Abstract: This invention discloses a low-voltage circuit breaker with a capability of tripping quickly. Its main feature is that at least one of the side faces of the contact device provides an open flange which has an internal through hole, and the bottom of a rotating shaft disposed on the bottom part provides a stressed member. The stressed member receives the over-pressure airflow escaping from the open flange of the contact device to generate a force. The force is passed to the activating member by the rotating shaft and is magnified, then hits the latch quickly and makes a trip. An intermediate step is bypassed due to the force produced earlier, the force which is produced by the electromagnetism part in the heat energy and electromagnetic system, so that the low-voltage breaker can open quickly and reduces opening time greatly and improve the breaking capability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring protection device including a housing assembly including at least one receptacle, the at least one receptacle being configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein. The housing assembly includes a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, a neutral load terminal, a hot user-accessible receptacle contact, and a neutral user accessible receptacle contact. A fault detection circuit is coupled to the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal. The fault detection circuit is configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto. An interrupting contact assembly is coupled to the fault detection circuit. A weld breaker mechanism is coupled to the interrupting contact assembly. The weld breaker mechanism is configured to strike the first pair of contacts and/or the second pair of contacts in response to the tripping stimulus.

Abstract: A signal accessory for a molded case circuit breaker, with the circuit breaker (10) having an operating mechanism (40) with a cradle pin (41b), a cross bar (55) and a trip bar (54) and a main breaker cover (20). The signal accessory (300) comprises a signal accessory mounting (301) having a bottom mount (308) and a top mount (306) coupled to the bottom mount (308) with the top mount configured to receive a switch (302, 304) and engage the breaker cover (20) in an accessory socket (22). A switch member (311) is rotably mounted on the bottom mount (308) with the switch member (311) having an actuator lever (322) in contact with the operating mechanism (40) of the circuit breaker (10) and an actuator pad (314) in contact with a switch mounted on the top mount (306).

Abstract: A molded case, cassette type circuit breaker for a multi-pole electrical distribution circuit includes a number of cassettes equal to the number of poles in the multi-pole electrical distribution circuit and a pin disposed through each cassette. The pin is formed from a dielectric material. The pin may be further disposed through a portion of an operating mechanism for aligning the cassettes and the operating mechanism. Each cassette may include a rotor, a pair of electrical contacts, and a contact arm supported in the cassette by the rotor. In this embodiment, the pin may be a cross pin that extends between each rotor. The dielectric material may include phenolic, melamine, silicone, epoxy, polyester, fiberglass and the like. Alternatively, the pin includes a steel bar coated with the dielectric material, where the dielectric material may include, for example, epoxy, silicon, Teflon, and the like. A pair of end caps may be disposed over end surfaces of the rotor.

Abstract: A trip spring electrical isolation device for a circuit breaker operating mechanism assembly, where the operating mechanism assembly has an operating arm and a cradle member with a trip spring disposed therebetween. The isolation device includes a non-conductive barrier structured to be coupled to either end of the trip spring.

Abstract: An assembly for interacting with a circuit breaker operating mechanism of a circuit breaker including a housing and a pair of contacts within the housing, the operating mechanism arranged to separate the pair of contacts upon the occurrence of a trip event is disclosed. The assembly includes a plurality of linkages arranged to transmit mechanical energy from the operating mechanism to a plunger of an accessory device for changing a state thereof. The system of linkages is configured to compensate for any over-travel resulting from possible tolerance variations.

Abstract: A subminiature circuit breaker is equipped with an arc fault auxiliary switch actuated by the arc fault trip motor through an indicator actuator that also deploys a pop-up arc fault indicator. An additional auxiliary switch actuated by the drive link on the toggle mechanism provides an indication of the open/closed state of the circuit breaker separable contacts. Both the arc fault auxiliary switch and the contact state auxiliary switch are mounted on the outside of the subminiature circuit breaker housing and are operated by an operating member and a pivoted member, respectively, extending through openings in the housing.

Abstract: A switching device, in particular a position sensing switching device, generates switching signals. The position sensing switching device comprises at least one switching unit and at least one activation unit, the switching unit reacting to a relative spacial displacement of the switching unit and the activation unit with respect to one another by outputting appropriate switching signals. The switching unit is embodied as an inductive switching unit and the activation unit is embodied as an inductive damping unit. The position sensing switching device according to the invention is preferably applied in gear-speed-changing units for automatic gearboxes.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a manual control, an over-center contact mechanism, and a magnetic current sensing coil, wherein said an over-center contact mechanism is disposed between said external manual control and said sensing coil. For example, a collapsible toggle linkage selectively applies a force along an axis, which generally intersects the coil. The circuit breaker has a housing for a contact mechanism having a contact bar rotational axis. The magnetic sensing coil of the circuit breaker is not disposed between the contact mechanism and a side wall of the housing.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to protect an electromagnet switching device when a load is switched to a supply voltage. A current that flows through the load contact is monitored. The electric circuit is interrupted when the current exceeds a threshold value that is below the current carrying capacity of the load contact. The electric circuit is automatically closed again after the current which flows through the load contact has decreased.

Abstract: An upper slot motor assembly for a circuit breaker slot motor assembly where the upper slot motor assembly includes a housing assembly and a plurality of plates, and the plates generally correspond to the shape of the housing assembly. The house assembly has a U-shape with a bight, a first and second leg, and a gap between said legs. The gap has a narrow portion and a wide portion. When installed about the circuit breaker separable contacts, the gap narrow portion is located near the stationary contact and the gap wide portion is located near the movable contact when the movable contact is in the open position.

Abstract: A trip system for a circuit breaker includes a current sensor and a stop surface, the current sensor having a contact surface, a first end that is supported, and a second end with a degree of freedom. The current sensor, arranged for receiving an electric current, undergoes a first deflection in response to a first current and a second deflection in response to a second current, the first deflection resulting in clearance between the contact surface and the stop surface, and the second deflection resulting in contact between the contact surface and the stop surface.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker includes main contacts, secondary contacts and an arc plate drawing an arc from a fixed main contact when an operating mechanism opens the main contacts. A primary circuit electrically connects the main and secondary contacts between line and load terminals. A solenoid actuator selectively moves the secondary contacts between open and closed states. A magnetic bypass circuit is electrically connected between the arc plate and the load terminal. A movable magnetic armature cooperates with a fixed magnetic armature and is coupled to a movable arm controlled by the actuator. The circuits pass between the magnetic armatures, which respond to short circuit current flowing in the primary circuit and to arcing current flowing in the magnetic bypass circuit, in order to hold the secondary contacts in the closed state during both current conditions.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device for preventing the pivotal rotation of a circuit breaker required for removal of that circuit breaker from electrical distribution equipment in which it is installed is disclosed.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter against RCE suitable for various electrical instruments, equipments and systems fed by electrical power supply is characterized in that an erroneous reverse connection mechanism is included in its load end and the reset button comprises a reverse trip mechanism. When electric power is mistakenly connected to the load ends, the reset button will be always in trip situation and the socket on its upper lid will be kept free of electricity even the reset is attempted unless the error connection is corrected. As compared to prior art, the circuit interrupter of this invention has a simple mechanical trip structure which can effectively prevent equipment damage and personal hazard caused by reverse connection. Of course, it had successfully passed the 6 KV/3 KA electric surge test and is highly anti-moist and anticorrosive.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker includes main contacts, secondary contacts and an arc plate drawing an arc from a fixed main contact when an operating mechanism opens the main contacts. A primary circuit electrically connects the main and secondary contacts between line and load terminals. A solenoid actuator selectively moves the secondary contacts between open and closed states. A magnetic bypass circuit is electrically connected between the arc plate and the load terminal. A movable magnetic armature cooperates with a fixed magnetic armature and is coupled to a movable arm controlled by the actuator. The circuits pass between the magnetic armatures, which respond to short circuit current flowing in the primary circuit and to arcing current flowing in the magnetic bypass circuit, in order to hold the secondary contacts in the closed state during both current conditions.

Abstract: A shunt wire spacer provides for proper spacing between the shunt wires extending from the movable arm to the bimetal within a circuit breaker, thereby ensuring that the shunt wires do not come together during over-current conditions within the circuit breaker, and preventing the shunt wires from interfering with the movement of the trip bar.

Abstract: A neutral pole for a multipole circuit breaker is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a housing, a plurality of contact arms for opening and closing an electrical circuit, and an operating mechanism for driving the contact arms. The neutral pole includes a neutral housing, a conduction path within the neutral housing having a neutral arm arranged to open and close the conduction path, a bias spring configured to exert a first bias moment on the neutral arm when the conduction path is closed, a spring support configured to support the bias spring, a rotor pivotally arranged within the neutral housing and configured to displace the neutral arm and to open the conduction path, and a drive pin configured to couple the rotor to the multipole circuit breaker. The spring support is fixedly arranged at the neutral housing. The rotor is responsive to the opening and closing action of the operating mechanism of the multipole circuit breaker.

Abstract: In a remote controller of a circuit breaker capable of making an maintenance man control a circuit breaker instantly and safely at any place without approaching a certain area such as a control board or a control room, the circuit breaker includes a receiver for receiving a radio control signal for turning on/off or tripping a circuit breaker; a control unit for generating a first control signal or a second control signal depending on the radio control signal inputted from the receiver; a motor driver for controlling the on/off operation of the circuit breaker depending on the first control signal; and a trip unit for tripping the circuit breaker depending on the second control signal.

Abstract: A blocking member located within the body of the GFCI is positioned by the reset button to allow free access of the prongs of a plug into the openings of the receptacle when the reset button is depressed or to block at least one opening of the receptacle to prevent a plug from entering the openings of the receptacle when the reset button projects out beyond the surface of the housing. Thus, when the GFCI is in a conducting state, the reset button is recessed within the GFCI housing and positions the blocking member to the first position to allow the prongs of a plug to be inserted into the receptacle openings. When the GFCI is in a non-conducting state, the reset button protrudes outward from the housing of the GFCI to position the blocking member to the second position to block at least one opening of the receptacle to prevent the prongs of a plug from entering the receptacle.

Abstract: An electric pole for a low-voltage power circuit breaker, comprising: a fixed contact and a movable contact which can be mutually coupled/uncoupled; at least two conducting elements, suitable to electrically connect the movable contact to a power supply grid, the conducting elements being arranged so that the electric currents flowing through them are equally orientated; means for mechanically supporting and actuating the movable contact; and at least one insulating element which is interposed between the conducting elements and is suitable to contrast, by friction with the conducting elements, electrodynamic repulsion forces that are generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact during opening in short-circuit operating conditions.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing having an elongated pivot opening, a movable arm, a fixed contact and a movable contact mounted on the arm. The contacts and the arm cooperate to provide closed, pivot and open states. The pivot opening mounts a pivot end of the arm for pivotal and longitudinal movement. A solenoid includes a plunger coupled to the arm. The plunger moves between deactuating and actuating positions to provide the open and closed states, respectively. The plunger has a pivot position between the deactuating and actuating positions. The pivot end moves to a first longitudinal position in the pivot and open states, and moves to a second longitudinal position in the closed state. When the contacts are welded closed, the solenoid provides insufficient force to move the plunger to the deactuating position until after the pivot end moves at least substantially toward the first longitudinal position.

Abstract: A remote operated device including: a plurality of circuit breakers; a first actuator in operable communication with a second actuator, the first actuator positions the second actuator at a circuit breaker of the plurality of circuit breakers, the second actuator mounted external to the plurality of circuit breakers, the second actuator moves a handle of the circuit breaker to an on position, an off position, or performs a reset operation; and a controller in electronic communication with the first actuator and the second actuator.

Abstract: An improved test button assembly for use in a circuit breaker includes a frame and a button member, with the button member being pivotably mounted on the frame. A pair of microswitches are mounted on a printed circuit board that is disposed on the frame. The button member is alternately engageable with the two microswitches, with one of the microswitches being connectable with a ground fault protection circuit, and the other microswitch being connectable with an arc fault protection circuit. In an alternate embodiment, a common electrical contact is mounted on the button member, and a pair of contacts are mounted on the frame, with the common contact being alternately engageable with each of the contacts mounted on the frame. The contacts mounted on the frame are connected with the ground fault and arc fault protection circuits.

Abstract: An electrical protective device that includes a reset mechanism uses a resistor body to act as a hold-off to a spring driven lockout for the reset mechanism. Upon the failure of an internal component of the protective device, the spring driven lockout mechanism is released by I2R thermal action which causes a resistor to burn in half, or in the alternative, to melt solder mounting the resistor, thereby eliminating the hold-off and locking out the reset mechanism.

Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker (1) has an arc-extinguishing chamber (2) and a switching gas damper (4) which consists of two partial bodies (6, 7) that are displaceable in relation to each other. One (6) of the partial bodies (6, 7) is fixed to the circuit-breaker (1), while the other (7) is pre-stressed against the first partial body (6) with an elastic restoring force (spring 12). The switching gases that; are discharged from the arc-extinguishing chamber (2) are contained inside (8) the switching gas damper (4) until the relative displacement of the partial bodies (6, 7) forms a flow outlet through which the switching gases can escape.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a switching contact arrangement and a drive apparatus which operates it, with the connection between the switching contact arrangement and the drive apparatus being designed such that it is detachable. For this purpose, a contact support of the switching contact arrangement contains a coupling bolt, which produces a hinged connection to a lever arrangement for the drive apparatus. A holding piece allows a actuating shaft of the drive apparatus to be rotated to a position, and to be fixed in this position. This allows the switching contact arrangement to be removed without any problem, and subsequently to be replaced by another switching contact arrangement. Once the control panel for the circuit breaker has been removed, the holding piece can be placed on the actuating shaft and can be attached to a front housing body of the circuit breaker where the control panel would otherwise be located.

Abstract: An indicator reset tool is for a movable arc fault indicator of a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker further includes a housing enclosing separable contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts, and an operating handle protruding through an opening in the housing. An actuator actuates the movable indicator arc fault indicator and actuates the operating mechanism to trip the separable contacts open. The indicator reset tool includes a reset member having a first end with an indicator engaging portion structured to depress and reset the movable arc fault indicator. The second end of the reset member includes a handle portion for gripping by a user.

Abstract: A securing member for use in a switch assembly of a circuit breaker includes a support post and a fastener. The securing member assists in mounting an alarm switch onto a bracket of the switch assembly and further resists movement of the actuation levers of a pair of auxiliary switches from moving beyond a first given position and from potentially becoming caught in an operating mechanism that pivots a crossbar. The dual functionality of the securing member is cost effective and occupies only a minimal amount of additional space within the crowded confines of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A transfer switch includes a miniature circuit breaker housing, a first line terminal, a second line terminal and a load terminal. A transfer arm is adapted to pivot between a first position in which the transfer arm is electrically connected to the first line terminal and a second position in which the transfer arm is electrically connected to the second line terminal. A solenoid having a first coil, a second coil and a plunger moves the transfer arm between the first and second positions thereof. Separable contacts are electrically connected between the transfer arm and the load terminal. An operating mechanism opens and closes the separable contacts.

Abstract: A remotely switchable circuit breaker mounted in the casing of an electrical device comprises a circuit breaker unit, provided with a switching paddle, and a remote switching mechanism connected to the switching paddle. The remote switching mechanism comprises a connecting rod that pivotally connects a remote switch and rotatably and slidably connects the paddle. The remote switch, including a key button, is pivotally fastened with the casing via a first fastening base. The connecting rod is further rotatably and slidably fastened with the casing via a second fastening base. A pressing action on the key button causes a rotation and slide of the connecting rod that actuates a switching movement of the paddle of the circuit breaker unit.

Abstract: In an artificial magnetic conductor, the distance between the frequency selective surface and the ground plane is mechanically varied to adjust the effective inductance or capacitance of the structure and thus the resonant frequency of the device.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to protect an electromagnetic switching device when a load (6) is switched to a supply voltage (U). A current (IL) that flows through the load contact (2) is monitored. The electric circuit is interrupted when the current (IL) exceeds a threshold value that is below the current carrying capacity of the load contact (2). The electric circuit is automatically closed again after the current (IL) which flows through the load contact (2) has decreased.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a nonconductive housing, a first breaker contact within said housing, and a trigger element having a second breaker contact located within said housing. The trigger element is thermally activated to separate the first and second breaker contacts in an overcurrent condition. A nonconductive reset mechanism is located in the housing and configured for sliding actuation to prevent electrical connection between the first breaker contact and the second breaker contact after the trigger element has activated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protection relay, in particular of the thermal type, recessed relative to its front face (24), a recess acting as through passage for interconnection of the conductors (C) between the terminals of the relay control (23) and of the contact switch (16). The recess (27) is concealed in normal operation by a shutter consisting of a flap (26) or a fixed part (26′) of the housing (20). The interconnection conductors can consist of individual cables (C) or can be integrated to a precabling addition (40) housed in the recess.

Abstract: A Residual Current Device is provided with a reset lockout mechanism.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for actuating an electromagnet, in particular for a safety circuit, which has an armature which is activated in accordance with the actuation of a solenoid; comprising

Abstract: A multipolar circuit breaker of great breaking capacity prevents arc gas from blowing out from the side at the time of cutting off a short-circuit current. A stationary contact and a movable contact generating arcs when a short-circuit current is cut off, and an arc extinguisher extinguishing the arc are stored in an arc extinguisher casing. By forming the ceiling, the bottom and the sidewalls connecting the ceiling and the bottom of the arc extinguisher casing in continuity so that no gap is formed by an outward internal pressure, blow out of arc gas from the sidewall portion is suppressed.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has a set of remotely controllable secondary contacts electrically connected in series with the main contacts which provide overcurrent or fault current protection. An operating mechanism opens and closes the set of main contacts. The secondary contacts are opened and closed by a latching solenoid. The latching solenoid includes a plunger latchable to a first position, which opens the set of secondary contacts, and to a second position which closes the set of secondary contacts. The latching solenoid also includes an open/close coil which when energized with a first polarity signal operates the plunger to the first position and which when energized with an opposite second polarity signal operates the plunger to the second position. A circuit is structured for cooperation with a remote control circuit for energizing the coil with the first polarity signal or, alternatively, the second polarity signal.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a manual control, an over-center contact mechanism, and a magnetic current sensing coil, wherein said an over-center contact mechanism is disposed between said external manual control and said sensing coil. For example, a collapsible toggle linkage selectively applies a force along an axis, which generally intersects the coil. The circuit breaker has a housing for a contact mechanism having a contact bar rotational axis. The magnetic sensing coil of the circuit breaker is not disposed between the contact mechanism and a side wall of the housing.

Abstract: A pair of shunt wire spacer pins provides for proper spacing between the shunt wires extending from the movable arm to the bimetal within a circuit breaker, thereby ensuring that the shunt wires do not come together during over-current conditions within the circuit breaker, and preventing the shunt wires from interfering with the movement of the trip bar.

Abstract: A shock-resistant solenoid assembly includes a trip solenoid and an inertia lock, the inertia lock being operable to resist unintended engagement of a core of the trip solenoid with a trip plunger of a trip unit of a circuit breaker. The core is movable along a tripping path between a retracted position and an extended position, with the core engaging the trip plunger in the extended position. The inertia lock includes an inertia member and a latch. In response to shock loading, the inertia member interposes the latch into the tripping path to engage the core and resist the core from operatively engaging the tripping plunger under inappropriate conditions. The Abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the Claims.

Abstract: A bypass conductor is provided for use in a miniature type circuit breaker. In one embodiment, the bypass conductor can include an elongated flat strap positioned in a circuit breaker housing. A first end of the bypass conductor is positioned to be adjacent to a contact arm in an open circuit position of the circuit breaker to receive current flow, especially high transient current flow. A second end of the bypass conductor is electrically coupled and/or mechanically connected to a load terminal of the circuit breaker to provide a path for current between the first and second ends. In this manner, the bypass conductor provides an alternate path for electrical current through the circuit breaker. The bi-metallic components and other sensitive elements within the circuit breaker can therefore resist the loss of useful life and other adverse operational effects caused by a high transient current event.

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker (10) has a toggle mechanism (18) having two movable over center joints (3, 4) connected between a push-button (16) and a movable contact mechanism (30). When the push-button is depressed a first link rotates bringing the first movable over center joint (3) across a center position represented by a first imaginary straight line (1) to a stop surface (28). A spring member (36) provides a bias which acts on the second movable over center joint (4) normally maintaining the second movable joint against the stop surface so that with the two movable over center joints biased against the stop surface the movable contact mechanism is moved to a closed contact position when the push-button is depressed.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes a switching mechanism and a current-interrupting section. The current-interrupting section is composed of an insulated case, fixed contact shoes arranged diagonally opposite to each other, a bridging rotary contact shoe, a contact shoe holder, and arc extinguishing devices. The fixed contact shoes are composed of linear contact shoe conductors to reduce a height of the section, and the fixed contact shoes are arranged vertically in parallel and opposite each other so that the fixed contact shoes and the rotary contact shoe form a Z-shaped conducting path.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a locking mechanism comprising a blocking member sized to fit within the elongated slot through which a circuit breaker handle extends is disclosed. The blocking member may be seated adjacent the circuit breaker handle within the elongated slot and may snap or otherwise be locked into place to prevent the circuit breaker handle from moving within the slot. Thus, if the blocking member is placed within the elongated slot when the circuit breaker handle is in an OFF position, then the circuit breaker handle will be locked in the OFF position. The blocking member can be converted for locking the circuit breaker handle in an ON position. Then, when the blocking member is placed within the elongated slot when the circuit breaker handle is in an ON position, then the circuit breaker handle will be locked in the ON position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit breaker (10) and a cover (20) for a molded case circuit breaker having an operating mechanism (40) and an intermediate latching mechanism (52) with the cover (20) comprising a substantially planer member having a central opening (29) and an accessory compartment (22) formed in the planer member on either side of the opening (29) with the accessory compartment (22) configured to accept a plurality of different types of accessories (20) and having a plurality of holes (24) wherein a circuit breaker accessory (80) is nested in the accessory compartment (22) and is in contact with one of the operating mechanism (40) and the intermediate latching mechanism (52) within the housing (12).

Abstract: A remote control circuit breaker which includes a first current path and a second current path. The circuit breaker also includes a set of separable main contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the set of main contacts, a trip device in electrical communication with the main contacts, a set of separable latching contacts having an actuator in electrical communication with the trip device. The circuit breaker also includes a by-pass circuit in electrical communication with the trip device. The first current path passes through the main contacts, the trip device, and the latching contacts and the second current path passes through the main contacts, the trip device, and the by-pass circuit.

Abstract: An under-voltage tripping device installed on a main body of a circuit breaker includes an electromagnetic under-voltage tripping mechanism; an early-operation auxiliary switch for switching a conductive path of an electromagnet of the electromagnetic under-voltage tripping mechanism in connection with a handle mechanism of the circuit breaker; and a unit case having two opposite ends and external connection terminals at the two opposite ends thereof. The unit case is shaped to fit an outward frame of the main body. The wiring circuits for the electromagnet and the early-operation auxiliary switch are separated from each other in the unit case. The early-operation auxiliary switch is connected between the external connection terminals of the unit case, and the electromagnet has leads emerging directly from the unit case and connected to an external wiring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low voltage switchgear with a bimetallic actuator, especially to a motor safety switch. The aim of the invention is to improve such a low voltage switchgear so that the fabrication and assembly tolerances are widely compensated for. To this end, the two-part (21, 22) housing (2) of the switchgear (1) is provided with an opening (23), that is closed with a protective cover (24). By way of said opening (23), the bimetallic component (51) and the jack system are accessible for the purpose of measurement and a bridge system (52) of the bimetallic actuator (5) that is calibrated on the basis of the measured values can be mounted therethrough.