Polarity insensitive arc quench

摘要

Circuit interrupter having an arc extinguisher which functions to arrest an arc between its contacts regardless of the polarity of the contacts. The circuit interrupter includes one or more permanent magnets configured to drive an arc into the arc extinguisher. The arc extinguisher may include two arc paths, each including arc splitter plates. The two arc paths may be adjacent, each extending in a parallel direction. The arc paths may alternatively be non-adjacent, each extending in a perpendicular direction.

主权项

1. A circuit interrupter providing for arc suppression, said circuit interrupter comprising:
a first contact electrically connectable to a power source; a second contact electrically connectable to a load; said first and second contacts being actuated between a closed and open position relative to each other; an arc extinguisher for extinguishing an arc that develops in the vicinity of said first and second contacts; and a permanent magnet disposed adjacent to at least one of the contacts and generating a magnetic field that permeates an area where the arc develops; said magnetic field directing the arc toward said arc extinguisher regardless of a polarity of the contacts.