Method and apparatus for reducing arc retrogression in a circuit interrupter
US6631058B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H9/38
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A technique for reducing arc retrogression in a circuit interrupter includes providing a source material in a parallel current carrying path in the interrupter. The source material and parallel current carrying path support no current during normal operation. Upon interruption of a primary current carrying path, current flows through the source material, causing surface ablation of material which enhances the dielectric of the arc plasma, permitting more rapid entry of the arc into a dissipating structure such as a splitter plate stack. The source material transitions to a higher resistance level by heating to limit current flow during interruption.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.