on the load side of the same meter coil, said switching element`being adapted to electrically free its meter connected end, and means associated withthe opposite end of the switching element and the meter connected end of the cut out element, whereby current may be by-passed between the two elements and around the meter coll and the switch break when the switch is open.

8. An appliance of the. class described comprising Vtwo coperative elements connectible respectively with opposite terminals ot' :1 meter coil, one ot' said elements constituting :1 switching element :1nd the other ot' said elements constituting :1 cut out element, the meter connected end otthe cut out elelnent, and the opposite end ot' the switching element having means for receiving a bypass device, and the switching element being adapted to electrically free its meter terminal connected end when said by-pass is positioned.

9. In a meter testing appliance, a fixed cut out element and a cooperative switching element, said elements being respectively connectible with opposite terminals of a meter coil, :1nd the switching element being adapted to electrically free its meter conneetible end when open. and means associated with the switching element at the end opposite the meter coil eonnectible end and associated with the meter coil connectible end of the cut out element for receiving :1 by-pass device whereby current may be bypassed around the meter coil and switching element when the latter is opened.

10. A fusible cut out element, and a loadcontrolling switching element, respectively connectible to opposite terminals of a meter coil, and means whereby current may be by-passed around the meter coil when the switch element is open.

11. An appliance of the class described comprising an insulating base, a eut out element, and a load-controlling switching element, both mounted on said base and connectible respectively to opposite terminals or" a meter coil, and means whereby current may be passed around the meter coil when the switching element is open.

l2. An appliance of the class described comprising an insulating base, a pair of contacts on the base, a movable member cooperative with said contacts to open and close connection therebetween, one of the contacts constituting a lneter coil connectible contact and the other constitutinga load connectible contact, a fuse cut out on such base having a meter coil "connectible terminal and a service connectible terminal, and means whereby currentmay be by passed Jfrom the meter coil connectible terminal of the cut out to said load connectible contact.

13. A multi-polar switch, each pole having :1` pair of contacts and a movable member coperative therewith, one of said'movable members serving as a load-controlling member, a cut out element coperative with one of the poles of said switch, one of said switch pole contacts and one of said cut out terminals having means for the association therewith at will of means for passing current therebetween.

14. 1n :1 meter testing appliance, an insulating base, a multi-polar switch mounted thereon, having means for load-controlling a multi-polar cut out mounted thereon, and means associated with one terminal of a switch pole or leg and one terminal of a pole or leg of the cut out whereby current may be by-passed around the switch when open'. v

l5. A multi-polar meter testing switch, one ot' the poles ot' which has means for load-controlling purposes, :1nd means electrically associated with the terminals ot said switch for receiving a by-pass device to by-pass current around the switch when open to thus also adapt the switch to serve for meter-testing.

16. A multi-polar switch, each pole of which has a pair of contacts and a coperating movable switching element, one of said elements serving for load-controlling, :1nd means electrically connected with at least one pair of said contacts for the association therewith at will of a` testing bypass whereby the opening of the switch does not interrupt the current flow from one contact to the other of the pair so connected by said by-pass.

17. A switching element, a cut out element, a base on which both of said elements are mounted, a cross over connectible from one terminal of one element to one terminal of the other element, means whereby said cross over` may be removed, and means for the connection of a meter coil in series between said elements when the cross-over is removed.

18. 1n a meter testing appliance, a. switching element, a cut out element, a base on which both of said elements are mounted, means normally directly connecting one terminal of one element with one terminal of the other element, said means being related with said elements to interrupt electrical continuity therebetween and to permit of the electrical insertion in the break between said elements of a meter coil as desired.

19. A multi-polar switch, a multi-polar cut out, a base on which said switch and cut out are mounted, cross over means electrically connecting at least one pole of said switch with one pole of said cut out, said cross over means serving to make and break connection between the cut-out and switch, means for connecting a part of the cut-out and a part of the switch with :1 meter coil, and means electrically associated with the switch and cut-out whereby said meter can be tested when so connected.

20. A base, a multi-polar switch, and a. multi-polar cut out both mounted on the base, the switch being between the poles of the cut out, and cr'oss overs between the outside poles of the switch and the adjacent poles of the cut out, said cross overs being related with their coperating parts to make and break connection therebetween, and means for the connection of a meter coil in series betweeny said coperating parts when said cross-overs are open.

21. In combination with the service and vload lines of a three-wire system, a meter having two current coils, testing apparatus for said meter, switch levers for opening and closing circuit from said service lines to said meter and load lines, fixed contacts coperating with said levers, fixed auxiliary contacts electrically connected to said lever contacts, three separate jumpers, each having a pair of contacts adapted to engage said auxiliary contacts to. establish short circuits from each conductor of said loa-d line, and a fourth separate jumper coperatingwith said meter coil terminals to con nect said coils in series.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOSEPH SACHS.

Witnesses z L. y L. MARKEL, HEATH SUTHERLAND.