Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for protecting against overcurrents, which includes a current input terminal (2); a central terminal (3) for outputting current pulse spikes (Is); and a terminal (4) for outputting non-pulsed current (Ic) externally connected to the potential of the central terminal (3) before the current pulse spike (Is) is present at the input terminal (2); and an electric conductor element (5) connecting the current input and output terminals (2 and 4); said conductor element having a reduced self-induction (L) for operation with no overcurrents, but which establishes a major drop in the inductive voltage between said input and output terminals (2 and 4) when the current pulse spikes are present at the input terminal (2); the central terminal (3) being fixed near the current input terminal (2) at an adjustable distance (D), such that when, due to a current pulse spike, the inductive voltage drop between the input terminal and the non-pulsed output terminal (2 and 4) exceeds the dielectric strength of the dielectric material between said input and central terminals (2 and 3), an electric arc is produced, due to the skin effect, between said input and central terminals (2 and 3) thus eliminating the circulation of current pulse spikes (Is) through the conductor element (5).

IPC Classes  ?

• H01H 85/38 - Means for extinguishing or suppressing arc
• H01H 33/06 - Insulating body insertable between contacts