Stacked plate arc suppressor for high power circuit breakers - consists of modules containing variable numbers of slotted insulator plates and selectable inter-electrode spacings

摘要

The modules having selectable characteristics according to the circuit parameters. Stacks of plates made of a refractory insulator such as zircon are interposed between electrode plates. The electrodes split the main arc up into a series of smaller loops in order to dissipate the electrical energy in a controlled manner. The insulator plates have slits to ensure effective de-ionisation of the subsidiary arcs. Two angled terminals are connected to and positioned near the fixed and mobile switch contacts respectively to draw the arc onto the plate stack. The electrode separation in the module nearest the fixed terminal is greater than that of the module nearest the mobile contact. Each module consists of cells in which the number of intermediate insulator plates can be varied in order to bring about correct restoration of voltage after extinction of the arc.