Abstract: A circuit breaker utilizes an elongated contact spring member which extends along the length of a breaker housing in an inclined relation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The contact spring member is fixed at its one end and carries on the other end a movable contact engageable with a stationary contact. The contact spring member is self-biased in the direction of opening the contacts and is operatively connected to an actuator which is slidably received in the housing for movement between an outward and inward positions. The inward sliding movement of the actuator is translated into the contact closing movement of the contact spring member with the attendant deflection of the contact spring member against its bias.