AN ELECTRIC SWITCHING DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR PERFORMING ELECTRIC DISCONNECTION OF A LOAD

摘要

An electric switching device comprises a quick mechanical electric switch (5) and an irradiation source (8) and at least one switching element (7) sensitive to irradiation and adapted to create an electrically well conducting current path by-passing the electric mechanical switch upon irradiation thereon through the irradiation source, but assuming an electrically insulating state in absence of irradiation thereon. Said quick mechanical electric switch is a switch capable of being quickly de-ionised after extinction of an electric arc created therein upon separation of the contacts of the mechanical switch.