HV switch and MOV

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Sean Taylor by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <taylorss-at-rose-hulman.edu>

I just recently recieved a high voltage swith from a distribution system,
and an MOV.  The switch looks like a small pig (2 ceramic insulators from
the top, cylindrical case, etc.) but has several connections on the outside
for power to switch it on and off.  It works like a SPST switch, with a
neutral, and 2 hot inputs - one for on, one for off.  It also has a
mechanical connector for switching.  The switch mechanism inside is simply a
bar going through a tube so that it will rotate when the tube does, and
connect two terminals in one position, and disconnect them when turned 90
degrees.  I'll try to get some pictures . . . so everyone can see what I'm
talking about.  Does anyone have an idea what kind of current and voltage
rating this thing might have?  It has fairly large copper braided connectors
inside to the contactor, I would think they could handle 100+ amps.

About the MOV - It has several numbers on it, it was made by GE.  I would
guess the rating would be given by "KV-9" - 9 KV maybe? :-)  Does anyone
have some real information on these, not just speculation?  There is a long
part number on it - MDL9L24AAX009.  Any indication of power handling, etc?
It also says "Thyrite Alugard Distribution Arrestor" and the opposite side
with all the data is marked with an "H".  Does this mean anything? Should
the one side be held at ground, while the other (with the "H") is at the
high voltage?

Thanks!
----------------------
Sean Taylor
The Geek Group
G-1 #1204
Because the geek shall inherit the Earth! (c)
www.thegeekgroup-dot-org