This 73-kV pantograph switch is part of the Southern District of Westar Energy, east of Wichita, Kansas. The switch is known as a "pantograph," type unit which is recognized by most electrical engineers as the most effective switching method in the power industry. This particular switch is a tap from a substation for a 69-kV Z-structure line to serve some nearby western towns. The switch, controlled by a down pipe to a handle and each phase connected by an inter-phase drive linkage, uses gravity and weight to make an efficient and durable contact between the switch blades and jaws. Because of this highly reliable contact mechanism, such switches were among the first to be designed for early power distribution and transmission switching. The original switch sported 73-kV rated four-piece pin-style insulators, as seen on the stationary side (right) and adorned with replacement porcelain post insulators on the left and moveable portions of the switch phases. These switches are . . . very heavy . . . but worth the replacement of insulators as they are durable and will break ice easily. The conductor, or current carrying portion of the switch which pulls back and descends, is a copper braid of about four inches wide, 1/2" thick and about a yard in length. Nearly every switch manufacturer created and sold similar switchgear; some with three insulators such as McGraw-Edison's L.M.'s Division or Kearney's "AT" type switches were they utilized two insulator style (one stationary; one moveable) in their designs. Today, there are no American designs of this nature being sold, which we are aware, but this design is being manufactured and sold in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa by foreign manufacturers who recognized the worthiness of this particular "gravity" design.