ARC EXTINCTION METHOD AND SWITCH BASED ON THE METHOD

摘要

An arc extinction method based on the formation of an "arc-dipole" by electric and magnetic fields imposed on the arc produced between the contacts separated when the circuit is open is disclosed. The arc-dipole is essentially instantly contracted in its axial direction and the charged particles are explosively scattered from the charged regions at either end of the arc-dipole. As a result, charged-particles-free spaces are formed adjacent the surface of the breaker contacts, which serves as dielectric medium. The arc is thereby extinguished. The invention may be applied to extinguish either DC or AC arcs. The breaker switch used preferably includes the means for producing a confining magnetic field. A means for forming an electric field that injects a current pulse through the arc is also provided. When the voltage from the electric field producing means is imposed across the breaker contacts, the arc is transformed into an arc-dipole. The moment when the voltage from the electric field producing means is imposed across the breaker contacts is preferably determined by a timer implemented relay.