Abstract: A low energy electromechanical interface for a circuit breaker, magnetic latch, shunt trip device, undervoltage relay, contactor, or other electric switch utilizes a memory wire to initiate the tripping of the circuit breaker. The memory wire is mechanically coupled to a latch which captures a plunger in a biased state. When the memory wire receives energy such as heat or an electric signal, the memory wire contracts and causes the latch to release a spring loaded plunger. When the plunger is released, the plunger engages a trip bar and trips the electric switch. Preferably, the memory metal wire is a nickel-titanium wire. The low cost electromechanical interface may replace more expensive solenoid and magnetic latch devices. The interface may be advantageously retrofitted into existing circuit breaker and switch designs.