Patent attributes
A visible open indicator for high voltage vacuum interrupters and switches, which use a vacuum bottle having a high voltage contact and an actuating element that opens and closes the contact, is provided. The visible open indicator includes: an actuating mechanism that operates the actuating element; a housing that contains the actuating mechanism; an indicator attached to the actuating mechanism, wherein the indicator shows that the contact is in an open position or closed position; a viewing window extending through the housing, wherein the viewing window is aligned with the indicator so that the indicator can be viewed through the viewing window. The indicator includes a first indicating portion and a second indicating portion. The first indicating portion is visible through the viewing window when the contact is open and the second indicating portion is visible through the viewing window when the contact is closed.