Abstract: Circuit breakers with a cam follower having an upper post with the cam follower held by a cross bar to prevent cam/arm misalignment during high interruption shot on the breaker. Related cam followers have an upwardly extending post located on one side edge portion and cooperates with a shunt to provide shunt separation during high interruption breaker shots.

Abstract: Circuit breakers with a cam follower having an upper post with the cam follower held by a cross bar to prevent cam/arm misalignment during high interruption shot on the breaker. Related cam followers have an upwardly extending post located on one side edge portion and cooperates with a shunt to provide shunt separation during high interruption breaker shots.

Abstract: A two-piece slot motor housing assembly is provided. The slot motor housing assembly includes a first J-shaped body baying a lower, first end and a second, J-shaped body having a lower, first end. The first and second J-shaped bodies coupled to form a U-shaped assembly. The first J-shaped body first end overlaps the second J-shaped body first end.

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 circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a power conductor including a first conductor and a second reverse loop conductor, the second reverse loop conductor carrying one of the separable contacts, and a slot motor. The slot motor includes a first slot motor portion, and a second slot motor portion including a plurality of generally U-shaped slot motor laminations, a first insulative housing portion, and a second insulative housing portion. The first and second insulative housing portions interlock with one another to form a generally U-shaped insulative slot motor housing. The first and second insulative housing portions cooperatively receive the generally U-shaped slot motor laminations.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a power conductor including a first conductor and a second reverse loop conductor, the second reverse loop conductor carrying one of the separable contacts, and a slot motor. The slot motor includes a first slot motor portion, and a second slot motor portion including a plurality of generally U-shaped slot motor laminations, a first insulative housing portion, and a second insulative housing portion. The first and second insulative housing portions interlock with one another to form a generally U-shaped insulative slot motor housing. The first and second insulative housing portions cooperatively receive the generally U-shaped slot motor laminations.

Abstract: A cradle stop assembly is provided for a circuit breaker including an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism includes a pivotable movable contact arm and a cradle member which is movable between a latched position corresponding to separable contacts of the circuit breaker being closeable and an unlatched position corresponding to the separable contacts being tripped open. The cradle stop assembly includes a first member coupled to a portion of the operating mechanism, a second member disposed opposite the first member, and a generally planar stop plate extending between the first and second members. A first stop portion of the stop plate resists movement of the cradle member beyond a first predetermined position to avoid the cradle member undesirably interfering with the pivotable movable contact arm. A second stop portion resists the pivotable movable contact arm from undesirably pivoting beyond a second predetermined position.

Abstract: A cradle stop assembly is provided for a circuit breaker including an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism includes a pivotable movable contact arm and a cradle member which is movable between a latched position corresponding to separable contacts of the circuit breaker being closeable and an unlatched position corresponding to the separable contacts being tripped open. The cradle stop assembly includes a first member coupled to a portion of the operating mechanism, a second member disposed opposite the first member, and a generally planar stop plate extending between the first and second members. A first stop portion of the stop plate resists movement of the cradle member beyond a first predetermined position to avoid the cradle member undesirably interfering with the pivotable movable contact arm. A second stop portion resists the pivotable movable contact arm from undesirably pivoting beyond a second predetermined position.

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.

Abstract: A plurality of terminal blocks are secured to a molded case circuit breaker by a bracket assembly which includes a mounting bracket placed against a side wall of the circuit breaker molded case. A back-up plate is inserted in a pocket formed between the outer wall and an inner wall of the molded case and electrically isolated from the cavity containing the circuit breaker operating mechanism. Fasteners extend from the mounting bracket through the outer wall and engage the back-up plate. Since the pocket is electrically isolated from the circuit breaker operating mechanism, the back-up plate, and particularly the fasteners, can be made of metal for a solid, durable connection.

Abstract: The movable contact arm of a circuit breaker is mounted on a pivot pin by a slot which extends generally transverse to the longitudinal arm of the contact arm, so that when the contacts are welded, initial motion of the circuit breaker operating mechanism to open the contacts is translated into pivoting of the contact arm about, and thereby breaking the weld. In a circuit breaker in which the contact arm is coupled to the operating mechanism through a cam mechanism which allows the contact arm to blow open in response to very high overcurrents, the slot extends generally longitudinally so that the cam mechanism translates initial movement of the operating mechanism into longitudinal movement of the contact arm to apply a shear force tending to break the weld.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is provided with a two piece cradle assembly having a cradle portion and a heat-treated portion. The heat-treated portion forms the latch and reset surfaces. The cradle portion is integrally formed from a pair of spaced apart cradle-shaped arms joined together by a connecting portion. The heat treated portion is securely fastened to the connecting portion to form the two piece cradle assembly. A hold down slidably carries a handle barrier with respect to the cover and closes a centrally located aperture in the cover for all handle positions. The handle barrier prevents arc products resulting from a separation of the main contacts from escaping through the centrally located aperture in the cover. Stops are provided in one or both directions to prevent misalignment of the handle barrier with respect to the operating handle. A cover interlock is also provided to prevent the cover from being removed when the circuit breaker is in an "on" position.