General Electric Company
Enclosure for electrical network protection element

Abstract:

The disclosure generally relates to an exemplary enclosure that protects an electrical network protection element in various environments such as when the enclosure is submerged in water or when the enclosure is placed in an underground vault that may be flooded during rain. The enclosure has a gasket that includes a first portion having a sloping surface which provides a continuously incremental amount of sealing in cooperation with a beveled edge of a door of the enclosure and a second portion having a flat surface which is compressed by a wedge projection in the door and provides water tight sealing as well. The enclosure includes a locking bar having a tapered portion, which moves into an opening in a flange of the enclosure and automatically creates a continuously incremental amount of pushing force upon the door against the gasket when a pivotable handle is operated for closing the door.