Abstract: A guard assembly is for an electrical enclosure. The electrical enclosure includes a housing, an electrical switching apparatus, and a handle. The guard assembly includes: a shaft including a first end and a second end, the first end being structured to be coupled to the handle, the second end being structured to be coupled to the electrical switching apparatus; and a sleeve assembly structured to move between a retracted position and an extended position, the sleeve assembly including a sleeve member, the sleeve member including: a base located proximate the first end of the shaft, and a cover portion extending from the base toward the second end of the shaft, the shaft extending at least partially through the cover portion. Responsive to the sleeve assembly moving from the retracted position toward the extended position, the sleeve member moves away from the second end of the shaft.

Abstract: A guard assembly is for an electrical enclosure. The electrical enclosure includes a housing, an electrical switching apparatus, and a handle. The guard assembly includes: a shaft including a first end and a second end, the first end being structured to be coupled to the handle, the second end being structured to be coupled to the electrical switching apparatus; and a sleeve assembly structured to move between a retracted position and an extended position, the sleeve assembly including a sleeve member, the sleeve member including: a base located proximate the first end of the shaft, and a cover portion extending from the base toward the second end of the shaft, the shaft extending at least partially through the cover portion. Responsive to the sleeve assembly moving from the retracted position toward the extended position, the sleeve member moves away from the second end of the shaft.

Abstract: An improved circuit breaker and arc chute has a shield apparatus that includes a number of plate-like shield members that have elongated openings formed therein to receive portions of arc plates therethrough. The portions of the arc plates that pass through the shield member are received in receptacles of a support apparatus that supports the arc plates. The arc plates are themselves configured to retain the shield members against the support apparatus to protect the support apparatus from damage in the event of an electrical arc. Advantageously, the retention of the shield members between portions of the arc plates and portions of the support apparatus enables the shield members to be held in place without the use of adhesives or separate fastening systems.

Abstract: An improved circuit breaker and arc chute has a shield apparatus that includes a number of plate-like shield members that have elongated openings formed therein to receive portions of arc plates therethrough. The portions of the arc plates that pass through the shield member are received in receptacles of a support apparatus that supports the arc plates. The arc plates are themselves configured to retain the shield members against the support apparatus to protect the support apparatus from damage in the event of an electrical arc. Advantageously, the retention of the shield members between portions of the arc plates and portions of the support apparatus enables the shield members to be held in place without the use of adhesives or separate fastening systems.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing, separable main contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism within the housing and interconnected with the contacts. An arc extinguisher assembly is disposed within the housing. Also provided within the housing is a slot motor assembly having a cavity region within which the contacts are substantially located. The slot motor assembly electro-magnetically interacts with current flowing between the contacts, and includes magnetic plates positioned in a slot motor housing. The slot motor housing has a tendency to move an arc existing between the contacts toward the arc extinguisher assembly. The slot motor assembly also includes an insulation member positioned within the cavity region and between the magnetic plates and the slot motor housing.