VACUUM SWITCH INCLUDING AN INSULATING BODY HAVING A NUMBER OF TRANSPARENT PORTIONS MADE OF A SINGLE CRYSTAL ALUMINA

摘要

A vacuum switch (2;30;50) includes a vacuum envelope (4); a fixed contact assembly (6) partially within the vacuum envelope; and a movable contact assembly (7) partially within the vacuum envelope and movable between a closed position in electrical contact with the fixed contact assembly and an open position spaced apart from the fixed contact assembly. The vacuum envelope includes an insulating body (5) having a number of transparent portions (8) made of a single crystal alumina (A12O3) for viewing the fixed contact assembly and the movable contact assembly within the vacuum envelope.