Abstract: A circuit breaker having a housing with an accessory cover includes an accessory cover interlock assembly that trips the circuit breaker upon removal of the accessory cover. The accessory cover interlock assembly includes a plunger rotatable from an initial install position to an engaged position that moves a trip lever into a de-energize position (tripping the circuit breaker) upon removal of the accessory cover. The accessory cover interlock assembly prevents the circuit breaker from being reset while the access cover is removed. The accessory cover interlock assembly automatically resets upon re-attachment of the accessory cover to the circuit breaker housing. Methods of forced safety tripping in a circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a housing with an accessory cover includes an accessory cover interlock assembly that trips the circuit breaker upon removal of the accessory cover. The accessory cover interlock assembly includes a plunger rotatable from an initial install position to an engaged position that moves a trip lever into a de-energize position (tripping the circuit breaker) upon removal of the accessory cover. The accessory cover interlock assembly prevents the circuit breaker from being reset while the access cover is removed. The accessory cover interlock assembly automatically resets upon re-attachment of the accessory cover to the circuit breaker housing. Methods of forced safety tripping in a circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A device is provided for use with a circuit breaker that includes an actuator adapted to move in a first direction in response to an over-current and/or a short circuit condition, and a circuit breaker accessory that includes an actuation mechanism. The device includes a linkage having a first end adapted to be coupled to the actuator and a second end adapted to be disposed adjacent the actuation mechanism. Movement of the actuator in the first direction allows the linkage to move in a second direction different from the first direction from a first position to a second position to activate the circuit breaker accessory. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A tripping shaft apparatus for a circuit breaker. Tripping shaft apparatus includes a rigid shaft portion and a polymer shaft portion molded onto the rigid shaft portion, wherein the polymer shaft portion includes a first molded lever. At least one other lever is a part of the tripping shaft apparatus. A torsion spring is received over the shaft between the first molded lever and the second lever providing an integral torsion spring positioned between the levers. Circuit breaker tripping assemblies and methods of assembling a circuit breaker tripping assembly are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a trip unit having an internal support and a friction adjustment control system for knob control is provided. The internal support includes a first opening to receive a first rotary knob having one or more first smooth rings and a second opening to receive a second rotary knob having one or more second smooth rings. The trip unit includes a first knob control of the first rotary knob. The first knob control includes a first structural support, a first housing and a first spring installed in the first housing against the first structural support. The trip unit further includes a second knob control of the second rotary knob. The second knob control includes a second structural support, a second housing and a second spring installed in the second housing against the second structural support.

Abstract: A tripping shaft apparatus for a circuit breaker. Tripping shaft apparatus includes a rigid shaft portion and a polymer shaft portion molded onto the rigid shaft portion, wherein the polymer shaft portion includes a first molded lever. At least one other lever is a part of the tripping shaft apparatus. A torsion spring is received over the shaft between the first molded lever and the second lever providing an integral torsion spring positioned between the levers. Circuit breaker tripping assemblies and methods of assembling a circuit breaker tripping assembly are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A compression spring is disclosed, which is configured to be used for various applications, and in particular for operate accessory linkages. Furthermore, a compression spring retention system is disclosed including a compression spring and a housing in which the compression spring is fixable. The compression spring includes a length of coiled wire having substantially a circular cross-sectional area, wherein at least a first end of the compression spring is formed as a retainer device that is configured to be compressed while being mounted into a recessed chamber of the housing and to expand when inserted into the recessed chamber in a way that the compression spring is fixed at the recessed chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a circuit breaker shock absorber apparatus configured to absorb impact due to blow-off of one or more circuit breaker contact arms. The circuit breaker shock absorber apparatus has a base directly or indirectly coupled to a circuit breaker housing and an absorber body comprising a damping material having a tangent delta at 10% strain and 10 Hz and at room temperature of greater than about 0.45, and a durometer of less than about 60 per ASTM D2240 Type A. Circuit breaker shock absorber assemblies and methods of operating the breaker shock absorber assemblies are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a circuit breaker shock absorber apparatus configured to absorb impact due to blow-off of one or more circuit breaker contact arms. The circuit breaker shock absorber apparatus has a base directly or indirectly coupled to a circuit breaker housing and an absorber body comprising a damping material having a tangent delta at 10% strain and 10 Hz and at room temperature of greater than about 0.45, and a durometer of less than about 60 per ASTM D2240 Type A. Circuit breaker shock absorber assemblies and methods of operating the breaker shock absorber assemblies are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A device is provided for use with a circuit breaker that includes an actuator adapted to move in a first direction in response to an over-current and/or a short circuit condition, and a circuit breaker accessory that includes an actuation mechanism. The device includes a linkage having a first end adapted to be coupled to the actuator and a second end adapted to be disposed adjacent the actuation mechanism. Movement of the actuator in the first direction allows the linkage to move in a second direction different from the first direction from a first position to a second position to activate the circuit breaker accessory. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A compression spring is disclosed, which is configured to be used for various applications, and in particular for operate accessory linkages. Furthermore, a compression spring retention system is disclosed including a compression spring and a housing in which the compression spring is fixable. The compression spring includes a length of coiled wire having substantially a circular cross-sectional area, wherein at least a first end of the compression spring is formed as a retainer device that is configured to be compressed while being mounted into a recessed chamber of the housing and to expand when inserted into the recessed chamber in a way that the compression spring is fixed at the recessed chamber.