Abstract: The remote, self adjusting operator for a circuit breaker according to the present invention allows a circuit breaker toggle to be operated from the exterior of the an explosion-proof enclosure over the circuit breaker panel. The operator includes a shaft having one end extending outside of an enclosure door and another end extending inside the enclosure door. A handle is attached to the shaft at the exterior of the door and an operating fork is attached to the shaft at the inside of the door. The operating fork having a slot for receiving the toggle is designed to prevent damage to the circuit breaker toggle or the operating fork if the door is close when the fork is not properly aligned with the toggle. A spring is provided on the shaft between the fork and the inside surface of the door which allows the fork to move axially on the shaft when it engages the toggle. A sloped surface on the bottom of the fork will cause the fork to move across the toggle until the slot is aligned over the toggle.

Abstract: An electrical switch and switch contact are disclosed, both of which are advantageous for use in an environment containing explosive gases or vapors. The switch housing is designed so that the two joints where explosive gases or vapors can enter or exit into the switch interior can cool any hot gases escaping from the switch interior. Therefore, if any explosive gases or vapors are ignited by an arc in the switch interior, they are cooled during their exit from the switch, so that they cannot ignite the explosive environment outside the switch. This is done using a labyrinthine path between the two switch housing members, and a lengthy metal-to-metal, metal-to-ceramic, or ceramic-to-ceramic path between the switch actuator and the switch housing. The contact is designed such that it has a greater flexural length, without requiring a substantial increase in the housing body volume. This allows a smaller amount of hazardous gas or vapor to come into contact with a potential arc.