How does the interrupting mechanism in oil-filled circuit breakers operate?

The interrupting mechanism in oil-filled circuit breakers consists of a system designed to manage electrical interruptions effectively. When the chosen mechanism floats above the oil surface, it allows for a rapid response during faults, ensuring that the circuit is broken quickly and safely. The oil serves several purposes, including cooling and insulating the interrupting components, but the floating mechanism's key function ensures that when an interruption occurs, it can operate effectively by leveraging the dynamics of both the oil and the interrupting components.

This floating mechanism also provides the necessary movement without being hindered by the density of the oil while still using the oil's properties to facilitate arc extinction when the circuit opens. As such, floating above the oil allows the mechanism to function with reduced resistance and improved performance during high-current interruptions.