摘要 |
<p>A high voltage switch assembly includes a pair of electrically conductive contacts (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) connectible in a power line from a high voltage source, and a portion of solid electrically insulating explosive material (3) forming an electrically insulating barrier extending between the contacts (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e). On detonation of the explosive material at a point removed from the contacts a detonation wave is propagated from the detonation point through the explosive material (3), which as it passes between the contacts (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) establishes electrical conduction therebetween to initiate a switch closing action, the gaseous products of detonation following behind the detonation wave being electrically insulating and breaking electrical conduction between the contacts (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) to initiate a switch opening action.</p> |