Switch with positive temperature coefficient or PTC element for improved current limiting and light arc quenching

摘要

The switch has at least two contact pieces (1,2) and at least one light arc rail (3) adjacent to and connected to at least one contact piece, which does not lie in the current path with the contacts closed and which produces a light arc (4) from the contact piece to the rail when the contact pieces are opened. The light arc rail consists at least partly of positive temperature coefficient conductor material and/or is connected via a PTC conductor (5) to an adjacent contact piece. An Independent claim is also included for a switch arrangement.