CIRCUIT-BREAKER PROTECTING AGAINST OVERCURRENTS

In the cut-on position of the protective switch a movable contact element engages with a stationary contact element and at the same time is exposed to the action of a force displacing such movable contact element into a cut-off position. The movable contact element is arrestable in the cut-on position by means of a locking device which can be activated by an excess current. In order to reduce the number of movable parts to a minimum as well as to avoid parts which generate heat due to appreciable thermal losses, such locking device is provided with a substantially U-shaped locking element formed of a soft magnetic material. This locking element surrounds the movable contact element with play or clearance and is displaceably mounted transversely with respect to the flow of current in such movable contact element. At least one free leg end of the locking element is provided with a stop which in the cut-on position cooperates with a stop nose which is movable together with the movable contact element. The protective switch is suitable for installation in medium voltage and high-voltage switching installations.