FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electrical disconnecting arrangement.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an electrical disconnecting arrangement for disconnecting solar and photovoltaic panels under load.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Disconnecting solar or photovoltaic panels is problematic as an electrical arc may be created during the operation. That is the reason why there is written on all solar photovoltaic installations not to disconnect under load. When the solar or photovoltaic panels are generating current (except at night), a DC electrical current of 8 to 9A with current panels, and up to 25A in the case of problems, is circulating. This creates a problem for persons and hardware if disconnection is happening under load with the creation of an electrical arc. The arc is particularly important with DC current more than with AC current. The main problem is obviously the safety aspect due to flash over, electrical shocks, burns, etc.

It is an object of the invention to suggest an electrical disconnecting arrangement, which will assist in overcoming these problems and shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the invention, an electrical disconnecting arrangement for an electrical circuit of a solar or photovoltaic electrical system, includes earth connection means adapted create an earth connection during the intermediary position when opening the electrical circuit.

The earth connection means may include rotary and/or translating connection means.

Once the electrical circuit is open there may be safe open circuit connection to earth.

The electrical disconnecting arrangement may be used to disconnect junction(s) between two solar or photovoltaic panels.

The electrical disconnecting arrangement may be used to avoid electrical arcs. The electrical disconnecting arrangement may be operated by means of a hook. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

In the drawings there is shown in:

Figure 1 : the electrical layout of a normal close electrical circuit position with circuit breaker connected;

Figure 2: the electrical layout during the intermediary position with connection to earth according to the invention; and

Figure 3: the electrical layout during safe open electrical circuit connection to earth. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, an electrical disconnecting arrangement for an electrical circuit of a solar or photovoltaic electrical system, includes earth connection means adapted create an earth connection during the intermediary position when opening the electrical circuit.

In Figure 2, the earth connection means is shown to be connected by way of a current connector, and in Figure 3 the circuit is interrupted or open.

The earth connection means include rotary and/or translating connection means.

Once the electrical circuit is open there is safe open circuit connection to earth.

The electrical disconnecting arrangement can be used to disconnect junction(s) between two solar or photovoltaic panels.

The electrical disconnecting arrangement can be used to avoid electrical arcs.

The electrical disconnecting arrangement can be operated by means of a hook.

The invention thus utilises the electrical characteristic of solar or photovoltaic panels of which electrical generation efficiency drops rapidly to zero when in open circuit and earthed.

In order to avoid the creation of the electrical arc when opening the circuit the disconnection happens with connection to earth during the transient phase.