A multi-path switching configuration provides independent switching of multiple circuit paths. In a preferred arrangement, a plurality of circuit interrupters have one end connected in common with each other and a second end providing a circuit path connection. An operating facility is arranged to independently operate the circuit interrupters via an operating member operatively connected to a respective circuit interrupter and controlling the respective interrupting path. Two or more of the operating members are moved to selectively provide desired connections of circuit paths.

A manual trip control method and arrangement is provided to manually trip a plurality of circuit interrupters. Specifically, where the circuit interrupters include magnetic-actuator-driven vacuum interrupters including permanent magnets that hold the contacts of the circuit interrupter in the closed position via a plunger, a first of the circuit interrupters is manually tripped via movement of the plunger. To operate the remaining circuit interrupters to trip open, the voltage generated in the magnetic actuator of the first circuit interrupter is coupled to the magnetic actuators of the remaining circuit interrupters for tripping thereof.

An operation indicator is provided to indicate the open/closed status of device, e.g. a circuit interrupter operable between open and closed operating positions. The operation indicator includes two indicator members having cooperating interleaved or interlaced construction such that a relative small operating stroke of the operable device results in relatively larger open and closed symbol and indicating surfaces.

A current sensor is provided including a Rogowski coil in an assembly that is easily positioned about a conductor, e.g. without cutting the line or deenergizing the line. In one arrangement, the Rogowski coil is formed about a split helical structure such that the ends of the Rogowski coil are not coincident. While this does introduce a small error in the current measurement, this small error is easily correctable by calibration and/or application software. The current sensor includes suitable insulation such that it can be placed about energized, high-voltage lines.

A control method and arrangement is provided that monitors the condition and operating parameters of a power electronic system having power electronic devices to optimize operation of the power electronic system. Further, electrically isolated power supplies to individual control stages for high-voltage, series-connected switch devices/power electronic devices.