Abstract: A circuit breaker test system includes a circuit breaker under test having a deformable frame with an elongated slot, an elongated deformable portion adjacent the elongated slot and a movable portion adjacent the deformable portion, and a thermal trip assembly coupled to the movable portion. A calibration device includes a forked tool straddling the deformable portion. The trip assembly has a first thermal response. The calibration device rotates the tool in a first rotational direction and responsively deforms the deformable portion and moves the movable portion in a first direction, in order to calibrate the trip assembly for a second different thermal response. The calibration device rotates the tool in an opposite second rotational direction and responsively deforms the deformable portion and moves the movable portion in an opposite second direction, in order to re-calibrate the trip assembly for a third thermal response between the first and second thermal responses.

Abstract: A circuit breaker test system includes a circuit breaker under test having a deformable frame with an elongated slot, an elongated deformable portion adjacent the elongated slot and a movable portion adjacent the deformable portion, and a thermal trip assembly coupled to the movable portion. A calibration device includes a forked tool straddling the deformable portion. The trip assembly has a first thermal response. The calibration device rotates the tool in a first rotational direction and responsively deforms the deformable portion and moves the movable portion in a first direction, in order to calibrate the trip assembly for a second different thermal response. The calibration device rotates the tool in an opposite second rotational direction and responsively deforms the deformable portion and moves the movable portion in an opposite second direction, in order to re-calibrate the trip assembly for a third thermal response between the first and second thermal responses.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for electrically connecting an electrical apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, to an electrical bus member. The electrical connector assembly includes a contact stab extending outwardly from the electrical bus member. The contact stab includes first and second sides having first and second indentations, respectively, which are disposed opposite one another. A clip member mechanically couples and electrically connects the circuit breaker to the contact stab. The clip member includes a first leg and a second leg disposed opposite and distal from the first leg. The first leg engages the first indentation of the first side of the contact stab and the second leg engages the second indentation of the second side of the contact stab, thereby retaining the clip member on the contact stab.

Abstract: A trip indicator is for a circuit breaker having a housing including first and second openings, separable contacts and an operating mechanism having an operating handle for opening and closing the separable contacts. The trip indicator includes a trip indicating member with a first end having a trip indicia and a second end with first and second projections. The first projection is engaged by a cradle of the operating mechanism when the separable contacts are not tripped, in order to prevent the trip indicia from being viewable at the second opening of housing. The first projection is disengaged and released when the separable contacts trip, causing the trip indicating member to move in order that the trip indicia is viewable at the second opening. A locking feature in which the second projection engages and locks operating handle, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A removable universal terminal assembly has a molded housing that clips onto an electric power switch and two terminal members that can be alternatively installed in the molded housing to provide either a quick connect termination or a binding post termination.

Abstract: A terminal assembly can be alternatively used to make either a pressure plate or screw type connection for connecting stranded wire or solid wire, respectively, to a power conductor of electric power apparatus such as a circuit breaker. An electrically insulative barrier has an elongated member with a lateral extension at one end having a recess that captures the head of the screw of a terminal collar for the pressure plate connection. As the screw is tightened, the collar is drawn toward the power conductor to clamp the stranded wire between the collar and one side of the power conductor. With the elongated member turned end for end, the screw is free to clamp the solid wire against the other side of the power conductor. Pairs of integral compliant latches on the elongated member accommodate quick conversion between the two types of connections.

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: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts and an operating mechanism having a cradle for opening and closing the separable contacts. A trip mechanism cooperates with the cradle of the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes a bimetal conductor, which is electrically connected in series with the separable contacts. The trip mechanism is responsive to a predetermined condition of current flowing in the bimetal conductor. The trip mechanism also includes a magnetic yoke coupled to the bimetal conductor, an armature pivotally mounted to the magnetic yoke, and a spring biasing the armature away from the magnetic yoke. The spring is set apart from the bimetal conductor. The spring is coupled to the armature and engages the magnetic member.

Abstract: An operating mechanism assembly for a circuit breaker that includes a frame assembly, a metal pivot structure, and a trip device. The trip device has a cradle member structured to pivot about a pivot point and a trip assembly. The trip assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The cradle member is pivotally disposed on the metal pivot structure.

Abstract: A unitary operating mechanism assembly for a circuit breaker that includes a frame assembly having a planar member with a first pivot point located thereon, a handle member rotatably attached to the frame assembly at the first pivot point and structured to move between a first, closed position, a second, open position having an intermediate position therebetween, and a third, reset position, an operating arm coupled to the handle member and structured to move between a first and second position, and a trip device attached to the frame assembly and structured to move the handle member between the first, closed position and the intermediate position upon the occurrence of a predefined condition. The trip device causes the handle member to rotate upon the occurrence of a predefined condition, such as an overcurrent, thereby causing the operating arm to rotate and wherein none of the components except the frame assembly is attached to the housing.

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 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 operating mechanism assembly for a circuit breaker that includes a frame assembly, a metal pivot structure, and a trip device. The trip device has a cradle member structured to pivot about a pivot point and a trip assembly. The trip assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The cradle member is pivotally disposed on the metal pivot structure.

Abstract: A unitary operating mechanism assembly for a circuit breaker that includes a frame assembly having a planar member with a first pivot point located thereon, a handle member rotatably attached to the frame assembly at the first pivot point and structured to move between a first, closed position, a second, open position having an intermediate position therebetween, and a third, reset position, an operating arm coupled to the handle member and structured to move between a first and second position, and a trip device attached to the frame assembly and structured to move the handle member between the first, closed position and the intermediate position upon the occurrence of a predefined condition. The trip device causes the handle member to rotate upon the occurrence of a predefined condition, such as an overcurrent, thereby causing the operating arm to rotate and wherein none of the components except the frame assembly is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts and an operating mechanism having a cradle for opening and closing the separable contacts. A trip mechanism cooperates with the cradle of the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes a bimetal conductor, which is electrically connected in series with the separable contacts. The trip mechanism is responsive to a predetermined condition of current flowing in the bimetal conductor. The trip mechanism also includes a magnetic yoke coupled to the bimetal conductor, an armature pivotally mounted to the magnetic yoke, and a spring biasing the armature away from the magnetic yoke. The spring is set apart from the bimetal conductor. The spring is coupled to the armature and engages the magnetic member.

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: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts and an operating mechanism having a cradle for opening and closing the separable contacts. A trip mechanisms cooperates with the cradle of the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes a bimetal conductor, which is electrically connected in series with the separable contacts. The trip mechanism is responsive to a predetermined condition of current flowing in the bimetal conductor. The trip mechanism also includes a magnetic yoke coupled to the bimetal conductor, an armature pivotally mounted to the magnetic yoke, and a spring biasing the armature away from the magnetic yoke. The spring is set apart from the bimetal conductor. The spring is coupled to the armature and engages the magnetic member.