WO2016118334A1

WO2016118334A1 - Electrical system, electrical switching apparatus and guard assembly therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2016118334A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/012559
Authority: WO
Inventors: William M. Crooks; Charles B. Anderson; Michael P. Puskar; David M. Olszewski; Javvad Qasimi
Original assignee: Eaton Corp
Current assignee: Eaton Corp
Priority date: 2015-01-19
Filing date: 2016-01-08
Publication date: 2016-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-19
Also published as: CA3162438A1; CN107112151B; US20160211093A1; US9548170B2; CA2973821C; CN107112151A; MX2017008910A; CA3273185A1; CA3162438C; CA2973821A1

Abstract

A guard assembly (100,300,500) is for an electrical switching apparatus (4,204,404) of an electrical system (2,202,402). The electrical system (2,202,402) includes a number of conductors (6,206,406) each having an insulated portion (8) and an exposed portion (10) that meet at a junction (12). The electrical switching apparatus (4,204,404) includes a housing (18,218,418) and a number of terminals (14) connected to the exposed portion (10) of a conductor (6,206,406). The guard assembly (100,300,500) comprises: an interconnect member (110,310,550) coupled to the housing (18,218,418); and a number of guard members (130,330,530) each comprising: a first portion (132,332) coupled to the interconnect member (110,310,550), and a second portion (134,334) extending from the first portion (132,332) away from the housing (18,218,418), the second portion (134,334) comprising: a first distal end (136,342) located at the first portion (132,332), and a second distal end (138,344) opposite and distal from the first distal end (136,342). Each of the guard members (130,330,530) has an opening (139). The opening (139) receives a conductor (6,206,406). Each junction (12) is located between a second distal end (138,344) and a terminal (14).

Description

- ! -

ELECT ICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS AND GUARD ASSEMBLY THEREFOR

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from and claims the benefit of U.S.

Patent Application Serial No. 14/700,720, filed April 30, 2015. which is incorporated by reference herein.

This application also claims priority from and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/104,973, filed January 19, 2015.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosed concept pertains generally t electrical systems. The disclosed concept also pertains to electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers, for electrical systems. The disclosed concept further pertains to guard assemblies for electrical switching apparatus.

Background Information

Electrical apparatus, such as electrical switching apparatus, are used to protect electrical circuitry from damage due to a trip condition, such as, for example, an overcurrent condition, an overload condition, an undervoltage condition, a relatively high level short circuit or fault condition, a ground fault or arc fault condition. Circuit breakers, for example, commonly include wiring terminals as a means to attach wires. While the wires are generally insulated, the end that attaches to the circuit breaker wiring terminal has the insulation removed (i.e., stripped).

It is common that the stripped portion of these wires extends to some degree outside the circuit breaker wiring terminal, such that, when a person is exposed to the circuit breaker and associated wiring, the person is also exposed to some portion of the uninsulated wires, and possibly also the uninsulated portion of the circuit breaker wiring terminal. This exposure to uninsulated electrically energized conductors (wires and/or wiring terminals) allows for the possibi lity of inadvertent contact by a person, tool, or the like, while performing various types of service or maintenance activities. It also allows a condition whereas a person may potentially be exposed to an arc flash hazard. There is, therefore, room for improvement in electrical systems, and in electrical switching apparatus and guard assemblies therefor.

SUMMARY

These needs and others are met by embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are directed to a guard assembly, which among other benefits, guards the exposed portion of a conductor.

As one aspect of the disclosed, a guard assembly for a electrical switching apparatus of an electrical system is provided. The electrical system

includes a number of conductors each ha ving an insulated portion and an exposed portion. The exposed portion and the insulated portion meet at a junction. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing and a number of terminals located internal with respect to the housing. Each of the terminals are connected to the exposed portion of a corresponding one of the conductors. The guard assembly comprises: an interconnect member coupled to the housing; and a number of guard members each comprismg: a first portion coupled to the interconnect member, and a second portion extending from the first portion away from the housing, the second portion comprising: a first distal end located at the first portion, and a second distal end opposite and distal from the first distal end. Each of the guard members has an opening. The opening recei ves at least one of the conductors. Each junction is located between a corresponding second distal end and a corresponding one of the terminals.

As anothe aspect of the disclosed concept, an electrical switching apparatus of an electrical system is provided. The electrical system includes a number of conductors each having an insulated portion and an exposed portion. The exposed portion and the insulated portion meet at a junction. The electrical s witching apparatus comprises: a housing; a number of terminals located internal with respect to the housing, each of the terminals being connected to the exposed portion of a corresponding one of the conductors; and a guard assembly comprising: an interconnect member coupled to the housing; and a number of guard members each comprising: a first portion coupled to the interconnect member, and a second portion extending from the first portion away from the housing, the second portion comprising: a first distal end located at the first portion, and a second distal end opposite nd distal from the first distal end. Each of die guard members has a» opening. The opening is structured, to receive at least one of the conductors. Each junction is located between a. corresponding second distal end and a corresponding one of the terminals.

As another aspect of the disclosed concept, an electrical system is provided. The electrical sy stem comprises: a number of conductors each comprising an insulated portion and an exposed portion, the exposed portion and the insulated portion meeting at a junction; and an electrical switching apparatus comprising; a housing, a .number of terminals located i ernal wi h respect to the housing, each of the terminals being connected to the exposed portion of a corresponding one of the conductors, and. a guard -assembly comprising: an interconnect member coupled to the housing, and a number of guard members each comprising: a first portion coupled to the interconnect member, and a second portion extending from the first portion away from the housing, the second portion comprising: a first distal end located at the first portion, and a. second distal end opposite and distal from the first distal end. Each of the guard members has an opening. The opening receives at least one of the conductors. Each junction is located between a corresponding second distal end and a corresponding one of the terminals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full miderstanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction wi th the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is simplified isometric view of an electrical system, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept;

Figure 1A is a section vie w of the electrical system of Figure 1, taken along line A - A of Figure I;

Figure 2 is a partial ly assembled isometric view of an electrical switching apparatus and guard assembly therefor for the electrical system of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is an isometric view of an interconnect member for the guard assembly;

Figure 4 is an isometric view of a suard member for the guard assembly;

Figure 5 is an exploded isometric view of the electrical switching apparatus for the electrical system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is simplified exploded view of an electrical system, in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept;

Figure 7 is a simplified assembled view of the electrical system of

Figure 6;

Figure 8 is simplified exploded view of an electrical system, in accordance with another non- limiting embodiment of the^' disclosed concept; and

Figure 9 is a simplified assembled view of the electrical system of

Figure S,

As employed herein, the term "number" shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e.. a plurality).

As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts are

"connected" or "coupled" together shall mean that the parts are joined together either directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts.

As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts or components "engage" one another shall mean that the parts touch and/or exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components.

As employed herein, the term "coupling member" refers to any suitable connecting or tightening mechanism expressly including, but not limited to, rivets, screws, bolts and the combinations of bolts and nuts [e.g., without limitation, lock nuts) and bolts, washers and nuts, zip ties, wire ties, tape and/or an adhesive.

Figure 1 shows an electrical system 2 in accordance with a non- limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The electrical system 2 includes an electrical switching apparatus (e.g., without limitation, molded case circuit breaker 4) -s- and a number of conductors (see, for example, three conductors 6, shown in simplified form in ti e example of Figure !} for each of the poles of the circuit breaker 4, As will be discussed in greater detail below, the circuit breaker 4 includes a guard assembly 100 that protects operators from exposure to portions of the conductors 6 and the circuit breaker 4.

The guard assembly 100 includes an insulatrve interconnect member 1 10 and a number of insulative guard members 130 connected to the interconnect member 1 10. The conductors 6 each extend entirely through a corresponding one of the guard members 130. The guard members 130 are each preferably made of an elasiomeric materia!. The interconnect member 1.1.0 is preferably made of a thermoplastic (e.g., an injection molded piece).

Figure 1A shows a simplified, sectio view of the- electrical system 2 of Figure 1. As shown, the conductor 6 has an insulated portion 8, an exposed portion 10, and a junction 12 separating the insulated portion 8 from the exposed portion 1 , The exposed portion 10 terminates and is connected to a corresponding terminal 14 of the circuit breaker 4. More specifically, the terminal 14 includes a terminal screw 16 that directly engages the exposed portion 1.0 of the conductor 6 in order to electrically connect the conductor 6 with the circuit breaker 4, in this manner, external electrical, systems (not shown) are able to be electrically connected to the circuit breaker 4. Furthermore, the circuit breaker 4 has a housing 18. The housing 18 has a distal end portion 20 located proximate the terminal 14. The distal end portion 20 is located in a plane 22. As shown, the exposed portion 10 extends from th terminal 14 through the plane 22. I other words, a portion of the exposed portion 10 is located external the housing I S.

Each of the guard members 130 includes a planar portion 132 and a tubular portion 134 that is generally perpendicular to the planar portion 132. The tubular portion 134 has a distal end 1 6 located at the planar portion 132, and a distal end 138 Located opposite and distal from the first distal end 1.36. The guard member 130 also has an opening 1 9 extending through both the tabular portion 134 and the planar portion 132. The conductor 6 extends through the opening 139 i order to be connected to the terminal screw 1 . As shown in Figure I A, the junction 12 is located between the distal end 138 and the terminal 14, Stated differently, the portio of the exposed portion 10 that extends external the housing 18 (i.e., the portion of the exposed portion 10 extending from the junction 1 to the plane 22) is located between the distal end 138 and the terminal 14, In other words, th entire exposed portion 10 of the conductor 6 is located internal with respect to the circuit breaker 4 (i.e., the exposed portion 10 extends from the junction 12 (a location entirely internal the guard member 130 of the circuit breaker 4) to the terminal 14 (a location entirely interna! the ^'housing 18 of the circuit breaker 4)}. Stated differently, the entire exposed portion 10 is enclosed by (i.e., contained within) the housing 18, the interconnect member 1 10, and the guard member 130.

in this manner, the exposed portion 10 of the conductor 6, and the terminal 14 are advantageousl well protected .from, inadvertent contact by an operator or a tool, therefore improving safety. More specifically, the housing 18, the interconnect member 110, and the guard member 130 surround the- exposed portion 10 of the conductor 6. Because the interconnect member 1 10 and the guard member 130 are insi ative, the likelihood of having an electrical paihway between an operator and the exposed portion 10. or between an operator and the terminal 14, is

significantly diminished. For example, if an operator inadvertentl contacts the guard member 130 and the guard member 130 deflects into the exposed portion 10, the insulative properties of the guard member 130 will advantageously protect the operator from electrical exposure. Additionally, if an operator contacts the distal end 13S and the distal end 138 deflects into the insulated portion 8, the insulative properties of each of the guard member 130 and the insulated portion 8 of the conductor 6 will advantageously protect the operator from electrical exposure.

Figure 2 shows a portion of the circuit breaker 4. As shown, the interconnect member 1 i 0 further has a number of thru holes 112. The guard assembly 100 further inc ludes a number of coupling members (see, for example, two coupling members 160, shown in simplified form in Figure 2). The coupling members .160 extend through the respective thru holes 1.12 and into the housing 1 S i order to couple the interconnect member 110 to the housing 18.

Figure 3 shows the interconnect member 110. As shown, the

interconnect member 11 includes a number of receiving portions (see, for example, three receiving portions 113, shown i the example of Figure 3) and a securing portion 122 that is perpendicular to the receiving portions. 1 13, Each of the receiving portions 1 13 includes a first edge portion 1 16, a second edge portion 11 S, and a third edge portion 120, The first edge portion 1 16 is parallel to and spaced from the second edge portion 1 18, The third edge portion 120 is perpendicular to each of the first edge portion 1 16 and the second edge portion 118, and connects the first edge portion 1 16 to the second edge portion 1 1.8. Additionally, each of the receiving portions 1 13 has a slot 114. The slot 114 is located in each of the respecti ve edge portions 1 1.6,1 18, 120.

Figure 4 shows the guard member 130. As shown, the guard member 130 has a slit 140 that is located in each of the planar portion 132 and the tubul r portion 1.34. The sl it 140 extends entirely through the thickness of the guard member 1 0. in other words, the guard member 130 is separable (i.e.. able to be opened) about the slit 140, Thus, during assembly of the circuit breaker 4, each of the respective guard members 130 is opened about the respective slit 140, and the each of the respectiv conductors 6 is inserted through the respective guard member 130, Furthermore, each of the respecti ve planar portions 132 is then inserted into a respective one of the slots 114 in order to couple the respecti ve guard member 130 to the interconnect member 1 10. Because the shape of the planar portion 132 is substantially the same as the shape of the receiving portion 1 13, the guard member 130 is advantageously able to be coupled to the interconnect member 1 10 by friction fit mechanism without employing separate fastening members, thereby reducing cost.

Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the circuit breaker 4. As shown, each of the planar portions 132 of the respective guard members 130 is structured to fit into a corresponding one of the slots 1 14 of the interconnect member 1 10. Additionally, the seeming portion 122 is structured to be coupled to the housing 18.

It will be appreciated that the disclosed concept -is not limited to. the electrical system 2. For example. Figure 6 and Figure 7 show another electrical system 202 that includes an electrical switching apparatus (e.g., without limitation, molded case circuit breaker 204, shown in simplified form) and a number of conductors (see, for example, three conductors 206, shown in simplified form in the example of Figures 6 and 7) for each of the poles of the circuit, breaker 204. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the circuit breaker 204 includes a guard assembly 300 to protect: operators from exposure to an exposed portion of the conductors 206 and the circuit breaker 204. It will be appreciated that benefits associated with the guard assembly 100 and the electrical system 2 (Figures 1 and 2) likewise apply to the guard assembly 300 and the electrical system 202.

The guard assembly 300 includes an insulative interconnect member

310 and a sinale insulative auard member 330 connected to the interconnect member 310. The conductors 206 each extend entirely through the guard member 330 in order to be electrically connected with the terminals of the circuit breaker 204 in a similar manner as discussed above in association with the electrical system 2 { Figures 1 and 2). The guard member 330 is preferably made of an elasiomeric material . The interconnect member 310 is preferably made of a. thermoplastic (e.g., an injection molded piece).

The circuit breaker 204 includes a housing 2 IS and a plurality of terminals located internal the housing 21 S, Furthermore, th housing 218 has a number of slots (see, for example, three slots 219, shown in hidden S ine drawing in Figure 6) and each of the terminals of the circuit breaker 204 is located near a corresponding one of the slots 2 ! 9. The interconnect: member 31 includes a body portion 312 and a plurality of tangs 314 extending from the body portion 312, f t will be appreciated that each of the tangs 314 extends into a corresponding one of the slots 219 in order to couple the interconnect member 310 to the housing 21 S of the circuit breaker 204,

Continuing to refer to Figure 6, the guard member 330 includes a first portion 332 and a second portion 334 extending from the first portion 332 awa from the housing 218. The body portion 312 of the interconnect member 310 and the first portion 332 of the guard member 330 form an enclosed region that receives each of the conductors 206. For example, Figure 7 shows an assembled view of the electrical system 202. It will be appreciated that each of the conductors 206 extends through the guard member 330 in order to be eleclxicaiiy connected to the respective terminals of the circuit breaker 204. Thus, the insulative properties of the interconnect member 310 and the guard member 330, which enclose the exposed portions of the conductors 206, advantageously protect, operators from inadvertent contact with the exposed portions of the conductors 206. The body portion 312 has a num er of thru, holes 316, and the first portion 332 of the guard member 330 has a number of apertures 336, Furthermore, the guard assembly 300 includes a number of coupling members (see, for example, coupling members 350, shown in Figure ? ! each extending through a corresponding one of the thru holes 316 and through a corresponding one of the apertures 336 in order to couple the guard member 330 to the interconnect member 310. The second portion 334 of the guard member 330 also has a number of thru holes 338. The guard assembly 300 additionally has another number of coupling members (see, for example, coupling members 352, shown in Figure 7) that each extend through a corresponding one of the thru holes 338 in order to secure a. corresponding one of the conductors 206 to the guard member 330,

The guard member 330 also preferably has a flexible bellows portion 340 located in the second portion 334 between opposing distal ends 342,344 of the second portion 334, In operation, the flexible bellows portion 340 advantageously allows the guard member 330 to flex in order to allow the conductors 206 to properly mate with the temiinals of the circuit breaker 204. For example, when the conductors 206 are secured to the guard member 330, the flexible bellows portion 340 allows the exposed portions (Figure 6) of the conductors 206 to mo ve independently with respect to the first portion 332 of the guard member 330 in order to properly align with the respective temiinals.

Figure S and Figure 9 show an electrical system 402 in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The electrical system 402 includes a electrical switching apparatus (e.g., without limitation, molded case circuit breaker 404, shown in simplified form in the example of Figures 8 and 9) and a number of conductors (see, for example, three conductors 406, shown in simpl ified form in the example of Figures 8 and 9} for each of the poles of the circuit breaker 404. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the circuit breaker 404 includes a guard assembly 500 to protect operators from exposure to an exposed portion of the conductors 406 and the circuit breaker 404. I t will be appreciated that benefits associated with the guard assemblies 1 0,300 and the electrical systems

2,202 (Figures 1 , 2, 6 and 7) likewise apply to the guard assembly 500 and the electrical system 402, The circuit breaker 404 includes a housing .418 that has a number of slots (see, for example, slots 419, shown in Figure 8) extending through the thickness of the housing 418, and a plurality of terminals located internal the housing 418, The guard assembly 500 includes a single insu!ative tubular guard member 530 thai has a number of thru holes { see, for example, thru holes 536 aad thru holes 538, shown in Figure 8). The guard member 530 is preferabiy made of an elastomeric material. The conductors 406 each extend entirely through the guard member 530 in order to be electrically connected with the terminals of the circuit breaker 404 in a similar manner as discussed above in association with the electrical systems 2.202 { Figures 1. 2_t 6 and 7). The guard assembly 500 further includes a number of interconnect members (see, for example, coupling members 550,552, shown in Figure 9).

In operation, the circuit breaker 40 partially extends into (i.e., is partiall enclosed b or -contained by) the guard member 530 in order that each of the thru holes 536 is aligned with (i.e., overlays or is located directly on top of) a corresponding one of the slots 41 . Furthermore, each of the coupling members 550 preferably extends through two of the slots 4 9 of the circuit breaker 404 and two corresponding thru holes 536 of the guard member 530 in order to couple the guard member 530 to the circuit breaker 404. Additionally, the coupling member 552 extends into the thru holes 538 in order to secure the conductors 406 to the guard member 530. When the coupling member 552 is secured to the conductors 406, the guard member 530 is under tension. Stated differently, because the guard member 530 is relatively flexible, the coupling member 552 advantageously causes the guard member 530 to deflect in order to secure the conductors 406 to the guard member 530.

Similar to tire guard member 330 (Figures 6 and 7), the guard member

530 also preferably has a flexible bellows portion 540 located between opposmg distal ends of the guard member 530. The flexible bello ws portion 540 pro vides similar advantages as the flexible bellows portio 340 (Figure 6 and Figure 7), More specifically, the flexible bellows portion 540 advantageously allows the guard member 530 to flex in order to allow the conductors 40 to properly mate with the terminals of the circuit breaker 404. Although the disclosed concept has been described in association with the molded case circuit breakers 4,204.404 it will be appreciated that the disclosed concept is applicable to any known or suitable alternative electrical switching apparatus, such as, for example and without limitation, a power circuit breaker (not shown) and/or a fusible switch (not shown).

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the disclosed concept provides for an improved (e.g., without limitation, better protected) electrical system 2,202,402 and electrical switching apparatus 4,204,404 and guard assembly 100,300,500 therefor, which among other benefits, minimizes and/or eliminates the possibility that the exposed portion 10 of a conductor 6,206,406 will inadvertentl y come into contact with an operator and/or a tool. More specifically, dangerous inadvertent contact with uninsulated conductors is advantageously minimized and/or eliminated.

While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternati ves to those details could be de veloped in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the disclosed concept which is to be gi ven the Ml breadth of the clai ms appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

-11-

What js . CJ aimcdis :

1„ A guard assembly (.100,300,500) for an electrical switching apparatus (4,204,404) of an electrical system (2,202,402), said electri cal system (2,202,402) comprising a number of conductors (6,206,406) each comprising an insulated portion (8) and an exposed poitson (10), the exposed portion (.1 ) and the insulated portion (8) meeting at a junction (12), said electrical switching apparatus (4,204,404) comprising a housing (18,2 ! 8,458) and a number of terminals (14) disposed internal, with respect to said housing (18,218.4 IS), each of the terminals (14) being connected to the exposed portion (10) of a corresponding one of said conductors (6,206,406), said guard assembly (100,300,500) comprising;

an interconnect member (.1 1 ,31 ,550) structured to be coupled to said housing ( 18 ,218, 18) and

a number of guard, members (130,330,530) each composing:

a first portion (132,332) coupled to said interconnect member

( 1 10,310,550), and

a second portion (134,334) structured to extend from the first portion (132,332) awa from said housing (1 ,218,418), the second portion (134,334) comprising;

first distal end (136,342) disposed at the first portion

(132,332), and

a second distal end (138,344) opposite and distal from the first distal end (136,342);

wherein each of said guard members (130,330,530) has an opening ( 139), the opening (139) being structured to receive at least one of said conductors (6,206,406); and

wherein each junction (12) is structured to be disposed between a corresponding second distal end (138,344) and a correspondin one of the terminals (14).

2. The guard assembly (100) of Claim 1 wherein said guard assembly (100) further comprises a number of coupling members (160); wherein each of said number of coupling members (160) extends through said interconnect member (110); -12- and wherein each of said coupling members. (1 0) is structured to couple said interconnect member (1 10) to said bousing (18).

3. The guard assembly (100) of Claim 1 wherein said interconnect member (1 10) comprises a number of .receiving portions (1 13) each having a slot

(1 .1 ); wherein, each respective receiving portion (113) comprises a first edge portion (1 16), a second edge portion (118), and a third edge portion (120); wherein each respective slot ( 14) is disposed in each of said respective first, edge portion (1 16). said respective second edge portion (1 18), and said respective third edge portion (120)· and wherein the first portion (132) of each respecti ve guard member (130) is disposed in a respective one of said number of slots (1 14).

4. The guard assembly of Claim 3 wherein said first edge portion (1 16) is parallel to and spaced from said second edge portion (1 18); wherein said third edge portion (120) is perpendicular to each of said first edge portion (116) and said second edge portion (1 18); and wherein said third edge portion (120) connects said first edge portion (1 16) to said second edge portion (1 18).

5. The guard assembly (100) of Claim 3 wherein said interconnect member (1 .10) further has a securing portion (122) structured to be mounted to said housing (18); and wherein said securing portion (122) is perpendicular to each of said number of receiving portions (113).

6. The guard assembly (100) of Claim 1 wherein said number of guard members (130) comprises a first guard member (130), a second guard member (1 0), and a third guard member (130); and wherein each of said first guard member (130), said second guard member (130), and said third guard member (130) is spaced from each other.

7. The guard assembly (100) of Clai 1 wherein each of said number of guard members ( 130) has a slit (140); and wherein the slit (140) extends through each of the first portion (332) and the second portion (334),

8„ The guard assembly ( 100) of Claim 7 wherein each of said number of guard members (130) is structured to open about said respective slit (140),

9. The guard assembly (100) of Claim I wherein each respective first portion (332) is generally planar; and wherein each respective second portion (334) is perpendicular to the respecti ve first portion (332).

10. The guard assembly (100,300,500) of Claim 1 wherein each of said number of guard members (130,330,530) is made of an eiastomeric material.

11. The -guard assemb ly (1.00,300,500) of Claim 1 w herein each of said interconnect member (1 10,310,550) and said number of guard members

(130,330,530) is insulative,

12. The guard assembly (300,500) of Claim 1 wherein said number of guard members (330,530) is a single guard member (330,530); and wherein said single guard member (330,530) comprises a flexible bellows portion (340,540) disposed between the first distal end (342) and the second distal end (344).

13. An electrical switching apparatus (4,204,404) of an electrical system (2,202,402), said electrical system (2,202,402) comprising a number of conductors (6,206,406) each comprising an insulated portion (8) and an exposed portion ( 10), the exposed portion (10) and the insulated poition (8) meeting at a junction ( 12), said electrical switching apparatus (4,204,404) comprising;

a housing (8,2.18,4.18);

a number of terminals (14) disposed internal with respect to said housing (8,2.18,418 ), each of the terminals (.14) being connected to the exposed portion (10) of a corresponding one of said conductors (6,206,406); and

a guard assembly according to claim 1. -14-

14, An electrical system comprising (2,202,402):

a number of conductors (6,206,406) each comprising an insulated portion (8) and an exposed portion (10), the exposed portion (10) and the insulated portion (8) meeting at a junction (12); and

aa electrical switching apparatus (4,204,404) comprising:

a housing (8,218,418),

a number of terminals (14) disposed internal with respect to said .housing (8,2 8,418), each of the terminals (14) being connected to the exposed portion (10) of a corresponding one of said conductors (6,206,406), and

a. guard assembly according to claim 1.

15, The electrical system (2,202,402) of Claim 1.6 wherein the entire exposed portion (10) of each respective conductor (6,206,406) is disposed internal with respect to said electrical switching apparatus (4,204,404).