Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for a circuit breaker having a pair of relatively moveable contacts is disclosed. The actuator includes primary actuator coupled to at least one of the contacts by a link mechanism operable to provide closing and holding forces to the contacts of the circuit breaker and a secondary, faster acting actuator which, on tripping thereof, provides sufficient force to at least initiate opening of the contacts by the configuration of the link mechanism. The secondary actuator includes a stored energy latch which has a permanent magnet flux circuit for providing a holding force and a coil connected to receive a trigger signal to overcome the permanent magnet flux to trip the latch.

Abstract: An electrical circuit breaker includes a moveable contact piece connected to an actuating means and provided with a contact face arranged to make contact with a contact face of a second contact piece by movement of the moveable contact piece generally in a first direction. The circuit breaker further includes an electrical connector for conveying current to the moveable contact piece which includes at least two adjacent limbs adapted to convey the current in opposing directions so as to generate an electromagnetic force repelling the adjacent limbs from one another, which force is used to assist in maintaining the contact faces in abutment.