Electrical Insulation Barriers Having Knock Out Features

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a switchgear apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses an electrical insulation barrier having knock-out features for a switchgear apparatus. The present invention also relates to enclosures for switchgear, panel boards, circuit breakers, and more particularly to an enclosure for low voltage switchgear and switchboard assemblies. The enclosure can be a walk-in type enclosure or a non-walk-in type enclosure. This invention further provides a rear barrier for switchgear vertical (section) bus insulation assembly. The rear barrier is made from a brittle material, such as, for example, a thermoset insulating material, a glass reinforced polyester laminate (GPO-2 or GPO-3) material, and has a plurality of knock-out pass-through-openings for the bus bars and other hardware. These inventive knock-out design features have been incorporated in the rear barrier to produce openings in these rear barriers by knocking-out pre-defined shapes to allow a clearance for intersecting electrical parts. With this invention a single master or universal-type part can be made and used in many configurations and locations dependant on the design of the switchgear. This invention also consolidates many single use barriers into a few master parts where an assembly technician can customize the rear barrier to fit the desired application.

1 . An insulation barrier for a switchgear, comprising an insulation panel, wherein at least a portion of said insulation panel is secured to said switchgear, and wherein said insulation panel has at least one knock-out feature. 
     
     
         2 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 1 , wherein material for said insulation panel is selected from a group consisting of a brittle material, a thermoset insulating material, and a glass reinforced polyester laminate material. 
     
     
         3 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 1 , wherein said knock-out feature is selected from a group consisting of a knock-out for a horizontal branch bus, and a knock-out for a power connector. 
     
     
         4 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 1 , wherein said knock-out feature is formed by a plurality of serrations around the periphery of said knock-out feature. 
     
     
         5 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 1 , wherein said knock-out feature is formed by a weakened area around the periphery of said knock-out feature. 
     
     
         6 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 1 , wherein said knock-out feature is formed by a notch around the periphery of said knock-out feature. 
     
     
         7 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 1 , wherein said knock-out feature is formed by a plurality of discrete connections around the periphery of said knock-out feature and said insulation barrier. 
     
     
         8 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 1 , wherein shape for said knock-out feature is selected from a group consisting of a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, a polygonal shape, and an odd shape. 
     
     
         9 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 1 , wherein said switchgear has at least one equipment compartment. 
     
     
         10 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 1 , wherein said switchgear has at least one equipment compartment, and wherein said equipment compartment accommodates at least one equipment selected from a group consisting of a circuit breaker, an electronic device, and an electronic module. 
     
     
         11 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 1 , wherein said switchgear has at least one vent opening. 
     
     
         12 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 1 , wherein said switchgear has at least one vent opening, and wherein said at least one vent opening is located on the upper surface of said switchgear. 
     
     
         13 . An insulation barrier for a switchgear, comprising an insulation panel, wherein said insulation panel has at least one knock-out feature, and wherein at least one of said at least one knock-out feature is removed to provide access to at least one component of said switchgear, and thereby forming said insulation barrier for said switchgear. 
     
     
         14 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 13 , wherein material for said insulation panel is selected from a group consisting of a brittle material, a thermoset insulating material, and a glass reinforced polyester laminate material. 
     
     
         15 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 13 , wherein said knock-out feature is selected from a group consisting of a knock-out for a horizontal branch bus, and a knock-out for a power connector. 
     
     
         16 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 13 , wherein said knock-out feature is formed by a plurality of serrations around the periphery of said knock-out feature. 
     
     
         17 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 13 , wherein said knock-out feature is formed by a weakened area around the periphery of said knock-out feature. 
     
     
         18 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 13 , wherein said knock-out feature is formed by a notch around the periphery of said knock-out feature. 
     
     
         19 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 13 , wherein said knock-out feature is formed by a plurality of discrete connections around the periphery of said knock-out feature and said insulation barrier. 
     
     
         20 . The insulation barrier for a switchgear of  claim 13 , wherein shape for said knock-out feature is selected from a group consisting of a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, a polygonal shape, and an odd shape.