An encapsulated vacuum interrupter with grounded end cup and drive rod is disclosed. The double break vacuum interrupter includes a first contact system including an annular stationary contact which is engaged by a primary moving contact with the moving contact drive rod extending through the primary moving contact and through the opening of the annular stationary contact. A second contact system includes a secondary moving contact placed on the end of the moving contact rod, which engages and operates a floating contact, which moves along the same axis. A mechanical adjustment system is provided for the floating contact. A coaxial moving contact drive rod system is provided. With the encapsulated vacuum interrupter, the lower portion of the vacuum envelope is insulated from the current path, which allows for the elimination of the long internal cavity in the encapsulation as the lower end cup of the vacuum envelope may be grounded.