Abstract: A pin assembly is for a charging ram assembly of an electrical switching apparatus. The charging ram assembly has a biasing element, a ram member structured to bias the biasing element, and a plate member. The pin assembly includes a pin member structured to extend through the biasing element and the plate member, the pin member having an end portion; a first collar member and a second collar member coupled to the end portion; and a securing apparatus including a retaining member coupled to the first collar member and the second collar member in order to prevent the pin member from moving with respect to the first collar member and the second collar member.

Abstract: A spring cap for an electrical switching apparatus having a housing, a stationary contact, a movable contact disposed on a moving arm, and a crossbar assembly. The crossbar assembly includes a crossbar, a first contact spring, a second contact spring, and a spring clip. The moving arm is coupled to the crossbar. The spring cap includes a first segment structured disposed between the spring clip and the first contact spring, a second segment disposed between the spring clip and the second contact spring, and a connecting portion connecting the first segment to the second segment. The spring clip is disposed between the moving arm and the contact springs. The spring cap supports the spring clip and evenly distribute bias forces of the contact springs.

Abstract: A shunt tab assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts, and a number of shunts. The operating mechanism includes a trip unit. The shunt tab assembly includes a shunt tab structured to be electrically connected to the shunts, a biasing element structured to bias the shunt tab toward a predetermined position with respect to the housing, and a fastener structured to mechanically couple and electrically connect the trip unit to the shunt tab.

Abstract: A debris barrier is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes separable contacts and an arc chute. The separable contacts generate debris when tripping open in response to an electrical fault. The arc chute has a plurality of splitter plates each having an edge portion and a distal portion located opposite and distal the edge portion. The debris barrier includes a first leg, a second leg, and a middle portion connecting the first leg and the second leg. The middle portion is coupled to one of the separable contacts. At least one of the first leg and the second leg has a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion extending therefrom. The first barrier portion is located proximate the distal portion. The second barrier portion extends from the first barrier portion toward the edge portion in order to redirect the debris toward the edge portion.

Abstract: A pin assembly is for a charging ram assembly of an electrical switching apparatus. The charging ram assembly has a biasing element, a ram member structured to bias the biasing element, and a plate member. The pin assembly includes a pin member structured to extend through the biasing element and the plate member, the pin member having an end portion; a first collar member and a second collar member coupled to the end portion; and a securing apparatus including a retaining member coupled to the first collar member and the second collar member in order to prevent the pin member from moving with respect to the first collar member and the second collar member.

Abstract: A trip assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a poleshaft and a trip D-shaft. The trip assembly comprises: a yoke assembly comprising a yoke member and a trip pin coupled to the yoke member, the yoke member being structured to be coupled to the poleshaft; and a link assembly comprising a linking member, the linking member being structured to cooperate with each of the trip pin and the trip D-shaft. When the yoke member moves in response to a trip condition, the linking member is structured to transmit movement of the yoke member into movement of the trip D-shaft.

Abstract: A pole shaft assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The pole shaft assembly includes a shaft structured to cooperate with the operating mechanism and to be pivotably coupled to the housing. A number of throw assemblies are disposed on the shaft, and are secured with respect to the shaft with fasteners. The shaft includes first and second opposing ends and an elongated body portion extending therebetween. The elongated body portion of the shaft has a cross-sectional shape comprising a number of orienting features.

Abstract: An opening assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus having a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a poleshaft. The opening assembly includes a spring link comprising a first portion structured to be pivotably coupled to the poleshaft, and a second portion disposed generally opposite of the first portion. A number of opening springs each include a stationary end coupled to the housing, and a movable end coupled to the second portion of the spring link. The spring link is movable between an open position, wherein the opening springs bias the spring link and poleshaft to maintain full separation of the separable contacts, and a closed position, wherein the opening springs either do not bias the poleshaft or bias the poleshaft with a low level of torque.

Abstract: An opening assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus having a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a poleshaft. The opening assembly includes a spring link comprising a first portion structured to be pivotably coupled to the poleshaft, and a second portion disposed generally opposite of the first portion. A number of opening springs each include a stationary end coupled to the housing, and a movable end coupled to the second portion of the spring link. The spring link is movable between an open position, wherein the opening springs bias the spring link and poleshaft to maintain full separation of the separable contacts, and a closed position, wherein the opening springs either do not bias the poleshaft or bias the poleshaft with a low level of torque.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes an indicator apparatus having a pair of movable elements and a connection apparatus that enables the pair of movable elements to be cooperable. One of the movable elements is connected with an indicator element that indicates an OPEN and/or a CLOSED condition of the circuit interrupter. A pair of engagement structures are situated on the pair of movable elements and enable the pair of movable elements to be engageable with one another. A biasing element extends between the pair of movable elements and is configured to absorb some of the kinetic energy of a trip event, which resists breakage of the indicator apparatus. The indicator element changes states when the set of separable contacts are at a relatively small amount of separation and does not require the set of separable contacts to reach the end of their travel before changing state.

Abstract: A charging assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The charging assembly includes a stored energy mechanism, such as a closing spring, which is movable between charged and discharged positions. A cast member is coupled to the closing spring and moves therewith. The cast member includes a projection. A cam shaft is pivotably coupled to the housing, and includes a number of cams. A catchment, which is also pivotably coupled to the housing, includes an impact surface and a protrusion. The impact surface cooperates with a corresponding one of the cams to resist over rotation of the cam shaft. The protrusion of the catchment cooperates with the projection of the cast member to maintain the desired relationship between the catchment and the cam.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes an indicator apparatus having a pair of movable elements and a connection apparatus that enables the pair of movable elements to be cooperable. One of the movable elements is connected with an indicator element that indicates an OPEN and/or a CLOSED condition of the circuit interrupter. A pair of engagement structures are situated on the pair of movable elements and enable the pair of movable elements to be engageable with one another. A biasing element extends between the pair of movable elements and is configured to absorb some of the kinetic energy of a trip event, which resists breakage of the indicator apparatus. The indicator element changes states when the set of separable contacts are at a relatively small amount of separation and does not require the set of separable contacts to reach the end of their travel before changing state.

Abstract: A trip latch assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker operating mechanism includes a pole shaft. The trip latch assembly includes a trip latch pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker housing and being movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A trip latch reset spring is structured to bias the trip latch toward the latched position. A spring housing at least partially overlays the trip latch reset spring. A trip latch spring link includes a first end movably coupled to the pole shaft, and a second end cooperating with the spring housing. When the circuit breaker needs to be reset, the trip latch spring link engages the spring housing, in order apply torque to the trip latch reset spring. When the circuit breaker is closed, the bias of the trip latch reset spring on the trip latch is removed.

Abstract: A secondary trip mechanism is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a poleshaft, a latch assembly, and a trip D-shaft for unlatching the latch assembly in response to a trip condition. The secondary trip mechanism includes a trip D-shaft assembly disposed on the trip D-shaft, and a link assembly. The link assembly includes a linking member having opposing first and second ends. The first end cooperates with the poleshaft. The second end cooperates with the trip D-shaft assembly. When the poleshaft moves in response to a trip condition, the linking member transmits movement of the poleshaft into movement of the trip D-shaft assembly. An electrical switching apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A secondary trip mechanism is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a poleshaft, a latch assembly, and a trip D-shaft for unlatching the latch assembly in response to a trip condition. The secondary trip mechanism includes a trip D-shaft assembly disposed on the trip D-shaft, and a link assembly. The link assembly includes a linking member having opposing first and second ends. The first end cooperates with the poleshaft. The second end cooperates with the trip D-shaft assembly. When the poleshaft moves in response to a trip condition, the linking member transmits movement of the poleshaft into movement of the trip D-shaft assembly. An electrical switching apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A charging assembly for an electrical switching apparatus includes a cam shaft and including a number of cams. A latch lobe and a charging handle are coupled to opposing ends of the cam shaft. Each stroke of the charging handle pivots the cams a predetermined amount. A rocker arm includes a first portion cooperating with the cams, a second portion translating movement of the cams into movement of a stored energy mechanism, and a third portion cooperating with a close D-shaft having a close latch. A close prop includes a first end cooperating with the close D-shaft, and a second end including a roller that cooperates with the latch lobe. The close D-shaft pivots between latched and unlatched positions. The third portion cooperates with the close D-shaft to hold the close latch in the unlatched position until the charging handle has been pivoted a predetermined number of strokes.

Abstract: A status indicating assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism comprises a stored energy mechanism and a primary latch. The primary latch is pivotable between a latched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being chargeable, and an unlatched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being discharged. The status indicating assembly includes a first indicator for indicating whether the separable contacts are open or closed, a second indicator for indicating whether the stored energy mechanism is charged or discharged, and a third indicator for indicating whether or not the circuit breaker is ready to close the separable contacts.