DC contact device and method for connecting and arc-free disconnection of such a device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical contact device (1) for direct current applications, wherein the device (1) is designed to prevent electric arcs when the device (1) is disconnected from a direct current source (8) or a direct current load (9). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for connecting and disconnecting such a direct current contact device (1) in which electric arcs are prevented or avoided. The direct current contact device (1) comprises a first main contact (2, 2'), a second main contact (3, 3'), an auxiliary contact (4, 4'), and an electronic switching unit (5, 5') comprising a main switch (T1) and a control circuit for controlling the main switch (T1).The auxiliary contact (4,4') and / or the second main contact (3,3') are designed or arranged such that when connected to a terminal (7,7') of the DC power source (8) or the DC load (9), the auxiliary contact (4,4') makes contact with the second terminal (7,7') before the second main contact (3,3') makes contact with the second terminal (7,7'), and conversely, when disconnected from the second terminal (7,7'), the second main contact (3,3') loses contact with the second terminal (7,7') before the auxiliary contact (4,4') loses contact with the second terminal (7,7').