A Fundamental Investigation of the Interruption Process in Air-Magnetic Circuit Breakers. I. Measurements of Arc Motion, of Wall Temperature and of Electrical Wall Conductivity

High speed photographic techniques for studying the motion of the arc and arc products in air-magnetic circuit breakers and methods for measuring the chute wall temperature and post arc electrical conductivity are discussed. The information revealed by these experiments has broadened and deepened understanding of the fundamental process of interruption in such breakers. It is also most helpful in evaluating practical design changes.