Abstract: Circuit breakers having a cover that includes a medial segment with an aperture for a switch handle. The medial segment merges into a line side segment having at least one channel overlying a lug compartment. The at least one channel has an inner end portion overlying a lug access path to the lug compartment. The circuit breakers also include at least one gas-blocking member coupled to the at least one channel.

Abstract: A trip assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing, an electrical communication assembly coupled to the housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The trip assembly has an indication assembly including a plunger member and a number of auxiliary switches each structured to be coupled to the housing. The plunger member is structured to actuate each of the number of auxiliary switches, thereby electrically communicating a circuit status to the electrical communication assembly.

Abstract: A trip assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing, an electrical communication assembly coupled to the housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The trip assembly has an indication assembly including a plunger member and a number of auxiliary switches each structured to be coupled to the housing. The plunger member is structured to actuate each of the number of auxiliary switches, thereby electrically communicating a circuit status to the electrical communication assembly.

Abstract: A trip assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus has a housing, an electrical communication assembly coupled to the housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The trip assembly includes an actuating element structured to be coupled to the housing and structured to be electrically connected to the electrical communication assembly; and an indication assembly cooperating with the actuating element in order to electrically communicate a circuit status to the electrical communication assembly.

Abstract: A trip assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus has a housing, an electrical communication assembly coupled to the housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The trip assembly includes an actuating element structured to be coupled to the housing and structured to be electrically connected to the electrical communication assembly; and an indication assembly cooperating with the actuating element in order to electrically communicate a circuit status to the electrical communication assembly.

Abstract: A trip assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing, a reset assembly, an electrical communication assembly, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a trip bar and a crossbar. The trip assembly includes: a mounting assembly coupled to the housing; an actuating element coupled to the mounting assembly, the actuating element being electrically connected to the electrical communication assembly; a trip cam coupled to the mounting assembly, the trip cam cooperating with the reset assembly in order to reset the actuating element; and an indication assembly coupled to the mounting assembly. The actuating element is structured to drive the trip cam into the trip bar in order to trip open the separable contacts. The actuating element cooperates with the indication assembly to electrically communicate a circuit status to the electrical communication assembly.

Abstract: A shield is provided for a circuit breaker including a housing, a movable contact, a stationary contact, and an operating mechanism for moving the movable contact into and out of electrical contact with the stationary contact. The operating mechanism includes a crossbar, a biasing member, and a movable contact assembly. The movable contact assembly has a movable contact arm pivotably coupled to the crossbar, and includes a first end carrying the movable contact, and a second end biased by the biasing member, thereby biasing the movable contact toward the stationary contact. The shield comprises an elongated barrier element having an opening which receives the movable contact arm. The elongated barrier element is coupled to the operating mechanism crossbar proximate the second end of the movable contact arm in order to shield at least the biasing member. A movable contact assembly, and electrical switching apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a magnetic trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The magnetic trip mechanism includes a support structure including a slotted support portion therein, and a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly includes a movable core resting in the support portion of the support structure, and a plunger member including a first portion cooperating with the operating mechanism, a second portion coupled to the movable core, and a third portion engaging the support structure.

Abstract: A limiter includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface, a line terminal, a load terminal, a fusible conductor electrically connected between the line and load terminals and an indicator button disposed proximate the first surface. The button includes a first end and a second end having a first opening, a second opening and a conduit therein between the first and second openings. The fusible conductor passes from the first terminal, through the first opening, through the conduit, through the second opening, and to the load terminal. A spring biases the button away from the first surface. The fusible conductor, when electrically connected between the line and load terminals, holds the second end proximate the first surface. The spring, when the fusible conductor is electrically disconnected from one or both of the terminals, moves the button away from the first surface and toward the second surface.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus interface assembly provides remote actuation of the operating handle of a circuit breaker. The interface assembly includes the circuit breaker, a second switching apparatus, such as an actuating handle disposed in a remote location from the circuit breaker, a connector and an operating handle attachment including a handle-engaging segment for securely engaging the circuit breaker operating handle and an interfacing segment for receiving the connector. The actuating handle is operable between ON and OFF positions corresponding to ON and OFF positions, respectively, of the circuit breaker operating handle. The connector interfaces or links the circuit breaker to the actuating handle. In this manner, when the actuating handle is moved from the ON or OFF position, the connector moves the circuit breaker operating handle in a likewise manner.