Abstract:
An electric circuit interrupter including arc establishing and interrupting means having an arc-gas venting portion and an arcgas filter and muffle portion in juxtaposed relation to the arcgas venting portion, combined with a sleeve of elastomeric material surrounding the muffle portion and at least a portion of the arc establishing and interrupting means, the sleeve including a circumferentially extending inwardly directed rib positioned between the muffle portion and the arc establishing and interrupting means, the sleeve serving to prevent the flow of gases other than in the intended path of flow through the assembly. In accordance with another aspect, a plurality of arc generating and interrupting assemblies are positioned side by side to provide a multipole device, and an integral metallic, generally boxlike, enclosure is provided surrounding all of the interrupting assemblies and having an end wall with openings therein permitting the flow of arc gases therethrough, the metallic enclosure permitting the device to withstand extremely high pressures during interruption.