Method and apparatus for controlling circuit breaker operation

摘要

A method of controlling a circuit breaker 10 that has a movable contact 12 and an actuator 18 for moving the movable contact 12 between an open position and a closed position. With the movable contact 12 in the open position, a voltage is applied to the actuator to cause the movable contact to move towards the closed position. The voltage V1 is applied for a limited time period P1 ending before the movable contact 12 reaches the closed position. At the end of the limited time period P1, the voltage is adjusted to reduce the acceleration exerted on the contact. The voltage is subsequently increased just before, after, or substantially at the same time as the contact reaches its closed position.