CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH IMPROVED ARC QUENCHING

摘要

A circuit breaker (20) having an arc quenching system is provided. The quenching system includes an ablative device (50) positioned within a chamber (44). An end of the ablative device (50) includes an opening (58) that receives a stationary contact (22). A movable contact arm (26) travels within a channel (54) between the closed position and an open position. When an abnormal operating condition is detected, the circuit breaker (20) trips causing the contact arm (26) to move. This generates a plasma arc that evaporates material from the ablative device (50). The evaporated material generates a pressurized gas that cools and quenches the plasma arc to improve the performance of the circuit breaker (20) during undesired operating conditions such as a short circuit.