Influence of materials on the interaction of switching arcs with contacts and walls

The interaction of magnetically blown break arcs with the contacts and the walls of the arc chamber was investigated in a model switch. Both the influence of the materials (of the contacts and of the insulating walls) on the arc behavior and the influence of the switching arc on the resistance against arcing of the wall materials were studied. The initial time of reduced arc motion, material losses, surface resistance, and flashover voltage of the insulating walls were the measurement criteria used. Arc motion call be effectively inhibited by gassing walls, depending on the contact material and design parameters. The value of the flashover voltage of the walls decreases with increasing numbers of operations, and also depends on contact and wall materials