Switching apparatus for electrical systems

Abstract

A low-voltage switching apparatus includes a switching device with one or more switch poles. Each pole has a first and second pole terminal for connection to electric line conductors. The fixed contact assembly, connected to the first pole terminal, comprises multiple fixed electric contacts, including first and second fixed contacts that are electrically insulated from each other. The movable contact assembly, connected to the second pole terminal, includes multiple movable electric contacts, with first and second movable contacts. Each switch pole features a current limiter in series with the second fixed contacts and the first pole terminal. This current limiter is designed to limit or interrupt the current in a series circuit involving the second fixed contacts, the current limiter, and the first pole terminal during the opening maneuver of the switching device, when the first movable contacts decouple from the first fixed contacts.