Three-position vacuum interrupter disconnect switch providing current interruption, disconnection and grounding

摘要

A vacuum circuit interrupter includes a line conductor, a vacuum interrupter, a load conductor, a ground conductor and an operating mechanism. The vacuum interrupter includes a fixed conductor and a vacuum envelope containing a fixed contact and a movable contact movable between a closed circuit position in electrical connection with the fixed contact and an open circuit position spaced apart from the fixed contact. The fixed conductor is outside of the vacuum envelope and is electrically connected to the fixed contact. The load conductor is electrically connected to the movable contact. The operating mechanism is structured to: open and close the fixed and movable contacts, and move the vacuum interrupter and the fixed conductor thereof between a first position wherein the fixed conductor is electrically connected to the line conductor, and a second position wherein the fixed conductor is electrically connected to the ground conductor.