Abstract: A compressed-gas insulated circuit breaker including two spaced apart electrical conductors within a sealed housing, a stationary contact electrically connected to one of the conductors, and a movable contact connected to the other conductor. The movable contact is coupled to a drive mechanism comprising a contact rod secured to the movable contact at one end, and pivotally coupled to a connecting rod at its other end. The connecting rod is pivotally coupled to one of a pair of arms fixedly secured to a rotatable positioning shaft. The other arm is pivotally coupled to a drive rod, and the drive rod is pivotally coupled to a centrally rotatable drive latch. The drive latch is secured to a rotation means, and upon rotation of the drive latch, the drive rod is moved, causing a rotation of the positioning shaft. Upon rotation of the positioning shaft, the connecting rod is moved, causing a longitudinal movement of the contact rod and the movable contact.