Circuit interrupter using arc commutation

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Abstract of the Disclosure, A solid state circuit interrupter connected in parallel across a pair of separable contacts diverts the circuit current away from the contacts upon separation to extinguish the arc formed between the contacts. A zener diode within the solid state switch turns on a triac when the contact arc voltage reaches a predetermined magnitude for transferring the current to a capacitor. When the capacitor voltage reaches the clamping voltage of a metal oxide varistor connected in parallel with the capacitor the current, then transfers to the metal oxide varistor and rapidly approaches zero.