Arc phenomena

Increasing developments in electric transmission systems impose correspondingly increased duties upon switchgear, and therefore a study of the arc phenomena accompanying the rupture of circuits in oil switches becomes of growing importance. The paper describes a number of experiments made to determine the influence of differently shaped arcing contacts upon the disturbances following rupture of an a-c. circuit, and various theoretical considerations are discussed with a view to modifying the design of oil switches so as to increase their rupturing capacity and thereby eliminate auxiliary devices with their added complications and expense. The use of reactors is also considered in connection with the rating of oil switches.