Voltage overload arrester for high-voltage switching systems

Claim 1

In a high-voltage switching system voltage overload arrester, of the type including a metallic arrester housing containing a gaseous insulating medium, spark gaps and voltage dependent current discharge resistors coupled in series thereto, and an electrically nonconductive housing, containing another gaseous insulating medium, disposed within the arrester housing, in which the spark gaps and resistors are disposed, the improvement comprising a diaphragm comprising a layer of electrically conductive metallic material, electrically coupled to said arrester housing and discharge resistors, and disposed over at least one end of said nonconductive housing and fastened thereto about the periphery of said diaphragm by a metallic gasimpermeable solder joint, said solder joint comprising a layer of metallic material fastened to an end face of said nonconductive housing and solder material joining said diaphragm to said layer of metallic material; a rubber seal engaging said diaphragm; and a metallic cap, disposed over the endface of said nonconductive housing and secured thereto by a cement joint, and spaced apart from said diaphragm by said rubber seal.