Abstract: A thermal circuit breaker includes a movable contact assembly which is held in an operative position against a fixed contact assembly by means of a catch movable by means of a temperature sensing device which is responsive to the current flowing between the contacts. When this current exceeds a predetermined value the catch is released and the contacts move to the open position. A manually operable control is provided to effect resetting of the circuit breaker and it is additionally operable to effect opening of the contacts when it is required to stop current flow through the circuit which is protected by the breaker.

Abstract: A multiple circuit thermal circuit breaker comprises a plurality of single circuit breakers which are contained in a housing. A single manually operable control is provided to effect resetting of all the circuit breakers and each circuit breaker includes a temperature sensing means through which the current flowing in the respective breaker flows, the temperature sensing means when the current exceeds a predetermined value acting to trip the respective circuit breaker. Linkage is provided between the circuit breakers so that when one is tripped by operation of its temperature sensing means the other circuit breakers will also be tripped.