(57) switch includes first and second contacts (1), (9), each having a substantially rectangular
contact area, at least one of the contacts (9) being movable between an open and closed
position. The contact area of each of the contacts is provided with contact regions
separated by arc rooting zones of high electric field intensity. The contacts are
disposed such that on separation thereof each of the contact regions (7; 52, 53, 54)
of the first contact (1) are separated from those (10, 11, 12; 56, 57, 58) of the
second contact (9) substantially simultaneously. In the event of arcing occuring on
separation of the contacts, the arc rooting zones are such that the arcing is encouraged
to follow a multiplicity of paths between the contacts. The contacts may consist of
finger portions (7) with slots (4), (5) therebetween. Alternatively the arc rooting
zones may consist of projections (55) or holes (51).
|
|
