Switching apparatus
View Patent ↗A switching apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an electrical contactor including a set of main terminals per phase and an auxiliary switch including a set of auxiliary terminals per phase. Each set of the auxiliary terminals is electrically connected to a respective set of the main terminals via a resistance wire, such that each set of the auxiliary terminals is electrically connected in parallel with each respective set of the main terminals. Each resistance wire includes a first terminal at a first end configured to connect to one of the set of auxiliary terminals, and a second terminal at a second end configured to connect to a respective one of the set of main terminals. The second terminal of the resistance wire comprises a retention hook configured to hook onto the respective main terminal.
1. A switching apparatus, comprising:
an electrical contactor including a set of main terminals per phase;
an auxiliary switch including a set of auxiliary terminals per phase, each set of the auxiliary terminals being electrically connected to a respective set of the main terminals via a resistance wire having a first end and a second end, such that each set of the auxiliary terminals is electrically connected in parallel with each respective set of the main terminals;
a first terminal connected to the first end of the resistance wire operative to engage one of the set of auxiliary terminals; and
a second terminal member having a connection tab portion connected to the second end of the resistance wire and a retention hook portion extending distally from the connection tab portion operative to slidably engage one of the set of main terminals with a compressive load self induced by the retention hook portion; wherein each main terminal comprises a connector having a wire clamp; and the retention hook portion is configured to slidably engage the wire clamp.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the main terminals are each configured to receive a phase conductor, and flirt her wherein:
the second terminal comprises a contact surface disposed and configured to make contact with the phase conductor.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein:
the contact surface comprises at least one of a flat contact surface and a concave contact surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the resistance wires each comprise a plurality of loops, the loops configured to reduce the overall length required for a specific length of wire.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein:
the loops are each configured and disposed to provide unobstructed access to the main terminals.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
each resistance wire is electrically insulated.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein:
the electrical insulation comprises an insulation sleeve.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
each resistance wire is exposed to the same ambient as the auxiliary switch.
9. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein:
each electrically insulated resistance wire is exposed to the same ambient as the auxiliary switch.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the retention hook portion is configured to slidably engage with the wire clamp with a compressive load.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
each main terminal comprises a connector having a wire clamp; and
the retention hook portion is configured to snap fit onto the wire clamp.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
each main terminal comprises a connection tab; and
the retention hook portion is configured to snap fit onto the connection tab with a compressive load.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
each main terminal comprises a connector having a wire clamp and a clamp screw.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the retention hook portion includes a protrusion extending from a surface of the retention hook operative to engage the one of the set of main terminals.