Abstract: A circuit breaker having an arc quenching system is provided. The quenching system includes an ablative device positioned within a chamber. On end of the ablative device includes an opening that receives a stationary contact. A movable contact arm travels within a channel between the closed position and an open position. When an abnormal operating condition is detected, the circuit breaker trips causing the contact arm to move. This generates a plasma arc that evaporates material from the ablative device. The evaporated material generates a pressurized gas that cools and quenches the plasma arc to improve the performance of the circuit breaker during undesired operating conditions such as a short circuit.

Abstract: A test assembly for a circuit breaker with a single pole module having first and second conduction paths electrically isolated from each other via an interior wall of the module and a circuit board. The test assembly includes an axle at an upper portion of the interior wall and having a first end and a second end extending along opposite sides of the interior wall, a test actuation member configured to be actuated, and a spring in operable communication with the test actuation member and in signal communication with the circuit board. The spring contacts the test actuation member and the first end of the axle when the test actuation member is actuated, the axle conducts an electrical signal to the spring, and the spring provides a test signal to the circuit board initiating a test operation of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A single pole module of a circuit breaker is disclosed. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion, and an interior wall separating the first portion from the second portion. The first portion includes a first section receiving a circuit board and a second section receiving a lever mechanism. The second portion includes a first section receiving an electromagnetic protection device, a second section receiving an arc extinguishing device, a third section receiving a thermal protection device, and a fourth section receiving an operating mechanism. The first and second sections of the first portion occupy substantially half of the housing and the first, second, third and fourth sections of the second portion occupy substantially half of the housing and the second section of the first portion and the third section of the second portion are opposite each other.

Abstract: A single pole module of a circuit breaker is disclosed. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion, and an interior wall separating the first portion from the second portion. The first portion includes a first section receiving a circuit board and a second section receiving a lever mechanism. The second portion includes a first section receiving an electromagnetic protection device, a second section receiving an arc extinguishing device, a third section receiving a thermal protection device, and a fourth section receiving an operating mechanism. The first and second sections of the first portion occupy substantially half of the housing and the first, second, third and fourth sections of the second portion occupy substantially half of the housing and the second section of the first portion and the third section of the second portion are opposite each other.

Abstract: A test assembly for a circuit breaker with a single pole module having first and second conduction paths electrically isolated from each other via an interior wall of the module and a circuit board. The test assembly includes an axle at an upper portion of the interior wall and having a first end and a second end extending along opposite sides of the interior wall, a test actuation member configured to be actuated, and a spring in operable communication with the test actuation member and in signal communication with the circuit board. The spring contacts the test actuation member and the first end of the axle when the test actuation member is actuated, the axle conducts an electrical signal to the spring, and the spring provides a test signal to the circuit board initiating a test operation of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having an arc quenching system is provided. The quenching system includes an ablative device positioned within a chamber. On end of the ablative device includes an opening that receives a stationary contact. A movable contact arm travels within a channel between the closed position and an open position. When an abnormal operating condition is detected, the circuit breaker trips causing the contact arm to move. This generates a plasma arc that evaporates material from the ablative device. The evaporated material generates a pressurized gas that cools and quenches the plasma arc to improve the performance of the circuit breaker during undesired operating conditions such as a short circuit.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment, a terminal for electrical leads comprises a housing, a guide, a current bar, a leaf spring and a moveable operator. The guide is supported by the housing and comprises guide surfaces that connect with at least one surface of the current bar. The leaf spring comprises at least one limb with an offset for clamping a cable to the current bar. Additionally, the terminal comprises a moveable operator dimensioned and configured to allow the release of a cable from contact with the current bar.