Abstract: Ground and test devices (G&TD) have an interchangeable test configuration using serially releasably mountable first and second ground assemblies and releasably mounted primary arm conductors thereby allowing for onsite field modification of a base test unit for use to test either the load side or line side terminals without requiring two separate base test devices providing an economic and less bulky test solution for end users.

Abstract: Ground and test devices (G&TD) have an interchangeable test configuration using serially releasably mountable first and second ground assemblies and releasably mounted primary arm conductors thereby allowing for onsite field modification of a base test unit for use to test either the load side or line side terminals without requiring two separate base test devices providing an economic and less bulky test solution for end users.

Abstract: A circuit breaker installation including a frame assembly and a circuit breaker assembly is provided. The frame assembly includes a conductor assembly and the frame assembly defines an enclosed space. The frame assembly conductor assembly includes a primary contact assembly and a movable secondary contact assembly. The circuit breaker assembly is movably disposed in the frame assembly enclosed space. The contact assemblies are configurable electrical components. The configurable electrical components move between a connect configuration, a test configuration, and, a disconnect configuration.

Abstract: A circuit breaker installation including a frame assembly and a circuit breaker assembly is provided. The frame assembly includes a conductor assembly and the frame assembly defines an enclosed space. The frame assembly conductor assembly includes a primary contact assembly and a movable secondary contact assembly. The circuit breaker assembly is movably disposed in the frame assembly enclosed space. The contact assemblies are configurable electrical components. The configurable electrical components move between a connect configuration, a test configuration, and, a disconnect configuration.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes at least one set of breaker contacts and a contact actuating mechanism configured to open and close the at least one set of contacts. The circuit breaker further includes a polarity sensitive shunt trip mechanism mechanically coupled to the contact actuating mechanism and configured to lock the contact actuating mechanism responsive to a shunt trip voltage of a first polarity to prevent closing of the at least one set of contacts and to unlock the contact actuating mechanism responsive to a shunt trip voltage of a second polarity to enable closing of the at least one set of breaker contacts.

Abstract: An improved electrical interruption apparatus provides an improved wear indicator that is configured to depict an amount of wear that has been experienced by a set of separable contacts of a vacuum interrupter. At an easily visible location on a drive rod of the circuit interruption apparatus, the wear indicator indicates the extent to which the set of contacts have degraded. The wear indicator is attached to a spring-loaded over-travel mechanism that engages together the set of electrical contacts.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit breaker includes a frame and a vacuum interrupter supported by the frame. A control wiring harness exits from an opening in a top face of a housing portion of the frame and a terminal block is disposed on the top face of the housing portion and includes first terminals connected to wires of the control wiring harness and second terminals configured to be connected to external wires.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes at least one set of breaker contacts and a contact actuating mechanism configured to open and close the at least one set of contacts. The circuit breaker further includes a polarity sensitive shunt trip mechanism mechanically coupled to the contact actuating mechanism and configured to lock the contact actuating mechanism responsive to a shunt trip voltage of a first polarity to prevent closing of the at least one set of contacts and to unlock the contact actuating mechanism responsive to a shunt trip voltage of a second polarity to enable closing of the at least one set of breaker contacts.

Abstract: An improved electrical interruption apparatus provides an improved wear indicator that is configured to depict an amount of wear that has been experienced by a set of separable contacts of a vacuum interrupter. At an easily visible location on a drive rod of the circuit interruption apparatus, the wear indicator indicates the extent to which the set of contacts have degraded. The wear indicator is attached to a spring-loaded over-travel mechanism that engages together the set of electrical contacts.

Abstract: Roll on floor (ROF) circuit breakers include a plurality of support wheels configured to contact a support surface as the ROF circuit breaker is moved between locations. The support wheels have a rocker configuration whereby weight of the ROF circuit breaker is transferred between different sets of the wheels during movement to thereby facilitate ease of movement.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit breaker includes a frame and a vacuum interrupter supported by the frame. A control wiring harness exits from an opening in a top face of a housing portion of the frame and a terminal block is disposed on the top face of the housing portion and includes first terminals connected to wires of the control wiring harness and second terminals configured to be connected to external wires.

Abstract: Roll on floor (ROF) circuit breakers include a plurality of support wheels configured to contact a support surface as the ROF circuit breaker is moved between locations. The support wheels have a rocker configuration whereby weight of the ROF circuit breaker is transferred between different sets of the wheels during movement to thereby facilitate ease of movement.

Abstract: A solenoid assembly for a circuit breaker having a clapper with an increased mass is provided. The mass, preferably at least one non-ferrous slug, increases the mass of the clapper so that the solenoid response time is slowed. That is, the added mass creates an inertial delay that slows the solenoid clapper as the clapper moves between the first position and the second position. Preferably, the delay is between 48 ms and 60 ms, and more preferably 50 ms. The clapper having a non-ferrous slug may also be incorporated into existing circuit breakers by, for example, coupling the non-ferrous slug to the preexisting clapper, or replacing the clapper with a clapper assembly having at least one non-ferrous slug thereon.

Abstract: A solenoid assembly for a circuit breaker having a clapper with an increased mass is provided. The mass, preferably at least one non-ferrous slug, increases the mass of the clapper so that the solenoid response time is slowed. That is, the added mass creates an inertial delay that slows the solenoid clapper as the clapper moves between the first position and the second position. Preferably, the delay is between 48 ms and 60 ms, and more preferably 50 ms. The clapper having a non-ferrous slug may also be incorporated into existing circuit breakers by, for example, coupling the non-ferrous slug to the preexisting clapper, or replacing the clapper with a clapper assembly having at least one non-ferrous slug thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motor control cam having a relief channel adjacent to the switch lever notch. The relief channel extends generally circumferentially from said switch lever notch under the second, wide diameter portion of the cam surface. In this configuration, when the switch lever is in the switch lever notch and a counter rotation of the cam occurs, the switch lever enters the relief channel and does not impact against the cam. As such, the switch lever is not damaged or moved out of adjustment by a counter rotation of the cam.

Abstract: An improved circuit breaker includes an inertial time delay mechanism that permits a self-powered trip unit to become fully operational before inputting into the trip unit a signal indicating a change in the state of the circuit breaker. The time delay mechanism includes an inertia member, a first spring, and a second spring, and is activated upon the rotation of a lay shaft of an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. The first spring extends between the inertia member and a housing of the circuit breaker and biases the inertia member from an initial position toward a terminal position. The second spring extends between the lay shaft and the inertia member and biases the inertia member toward the initial position when the circuit breaker is in an OFF condition. The combined action of the first and second springs on the inertia member provides a time delay using a relatively small inertial mass.

Abstract: Heat sinks are placed on the contact stems of a vacuum interrupter between the vacuum bottle and junctions with the terminal conductors to lower the temperature of these junctions. The heat sinks are formed by a stack of thin laminations having central openings with inwardly directed tabs which bite into and secure the laminations to the stems. The laminations have aligned slots forming axial passages for cooling air. Preferably, the slots are enclosed to eliminate sharp peripheral edges to reduce the potential for flash over. In one embodiment, the slots are not formed by removing material but by bending it out of the plane of the lamination to maximize heat radiating surface area and to generate turbulent cooling air flow for increased cooling efficiency. An axially extending peripheral lip can provide axial spacing between laminations.