Device and method for electrical switching

Abstract

This switching device includes a main switch (12), a solid-state switch (14) which is in a forward state by default, a joystick (10), a control module (16) and an associated power supply unit (18).It also includes a secondary switch (20), connected to the power supply unit (18) and controllable by the joystick, and a control assembly (22) of the main switch, such that when the joystick is moved to the armed position, the electrical switching device is temporarily put into an intermediate state in which the main switch (12) is open, the secondary switch (20) is closed and allows an electric current to pass to the power supply unit, the control module commands an opening of the solid-state switch (14), the transition from the intermediate state to the closed state being effected by actuation of the control assembly (22) after verification of the absence of an electrical fault by the control module.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical switching device configured to be connected between an electrical source and a load. It also relates to an associated electrical switching method.

[0002] We know of an electrical switching device configured to be connected between an electrical source and an electrical load of the type comprising: a main switch, a solid-state switch which is in a conducting state by default, a handle configured to be manually toggled between a disarmed position and an armed position, a control module and a power supply unit for said control module, connected between the source and the load, the control module being configured to detect an electrical fault when powered by the power supply unit, the switching device being configured to toggle: into an open state in which the main switch is open, the electrical source and the load are isolated, and the solid-state switch is in the conducting state; into a closed state in which the main switch is closed allowing electrical current to flow between the source and the load.

[0003] Thus, such an electrical switching device allows the passage of an electric current between the source and the load in the absence of a fault, and prevents the passage of current on command or in the event of an electrical fault, for example an overcurrent or a short circuit.

[0004] Electrical switching devices are known to include one or more semiconductor switches, for example, MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors), which are insulated-gate field-effect transistors. However, MOSFETs are relatively expensive and fragile.

[0005] Junction field effect transistors or JFETs (for "Junction Field Effect Transistor") are less expensive than MOSFETs and exhibit less conduction loss per equivalent active area, especially for a voltage up to 1.2kV.

[0006] A JFET transistor is a known type of transistor with three electrodes: a gate electrode (G) and two main electrodes (D and S). A JFET transistor is conducting by default ("ON") in its resting state, meaning when a voltage close to zero is applied to its gate electrode. Therefore, if such a transistor is used in a switching device, an electric current is likely to flow through it as soon as the main switch is closed, even if there is an electrical fault in the electrical installation that connects the source and load to the switching device. This danger is particularly present when the source of the electric current is an electrical distribution network.In the event of an electrical fault, and in particular an overcurrent, the JFET transistor may be damaged before the control module detects the presence of an electrical fault and commands the opening of the JFET transistor.

[0007] This risk is more generally present in the presence of a solid state breaker, which is in the on state by default, that is, when it is not powered.

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art, by proposing an electrical switching device of the aforementioned type, comprising a semiconductor switch which is conducting by default, with protection of the semiconductor switch against the risk of damage explained above.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to an electrical switching device of the aforementioned type, further comprising: a secondary switch, connected to the power supply unit and controllable by said lever, and a control assembly of the main switch, arranged so that when the lever is moved from the disarmed position to the armed position, the electrical switching device is temporarily put into an intermediate state in which the main switch is open, the secondary switch is closed and allows an electric current to pass to the power supply unit, the control module is implemented to command a passage of the solid-state switch from the passing state to the blocked state, the electrical switching device being configured to pass from the intermediate state to the closed state by actuation of the control assembly to close the main switch after verification of the absence of an electrical fault by the control module.

[0010] Advantageously, placing the switching device in an intermediate state, where the main switch is open, the secondary switch is closed and allows electrical current to flow to the power supply, and the control module is activated to switch the solid-state switch from the "on" to the "off" state, ensures that the solid-state switch is in the off state before the main switch closes. Thus, in the event of an electrical fault, the solid-state switch is not damaged because it is in the off state.

[0011] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the electrical switching device comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0012] The control assembly includes a monostable electromechanical relay, comprising a coil and configured to keep the main switch closed when the coil is energized.

[0013] The control assembly includes a bistable mechanical component, controlled by an electric actuator.

[0014] The electric actuator is a motor or a coil.

[0015] The control assembly further includes an electromechanical actuator with a mechanical holding element, configured to hold the bistable mechanical element in the open position when the electromechanical actuator is powered.

[0016] The electrical switching device further includes a position sensor, connected between the bistable mechanical element and the control module, and configured to transmit position information from the bistable mechanical element to the control module.

[0017] The control assembly includes a bistable mechanical component, controlled by a mechanical link to the lever, for example achieved by a connecting rod.

[0018] The electrical switching device further includes an electromechanical actuator comprising a mechanical holding element associated with a no-voltage type coil, the mechanical holding element being configured to keep the bistable mechanical element open as long as said no-voltage coil is not energized.

[0019] The control assembly further comprises a first electromechanical coil actuator, configured to keep the bistable mechanical element open as long as said coil is energized, and a second electromechanical actuator, the second electromechanical actuator being configured to block the main switch in the open position and release the block of the main switch on command from the control module.

[0020] Each of the said first electromechanical actuator and second electromechanical actuator is a monostable electromechanical actuator.

[0021] The electrical switching device is integrated into a housing, which includes a marking of an intermediate position of the handle between the disarmed position and the armed position.

[0022] The invention also relates to an electrical switching method implemented by an electrical switching device as briefly described above.

[0023] This process involves, when the electrical switching device is in the open state, the following steps: closure of the secondary switch following an actuation of the handle towards the armed position, energization of the power supply unit of the control module, command by the control module to move the solid-state switch to the blocked state, verification by the control module of an absence of electrical fault, in the event of no electrical fault being detected, command to close the main switch and then the solid-state switch to the conducting state.

[0024] According to one implementation, the method includes, when the electrical switching device is in the closed state, following detection of an actuation of the handle towards the disarmed position, a command by the control module to move the solid-state switch to the blocked state and then to open the main switch.

[0025] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which: there figure 1 is a schematic representation of the main functional blocks of an electrical switching device according to the invention; the figure 2 schematically represents an electrical switching device according to a first embodiment; the figure 3 schematically represents an electrical switching device according to a second embodiment; the figure 4 schematically represents an electrical switching device according to a third embodiment; the figure 5 schematically represents an electrical switching device according to a fourth embodiment; the figure 6 is a synoptic diagram of the steps in a process implemented by a switching device according to the invention to transition from an open state to a closed state; the figure 7 is a synoptic diagram of the steps of a process implemented by a switching device according to the invention to go from a closed state to an open state.

[0026] There figure 1 is a schematic representation of a switching device 2 according to the invention, several envisaged embodiments of such a device being described subsequently with reference to figures 2 à 5 .

[0027] In these figures, only blocks corresponding to elements having a function within the scope of the invention are described. The reference numbers corresponding to the same elements are repeated in the various figures.

[0028] Furthermore, in the figures 1 à 5 Electrical connections appear in thin lines and mechanical connections in bold lines.

[0029] There figure 1 This schematically illustrates an electrical installation 1 comprising an electrical switching device 2 configured to be connected between an electrical source 4, configured to supply electrical energy, and a load 6 consuming electrical energy, via one or more electrical conductors 8, comprising, for example, one or more phase conductors and a neutral conductor. The electrical source 4 is, for example, an electrical generator, a transformer, or an electrical network, such as a mains power grid. The load 6 is a device consuming electricity, such as a household electrical appliance, industrial equipment like an electric motor, or a server.

[0030] The electric current supplied by source 4 is an alternating current, or alternatively, a direct current.

[0031] The electrical switching device 2, also called a circuit breaker, is adapted to switch either into an open state in which a main switch is open, the electrical source and the load being electrically isolated, or into a closed state in which the main switch is closed, allowing the flow of electric current between the source and the load.

[0032] The electrical switching device 2 can be controlled manually by a user via a lever 10, or controlled by automatic triggering in the event of an electrical fault, an electrical fault being for example an overcurrent or a lack of electrical supply voltage.

[0033] Typically, an electrical switching device 2 comprises a housing (not shown), with electrical and mechanical components of the switching device 2 arranged inside the housing.

[0034] The lever 10, for example, is positioned on one face of the housing (not shown) containing the switching device 2, accessible by a user, and is adapted to pivot around an axis (not shown) between a first position P1 and a second position P2, also called the disarmed position P1 and the armed position P2. In the disarmed position P1, the flow of electric current between the source 4 and the load 6 is blocked. In the armed position P2, the flow of electric current between the source 4 and the load 6 is permitted.

[0035] The switching device 2 includes a main switch 12 (or disconnector) connected between the source 4 and the load 6, having contacts 12a, 12b.

[0036] When the contacts are separated, as shown in the figure 1 When switch 12 is open, the flow of electric current is blocked. When contacts 12a and 12b are closed, switch 12 is closed, and the flow of electric current is allowed.

[0037] The switching device 2 further includes a semiconductor switch 14, which is a normally ON switch by default, or in other words, switching to the resting state.

[0038] For example, switch 14 is a JFET (Junction Field Effect Transistor). As is known, a JFET has three electrodes: a control electrode, also called the gate, conventionally denoted G, and two main electrodes, conventionally called the drain (D) and source (S). Switching is controlled by applying a voltage to the control electrode G (i.e., the gate) of the transistor. A JFET is conducting in its quiescent state, that is, when a voltage approximately equal to zero is applied to its control electrode.

[0039] When the switching device 2 is in the closed state, the switch 14 is controlled in the passing or blocked position depending on the use of the electrical installation 1.

[0040] The switching device 2 also includes a control module 16 and a power supply unit 18 for the control module 16. The control module 16 is configured, in particular, to detect the presence of an electrical fault, such as an overcurrent or short circuit, and to trigger a tripping of the switching device 2, interrupting the flow of electrical current between the source and the load. Thus, the installation 1 is protected in the event of an electrical fault, for example, if the load 6 is over-consuming. The control module 16 is further configured to control the solid-state switch 14.

[0041] Control module 16 is, for example, a microcontroller or a hardwired logic unit.

[0042] The switching device 2 further includes a current sensor 24 configured to measure a current at the output of the solid-state switch 14, this current sensor 24 being connected to the controlled module 16, and a position sensor 26, configured to detect the switching of the lever 10 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 and vice versa.

[0043] The current sensor 24 is configured to transmit current measurements to the control module 16, the control module 16 being then configured to monitor the state of the solid-state switch 14, based on the current measurements received, in particular to determine whether the solid-state switch 14 is conducting or blocked.

[0044] Position sensor 26 allows, in particular, the detection of a switch of the joystick from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0045] Of course, other components are involved in the realization of the disjunction function, in a known way, these components not being represented in the described embodiments.

[0046] Advantageously, the switching device 2 further includes a secondary switch 20, connected between the source 4 and the power supply unit 18, which can be controlled directly by the lever 10: when the lever is in the disarmed position P1, the secondary switch 20 is open, the current flow between the source 4 and the power supply unit 18 is blocked; when the lever is in the armed position P2, the electric current flows between the source 4 and the power supply unit 18.

[0047] When the secondary switch 20 is closed, the power supply unit 18 powers the control module 16.

[0048] In addition, the switching device 2 includes a control assembly 22 configured to actuate the main switch 12. Several embodiments of the control assembly 22 are described below by way of example.

[0049] Advantageously, the switching device 2 is configured to be put, temporarily, into an intermediate state in which the main switch 12 is in the open configuration, the secondary switch 20 is closed and the solid-state switch 14 is blocked (not conducting).

[0050] Thus, advantageously, the switching device 2 is configured to be put into one of the following three states: an open state EO (or "OFF" state) in which the lever 10 is in the first position P1 (disarmed), the main switch 12 and the secondary switch 20 are open, the power supply unit 18 is not connected to the power source, the solid-state switch 14 is conducting; a closed state EF (or "ON" state) in which the lever 10 is in the second position P2 (armed), the main switch 12 and the secondary switch 20 are closed, the power supply unit 18 is connected to the power source, the solid-state switch 14 is conducting or blocked depending on the use of the installation 1; the intermediate state Ei (or "ready" state) as described above.

[0051] In particular, the switching device 2 is configured to switch from the open state to the intermediate state, and then to the closed state, upon actuation of the lever 10 to switch from the disarmed position to the armed position.

[0052] Optionally, the switching device 2 includes a status indicator 25, for example a colored indicator, such as a light-emitting diode, located on the surface of the housing of the switching device 2, and controlled by the control module 16 to indicate the state of the device by displaying distinct colors corresponding to various states, flashing, etc. This status indicator 25 is only shown in the figure 1 , it being understood that such an indicator is compatible with each of the embodiments described.

[0053] Advantageously, the semiconductor switch 14 is protected from possible damage in the event of an electrical fault, thanks to the passage through the intermediate state, checks for absence of electrical fault being carried out by the control module 16 before returning the semiconductor switch 14 to the conducting state.

[0054] Advantageously, the control module 16 is configured to check for the absence of electrical faults before the activation of the control assembly 22. The activation of the control assembly 22 is carried out after the solid-state switch 14 is commanded to the blocked state.

[0055] Advantageously, in the event of an electrical fault, for example in the presence of an overcurrent, the semiconductor switch 14 is protected from possible damage.

[0056] Several embodiments of the switching device 2 are described below with reference to figures 2 à 4 .

[0057] In a first embodiment, described with reference to the figure 2 , the control assembly 22 includes a monostable electromechanical relay 28, comprising a coil 30 and an internal switch 32.

[0058] As is known, an electromechanical relay is said to be monostable or monostable when the supply of the coil causes a commutation of the contacts of the switch, the return to the initial state occurs when the coil is no longer supplied.

[0059] The internal switch 32 is closed when energized, and the closing of the internal switch 32 allows the coil 30 to be energized, thus closing the main switch 12. The main switch 12 remains closed as long as the coil 30 is energized. Therefore, opening the internal switch 32 also causes the main switch 12 to open.

[0060] In this first embodiment, the coil 30 of the monostable relay 28 must be energized in order to keep the main switch closed.

[0061] In a second embodiment, described with reference to the figure 3 The control assembly 22 comprises a bistable mechanical element 34, and an actuator 36 for the bistable mechanical element. The actuator 36 is, for example, an electric motor connected to the bistable mechanical element 34.

[0062] According to one variant, actuator 36 is a coil actuator.

[0063] An electromechanical relay is known to be bistable, or bistable in operation, when the coil is energized. The contacts switch, and the state remains unchanged when the coil is de-energized; a mechanical system prevents the return to its initial state. To return to the initial state, the coil is energized again to unblock the mechanism, sometimes by reversing the polarity of the power supply.

[0064] The control assembly 22 further includes an electromechanical actuator 38, which is an electromechanical triggering actuator, configured to trigger the operation of the bistable mechanical element 34.

[0065] In one embodiment, the electromechanical actuator 38 is a monostable electromechanical relay comprising a mechanical retaining element (for example, a lug) that holds the bistable mechanical element 34 in the closed position. The mechanical retaining element is associated with a coil that is controlled by the control module 16 to cause a displacement of the mechanical retaining element, thereby releasing the lug and opening the bistable mechanical element 34.

[0066] Thus, in this embodiment, the electromechanical actuator 38 has a role as an electromechanical triggering actuator; it triggers the operation of the bistable mechanical element by releasing the retaining lug of the bistable mechanical element.

[0067] In this second embodiment, the switching device 2 includes, in addition to the first position sensor 26, a second position sensor 40 configured to detect the position of the bistable mechanical element 34 and to transmit the captured position information to the control module 16.

[0068] On command from control module 16, the bistable mechanical element 34 is opened, the electromechanical actuator 38 is released, causing the main switch 12 to open.

[0069] Advantageously, in this second embodiment, maintaining the main switch 12 in the closed position is achieved without additional energy consumption.

[0070] In a third embodiment, described with reference to the figure 4 , the control assembly 22 includes a bistable mechanical element 34, which is controlled via a mechanical linkage 50 by manual actuation of the lever 10.

[0071] In this third embodiment, following a manual command by the user to switch from the first position (disarmed position) P1 to the second position P2 (armed position), the switching device 2 passes into the intermediate state during the stroke of the lever.

[0072] The mechanical link 50 is for example achieved by connecting rods.

[0073] According to an optional variant, an intermediate Pint position is also indicated to the user, for example by a marking on the housing of the switching device, allowing a temporary stop to be made in the intermediate Pint position when manually operating the lever 10, allowing the switching device 2 to be put into the intermediate state before passing into the closed state.

[0074] In this third embodiment, the control assembly 22 includes an electromechanical actuator 44, which in one embodiment includes a mechanical retaining element associated with an actuator (e.g., a coil) of the undervoltage type.

[0075] In such an electromechanical actuator 44, the mechanical holding element is in the blocked position until the coil is energized. The coil is controlled by the control module 16 to release the mechanical holding element. The mechanical holding element is, for example, a lug, the positioning of which is controlled by the coil when it is not energized.

[0076] Thus, the bistable mechanical element 34 is held in the open position by the electromechanical actuator 44 as long as the coil of the electromechanical actuator 44 is not energized. The electromechanical actuator 44 is controlled by the control module 16, when the latter is energized, to move the mechanical holding element and consequently allow the bistable mechanical element 34 and the main switch 12 to close.

[0077] In other words, the electromechanical actuator 44 prevents the switching device, or more precisely the bistable mechanical element, from operating by keeping the trip latch unlocked until safe switching is guaranteed. In the event of a voltage loss, the actuator triggers the opening command of the bistable mechanical element 34.

[0078] In a fourth embodiment, described with reference to the figure 5 The fourth embodiment being a variant of the third embodiment, the control assembly 22 comprises a bistable mechanical element 34, which is controlled via a mechanical linkage 50 by manual actuation of the handle 10 comprising a first electromechanical actuator 46, similar to the electromechanical triggering actuator 38 described above, and a second electromechanical actuator 48, which is an electromechanical holding actuator. The electromechanical holding actuator 48 locks the main switch 12 in the open position, and releases this lock upon command from the control module 16.

[0079] Thus, in this embodiment, the first electromechanical actuator 46 has a role as an electromechanical triggering actuator; it triggers the operation of the bistable mechanical element by releasing the retaining lug of the bistable mechanical element.

[0080] The second electromechanical actuator 48 is an electromechanical actuator for holding the main contact in the open position. It allows the main contacts to close when safe switching is guaranteed.

[0081] The first electromechanical actuator 46 and the second electromechanical actuator 48 are preferably monostable electromechanical actuators, which may be identical.

[0082] There figure 6 is a synoptic diagram of the main steps implemented by a switching device as described above for the transition from the open state, noted EO, to the closed state, noted EF, temporarily passing through the intermediate state Ei.

[0083] Upon manual actuation of lever 10 from the disarmed position to the armed position (step 70), the secondary switch moves from the open position to the closed position, which triggers the transition to the intermediate state Ei.

[0084] The transition to intermediate state 75 involves several steps.

[0085] The process then involves a wait 74 for the power supply unit 18 to be switched on, following the closing of the secondary switch 20.

[0086] When the power supply unit 18 is started (response "yes" in step 72), the control module 16 sends a command (step 76) to switch the solid-state switch 14 to the blocked state.

[0087] A check of the state of the installation and the possible presence of a fault is carried out by the control module 16 (step 78).

[0088] The verification of the state includes a self-check ("autocheck"), including the possible implementation of the disjunction function.

[0089] In the presence of a fault, the switching device 2 is put back into standby mode (return to step 74).

[0090] In the absence of a fault (yes answer in verification step 78) a closure of the main switch 12 is commanded (step 80), and the switching device then goes to the closed state EF.

[0091] The solid-state switch 14 can then be controlled in the on or blocked state according to the needs of the installation.

[0092] It should be noted that in the third embodiment, described with reference to the figure 4 , step 80 is carried out during the manual actuation of the lever 10, and includes, following the response "yes" in step 78, an activation command of the electromechanical actuator 44. In other words, on command, the electromechanical actuator 44 releases the blockage of the bistable mechanical element 34.

[0093] In the fourth embodiment, described with reference to the figure 5 , step 80 is carried out during the manual actuation of the lever 10, and includes, following the "yes" response in step 78, a command to unlock the second electromechanical actuator 48.

[0094] There figure 7 is a synoptic diagram of the main steps implemented by a switching device for the transition from the closed state EF to the open state, noted EO, following a user command.

[0095] When the actuation of the lever 10 to move from the armed position to the disarmed position is detected (step 82), using the position sensor 26, the control module 16 carries out (step 84) the command to move the solid-state switch to the blocked state.

[0096] The secondary switch 20 is opened following the actuation of the lever 10, which results in the power supply unit 18 being switched off.

[0097] The main switch 12 is open, the switching device then goes to the open state EO.

[0098] In the second embodiment described above, in addition, the control module 16 performs the command of the electromechanical actuator 38 for an opening of the bistable mechanical element 34.

[0099] For the first, second and third embodiments, in the event of loss of electrical power when the switching device is in the closed state EF, the switching device 2 is configured to go to the intermediate state while waiting for a restoration of electrical power, ensuring that the solid-state switch 14 is put in the blocked state before performing a fault-free check and returning the switching device to the closed state.

[0100] Advantageously, in all embodiments, the proposed switching device includes a semiconductor switch, which is conducting by default and protected against possible damage by a blocked state and verification of the absence of an electrical fault before returning to the conducting state.

Claims

1. Electrical switching device configured to be connected between an electrical source (4) and an electrical load (6), comprising: - a main switch (12), - a solid-state switch (14) which is in a conducting state by default, - a handle (10) configured to be manually toggled between a disarmed position (P1) and an armed position (P2), - a control module (16) and a power supply unit (18) for said control module (16), connected between the source (4) and the load (6), the control module (16) being configured to detect an electrical fault when powered by the power supply unit (18), - the switching device (2) being configured to switch: into an open state in which the main switch (12) is open, the electrical source (4) and the load (6) are isolated, and the solid-state switch (14) is in the conducting state;in a closed state in which the main switch (12) is closed allowing electric current to flow between the source (4) and the load (6), the device being; characterized in thatIt further comprises: - a secondary switch (20), connected to the power supply unit (18) and controllable by said lever (10), and a control assembly (22) for the main switch (12), arranged so that when the lever (10) is moved from the disarmed position (P1) to the armed position (P2), the electrical switching device (2) is temporarily placed in an intermediate state in which the main switch (12) is open, the secondary switch (20) is closed and allows an electric current to flow to the power supply unit (18), the control module (16) is implemented to command a transition of the solid-state switch (14) from the conducting state to the blocked state,the electrical switching device (2) being configured to switch from the intermediate state to the closed state by actuation of the control assembly (22) to close the main switch (12) after verification of the absence of an electrical fault by the control module (16).

2. Electrical switching device according to claim 1, wherein the control assembly (22) comprises a monostable electromechanical relay (28), having a coil (30) and configured to keep the main switch closed when the coil (30) is energized.

3. Electrical switching device according to claim 1, in which the control assembly (22) comprises a bistable mechanical element (34), controlled by an electrical actuator (36).

4. Electrical switching device according to claim 3, wherein said electrical actuator (36) is a motor or a coil.

5. Electrical switching device according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the control assembly (22) further comprises an electromechanical actuator (38) having a mechanical holding element, configured to hold the bistable mechanical element (34) in the open position when the electromechanical actuator (38) is energized.

6. Electrical switching device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a position sensor (40), connected between the bistable mechanical element (34) and the control module (16), and configured to transmit position information from the bistable mechanical element (34) to the control module (16).

7. Electrical switching device according to claim 1, in which the control assembly (22) comprises a bistable mechanical element (34), controlled by a mechanical linkage (50) to the lever (10).

8. Electrical switching device according to claim 7, in which said mechanical link (50) is made by connecting rod.

9. Electrical switching device according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising an electromechanical actuator (44) having a mechanical holding member associated with a no-voltage type coil, the mechanical holding member being configured to keep the bistable mechanical member (34) open as long as said no-voltage coil is not energized.

10. Electrical switching device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control assembly (22) further comprises a first electromechanical actuator (46) with a coil, configured to keep the bistable mechanical element (34) open as long as said coil is energized, and a second electromechanical actuator (48), the second electromechanical actuator (48) being configured to block the main switch (12) in the open position and release the block of the main switch (12) on command from the control module (16).

11. Electrical switching device according to claim 10, wherein each of said first electromechanical actuator (46) and second electromechanical actuator (48) is a monostable electromechanical actuator.

12. Electrical switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the device being integrated in a housing, comprising a marking of an intermediate position (Pint) of the handle between the disarmed position (P1) and the armed position (P2).

13. Electrical switching method, implemented by an electrical switching device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising, when the electrical switching device (2) is in the open state: - closing the secondary switch (20) following an actuation of the handle towards the armed position, - energizing the power supply unit (18) of the control module, - command by the control module (16) to move the solid-state switch (14) to the blocked state, - verification by the control module (16) of the absence of an electrical fault, - in the event of no electrical fault being detected, a command to close the main switch (12) and then the solid-state switch (14) to the conducting state.

14. Electrical switching method according to claim 13, comprising, when the electrical switching device (2) is in the closed state, following detection of an actuation of the handle towards the disarmed position, a command by the control module (16) to a passage of the semiconductor switch (14) to the blocked state and then opening of the main switch (12).

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