| 摘要 |
An improved switch assembly that substantially reduces the high inrush current that initially flows through switch-activated devices. The switch assembly includes multiple poles connected in parallel. Each pole has a set of electrical contacts. A current limiting mechanism is connected in series with the contacts of at least one of the poles. Upon activation of the switch assembly, the contacts connected to the current limiting mechanism close before the contacts of the other poles. The initial current is forced to flow through the pole with the current limiting mechanism, which thereby reduces the initial current level flowing through the switch-operated device. The contacts of the remaining poles close almost immediately thereafter, establishing a lower-resistance connection between the load and power source. The switch assembly may also include a circuit breaker to open the circuit if a predetermined current level is exceeded.
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