Break-jaw construction for a disconnecting switch structure

摘要

An improved switch-jaw construction is provided for a disconnecting switch having a tie-rod assembly interconnecting the free ends of the confronting switch jaw contacts. The tie-rod assembly includes preferably a metallic tubular member having its outer interior surfaces threaded to accommodate mounting bolts and the tie-rod assembly passes through apertures provided adjacent the free ends of the inwardly-turned switch-jaw contacts. Preferably mounting bolts are threaded into the interior threads of the tubular tie-rod within insulating bushings to prevent current flow into the tie-rod assembly, which would otherwise heat the compression springs and thereby cause them to loose their temper. As a result, lateral movement of the switch-blade pushing on either jaw contact, caused by the electromagnetic forces involved, or high wind loads or seismic loads will correspondingly carry the opposed jaw contact with the first-mentioned jaw contact thus maintaining constant good-contacting engagement between the movable switch-blade and the interior faces of the switch-jaw contacts.