Importance

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Abstract

A circuit breaker apparatus (32) comprises one module (30) or a plurality of series-connected modules (30), the or each module (30) including: first and second conduction paths (34, 36); and first and second terminals (38, 40) for connection to an electrical network (42), each conduction path (34, 36) extending between the first and second terminals (38, 40); the first conduction path (34) including a first vacuum switching element (52) to selectively close to allow current to flow between the first and second terminals (38, 40) through the first conduction path (34) in a first mode of operation, or open to block current from flowing between the first and second terminals (38, 40) through the first conduction path (34) in a second mode of operation; the second conduction path (36) including a second vacuum switching element (56) to selectively open to block current from flowing between the first and second terminals (38, 40) through the second conduction path (36) in the first mode of operation, or close to allow current to flow between the first and second terminals (38,40) through the second conduction path (36) in the second mode of operation, wherein the first and second vacuum switching elements (34, 36) define a break-before-make switching arrangement; the second conduction path (36) further including a primary energy storage device (74) to oppose current flowing between the first and second terminals (38, 40) through the second conduction path (36) in the second mode of operation; and the or each module (30) further including a commutation circuit (72) to establish a resonant current in the first vacuum switching element to quench an arc current appearing across the first vacuum switching element (52) in the second mode of operation.

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First Claim