Abstract: A motor starter has a housing, a contactor portion disposed within the housing, a motor protection system disposed within the housing adjacent to the contactor portion in a vertical direction, and an actuation system disposed within the housing. The contactor portion may switch between an open position and a closed position, in which, in the open position, current does not flow through the motor starter and, in the closed position, current is allowed to flow through the motor starter. The motor protection system includes a plurality of components that may move the contactor portion to the open position based on a current flow, in which the actuation system may move the contactor portion between the closed position and the open position in response to receiving an input.

Abstract: Circuit breakers with a housing with a line side and a load side and an electronically controlled lock-out lock member coupled to the housing configured to electronically controllably travel between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the lock member is in a lock-out position and prevents the handle from moving to an ON position associated with electrical current conduction and in the first position the lock member is translated to a position that allows the handle to move to the ON position.

Abstract: An interlock system including an actuatable motor control assembly, a movable access door and an interlock assembly. The actuatable motor control assembly is structured to energize and de-energize a racking assembly motor. The movable access door is structured to move between an open, first position wherein the access door does not block access to a manual racking assembly socket, and, a closed, second position wherein the access door blocks access to the manual racking assembly socket. The interlock assembly is structured to detect the configuration of the separable contact assembly and the position of the access door, and, to actuate the motor control assembly so as to energize the motor only when the separable contact assembly is in an open, first configuration and when the access door is in a closed, second position.

Abstract: Motor control centers have units or buckets with an operator mechanism with a retractable power stab assembly and one or more sliding shutters that controllably block access to a stab isolation port based on position of the operator disconnect handle using an attached shutter cam that slides the shutter right and left.

Abstract: Electrical units for a Motor Control Center (MCC) can be improved to provide ventilation for cooling elements of the unit while also providing better system protection by providing a combination of baffle assemblies and protective layers over openings providing the ventilation in doors of the units. The baffle assemblies can be configured to provide arc flash resistance for containing possible arc blasts within the units, and water intrusion resistance for protecting the units from possible water intrusion, while allowing substantial airflow. The protective layer, which could include a steel mesh and/or dust filter, can be configured to prevent solid objects above a certain size from passing through the opening allowing the airflow. As a result, airflow can be increased to cool elements of the unit while maintaining protections from arc flash, water intrusion and/or solid objects.

Abstract: Motor control centers have units or buckets with an operator mechanism with a retractable power stab assembly and one or more sliding shutters that controllably block access to a stab isolation port based on position of the operator disconnect handle using an attached shutter cam that slides the shutter right and left.

Abstract: A method is presented for remote installation or removal of circuit breakers using a remote racking tool outside the arc flash zone of the circuit breakers. The remote racking tool has a drive assembly, remote control assembly, and radio remote pendant station. The remote racking enables operators to install or remove circuit breakers in switchgear or equipment rooms safely away from the arc flash zone.

Abstract: The device is used for locking an access for actuating two switching devices of high-voltage switchgear with the aid of a drive shaft transmitting drive force onto the two switching devices. In order to increase the operational safety of the high-voltage switchgear with little outlay, the locking device comprises a closing disk which is fastened on the drive shaft, a rocker bar arrangement containing at least four rocker bars, and a slider. The slider can be moved, on-site, into two positions, the first of which releases an access for the actuation on-site and blocks an access for the actuation from a remote location, and the second of which blocks the access for the on-site actuation and releases the access for the remote actuation.

Abstract: A circuit breaker installation including a frame assembly and a circuit breaker assembly is provided. The frame assembly includes a conductor assembly and the frame assembly defines an enclosed space. The frame assembly conductor assembly includes a primary contact assembly and a movable secondary contact assembly. The circuit breaker assembly is movably disposed in the frame assembly enclosed space. The contact assemblies are configurable electrical components. The configurable electrical components move between a connect configuration, a test configuration, and, a disconnect configuration.

Abstract: A switching device and apparatus for switching on suddenly has an actuating mechanism element operatively connected to a latching mechanism by a transmission mechanism, The latching mechanism operates a switching lever through a further transmission mechanism. A contact assembly has a fixed switching piece facing a moveable switching piece that is guided in a contact slide. In the latching mechanism, a lever is arranged in operative connection with a locking part that is operatively connected to a transmission element which acts on the moveable switching piece.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for racking a draw-out circuit breaker. A portable motorized racking device may be connected or disconnected from an racking assembly of the circuit breaker. The portable racking device includes a gearmotor, a drive socket for engaging with the racking screw of the circuit breaker, and a locking disk for securing the portable racking device to the racking assembly of the circuit breaker. The gearmotor may be remotely controlled to rack the draw-out circuit breaker.

Abstract: A motor operator assembly is described, which is releasably secured and selectively coupled to a switchgear unit. The motor operator assembly includes a support plate, and a latch mechanism secured to the support plate that has a latch member configured to releasably secure the support plate to the switchgear unit. A guide tube is secured to the support plate and includes a cylinder assembly having a motor mount and an indexing mechanism for selectively positioning the cylinder assembly between a stowed position and a use position. A motor operator is attached to the motor mount and has a socket configured to engage an input drive shaft on the switchgear unit.

Abstract: A drive assembly for an electrical switching apparatus racking assembly is provided. The drive assembly includes a positioning assembly, a motor assembly, and a control assembly. The positioning assembly is structured to impart movement to said carriage assembly and to move said carriage assembly from said first position to said second position. The motor assembly is structured to impart movement to said positioning assembly. The control assembly is structured to control said motor assembly. The control assembly is in electronic communication with the motor assembly. The motor assembly is operatively coupled to the positioning assembly.

Abstract: A racking assembly for an electrical apparatus is provided. The racking assembly includes a movable carriage assembly and a drive assembly. The movable carriage assembly is sized to fit within a housing assembly and is structured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The carriage assembly is further structured to support at least one electrical component. The drive assembly includes a motor assembly and a positioning assembly. The motor assembly is structured to impart movement to said positioning assembly. The motor assembly is coupled to said positioning assembly. The positioning assembly is structured to impart movement to said carriage assembly and to move said carriage assembly from said first position to said second position. The positioning assembly is coupled to said carriage assembly. In this configuration, the racking assembly is structured to move the carriage assembly, and therefore the electrical apparatus, between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A remote racking tool can have a drive assembly, remote control assembly, and radio remote pendant station. The remote racking can enable operators to install or remove circuit breakers in switchgear or equipment rooms while outside of an arc flash zone.

Abstract: An electrical device removal tool, such as for circuit breakers, that is lightweight, portable, and rugged for providing electrically operated controlled insertion and removal of electrical equipment by an operator from a remote location using a coupling device for engagement with the electrical equipment housing.

Abstract: A guide assembly for a switchgear assembly is provided. The guide assembly includes an elongated support member and a passage. The support member is coupled to and extends from a housing assembly rear sidewall. The support member extends in the circuit breaker assembly direction of travel. The passage is disposed on the circuit breaker assembly base and also extends in the circuit breaker assembly direction of travel. The support member is substantially aligned with the passage. In this configuration, as the circuit breaker assembly moves between a withdrawn position and an installed position, the support member moves between a first position, wherein the support member is not disposed in the passage, and a second position, wherein the support member is partially disposed in the passage. When the support member is in the second position, the support member bears a portion of the weight of the circuit breaker assembly base.

Abstract: A drive shaft extension assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus which is removably disposed in a cassette. The electrical switching apparatus includes a levering assembly with a drive shaft. The drive shaft extension assembly includes a housing assembly, a shaft extension including an elongated body, and a racking gear. The shaft extension is structured to be coupled to the drive shaft in a fixed orientation, thereby increasing the width of the levering assembly.

Abstract: A spout assembly is provided. The spout assembly includes a spout and a spout base. The spout base has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a spout sized to enclose an electrical switching apparatus electrical coupling. That is, the spout base includes a CT support surface with a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the spout cross-sectional area. Current transformers are disposed upon the spout base CT support surface.

Abstract: A truck (12?) for mounting a circuit breaker (13) in a switchgear frame (14?) includes wheels (16), a racking screw (20), a nut (22) threaded with the racking screw. The nut floats linearly with respect to the truck. A spring (23) is provided between a portion of the truck and the nut such that during movement of the truck into the frame, rotation of the racking screw causes linear movement of the nut, with the nut pushing against the spring, with the spring pushing the truck to move the truck linearly. Locking structure is coupled with the such that when the truck is stopped and the racking screw continues to rotate, the nut will move to compress the spring, causing the locking structure to move from an unlocked position, disengaged with the frame, to a locked position, engaged with the frame.

Abstract: A circuit interconnect device racking apparatus is disclosed. The circuit interconnect device racking apparatus has a body adapted to couple to a circuit interconnect device, one or more frame connectors coupled to the body, a racking lever coupled to the body by a lever pivot, the racking lever having a cam mechanism component, and one or more bus connectors configured to connect to or disconnect from one or more bus bars responsive to rotation of the racking lever. Circuit interconnect device racking assemblies having the circuit interconnect device racking apparatus and methods of connecting circuit interconnect devices to one or more bus bars are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A remote racking tool can have a drive assembly, remote control assembly, and radio remote pendant station. The remote racking can enable operators to install or remove circuit breakers in switchgear or equipment rooms while outside of an arc flash zone.

Abstract: A motor box is used to rack withdrawable devices into or out of the associated cell in a switchgear cabinet. A hand held control is used to operate the motor box from a remote location. The motor box is attached to a mounting assembly on the switchgear cabinet door. The assembly can be part of the door or separately attached to the door. The mounting assembly allows for easy alignment of the motor box to the door and prevents rotation of the motor box when the box is latched to the mounting assembly. A cart is used to transport the motor box, remote control and associated peripherals to and from the switchgear cabinet.

Abstract: A secondary disconnect assembly is provided for a racking assembly of an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The racking assembly movably couples the circuit breaker to a switchgear enclosure. The secondary disconnect assembly includes a mounting assembly having an elongated mounting member. The elongated mounting member has first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing sides. A sliding assembly is movably coupled to the first side between the first and second ends. A latching member is pivotably coupled to the sliding assembly. The latching member moves between an unlatched position corresponding to the circuit breaker being movable independently with respect to the sliding assembly, and a latched position corresponding to the latching member fixedly coupling the sliding assembly to the circuit breaker in order that the circuit breaker moves with the sliding assembly. The racking assembly may also include a position indicator.

Abstract: A device is provided for remotely racking circuit breakers and contactors that are housed within a housing structure, such as a circuit breaker cell or switchgear cabinet.

Abstract: A withdrawable unit system for an electric switching device, having a housing containing a access door, which gives access to all control elements of the unit and can be closed as tightly as required by international standards, such as DIN EN 60529. The withdrawable unit system optionally has a moveable unit capable of blocking and releasing the electrical switching device in and from at least three defined positions withdrawn, test and plugged-in by using a slide, a lever, and notches with dedicated notch blocking devices.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a circuit breaker racking apparatus having a frame configured to couple to a switchgear section configured to receive a circuit breaker; a coupling operable to couple to a racking handle of the circuit breaker to be racked to or from the switchgear section; and a drive member coupled to the coupling and remotely operable to rotate the coupling and racking handle to accomplish racking of the circuit breaker. System and method aspects are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and mechanism are provided for opening circuit breaker contact arms when the circuit breaker is moved between an installed and a withdrawn position in a drawout installation. The circuit breaker has a cross shaft coupled to a first linkage that rotates in response to the circuit breaker being moved. A second linkage translates in response to said first linkage rotating. A cam surface is operably coupled between the cross shaft and the first linkage. An opening latch shaft is coupled between the second linkage and a contact arm assembly such that the opening latch shaft moves the contact arm assembly from a closed position to an open position in response to the translation of the second linkage.

Abstract: A modular skid frame and device to reduce the potential for harm and injury from arc flashes. The modular skid frame comprises a plurality of frame members secured together to form the skid frame, and one or more hook members formed on one or more of the frame members to permit the receipt of a bucket or blade from a loader, scoop tram or other construction or mining equipment into the bowl portion and behind the bill portion of the hook member to facilitate the lifting and moving of the skid frame. Also disclosed is a device for racking a circuit breaker into and out of a circuit breaker cradle. The device comprises an actuator operatively connected to the circuit breaker cradle to permit the circuit breaker to be racked into and out of the cradle without direct or indirect contact on the part of an operator.

Abstract: An identification system is provided for an electrical system. The electrical system includes a switchgear enclosure, a number of electrical switching apparatus, and a racking mechanism movably coupling the electrical switching apparatus to the enclosure. The identification system includes a control mechanism having a controller and a plurality of software programs. The controller includes a number of inputs from a corresponding one of the electrical switching apparatus, and a number of outputs to the racking mechanism. Each software program provides functionality to the outputs to control racking movement of a predetermined type of electrical switching apparatus. Responsive to the inputs from the electrical switching apparatus, the controller identifies the predetermined type of electrical switching apparatus, and then automatically selects a corresponding one of the software programs to control movement of the electrical switching apparatus.

Abstract: A levering assembly for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, which is removably disposed in a cassette, includes a mounting member coupled to the housing of the circuit breaker. A drive assembly is coupled to the mounting member and cooperates with the cassette. A powered actuator, such as an electric motor, is disposed on the mounting member and actuates the drive assembly to move the circuit breaker with respect to the cassette. The powered actuator is disposed within the housing of the circuit breaker. The mounting member, drive assembly and powered actuator form a self-contained sub-assembly, which is substantially disposed behind the circuit breaker cover. The levering assembly is operable from a remote location to automatically move the circuit breaker with respect to the cassette, to provide enhanced safety among other benefits.

Abstract: A portable, remote racking device that is controlled by a remote control. The remote racking device includes a drive that fits into a corresponding crank access hole formed in a front panel of a cradle housing a circuit breaker installed into a switchgear. The drive turns a mechanism inside the cradle that causes the circuit breaker to be racked into or out of the switchgear. The remote racking device includes an actuator pin that abuts a corresponding button arm protruding through the front panel. The remote control includes a control for depressing the button arm and another control for causing a motor to rotate the drive. The actuator pin detects when the button arm pops out of the panel, and a circuit in the remote racking device briefly reverses the motor to bring it and the circuit breaker to a sudden stop, preventing the mechanical linkages of the mechanism from locking-up or becoming damaged and avoiding over-torquing the motor.

Abstract: A circuit interconnect device racking apparatus is disclosed. The circuit interconnect device racking apparatus has a body adapted to couple to a circuit interconnect device, one or more frame connectors coupled to the body, a racking lever coupled to the body by a lever pivot, the racking lever having a cam mechanism component, and one or more bus connectors configured to connect to or disconnect from one or more bus bars responsive to rotation of the racking lever. Circuit interconnect device racking assemblies having the circuit interconnect device racking apparatus and methods of connecting circuit interconnect devices to one or more bus bars are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A switchgear system includes rail structure having a base coupled to an interior sidewall of a frame. A first member extends from the base and has an upwardly facing surface. The first member has a second surface extending generally transversely to the upwardly facing surface to oppose a surface of the base. A second member extends from the base and has a downwardly facing surface spaced from the upwardly facing surface so as to define a wheel receiving channel there-between. A circuit breaker tuck includes wheels on exterior sidewalls. The wheels are received in the wheel receiving channel to be slidable along the upwardly facing surface, with the upwardly and downwardly facing surfaces limiting movement of the circuit breaker truck about the horizontal axis and the surface of the base and the second surface of the first member limiting movement of the circuit breaker truck about the vertical axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for remotely racking circuit breakers and contactors that are housed within a housing structure, such as a circuit breaker cell or switchgear cabinet. The apparatus and system are capable of maintaining a constant force on breakers during racking operations.

Abstract: A closed door circuit breaker racking extension assembly is provided which enables a circuit breaker contained within a cell of a switchgear enclosure to be racked-in or racked-out without opening the cell door and without fear of explosive gases and debris being discharged from the cell through the extension assembly of this invention in the event of an arc-fault explosion.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for remotely racking circuit breakers and contactors that are housed within a housing structure, such as a circuit breaker cell or switchgear cabinet, and that function via a levering mechanism.

Abstract: A controller for remotely controlling an installer/remover of electrical equipment with a body connected to a lid, two L-shaped opposing face plates in the body, a battery beneath a first face plate along with a timer circuit board and a plurality of relays. The controller can include a circuit breaker, a power on/off switch for energizing the timer circuit board, a plug for providing current, a plug with transmission means to provide power and control signals to the installer/remover of electrical equipment, a remove momentary push button, and an install/momentary push button. The controller can also include a current controller.

Abstract: A system includes an electrical enclosure having an inner volume and a door structured to open to expose the inner volume and structured to close to enclose the inner volume. A racking mechanism is disposed in the inner volume and includes a member movable in a first direction to a first position and an opposite second direction to a different second position. A network protector is carried by the racking mechanism and is movable thereby between a connect position in the inner volume corresponding to the first position of the member of the racking mechanism, and a test position in the inner volume corresponding to the different second position of the member of the racking mechanism. A control mechanism is structured to move the member of the racking mechanism between the first position and the different second position of the member responsive to a number of remote commands.

Abstract: A lightweight portable electrical equipment racking tool and a method for racking, wherein the racking tool is adapted to raise or lower a gear assembly while operating the gear assembly to remove or install electrical equipment from a safe distance. The lightweight portable electrical equipment racking tool can include a cart, load bearing wheels, small wheels, a fixed mast segment, a moveable locking bracket, a moving slide segment, a flanged moveable locking bracket, a clutch assembly plate, a clutch bracket, a gear assembly, a drive assembly motor, a motor control, a controller, a clutch, a drive coupling, a power supply, and a support gusset.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for preventing withdrawing and inserting of a circuit breaker. The device for preventing withdrawing and inserting of a circuit breaker include: a lead screw is coupled between a carriage and a girder assembly and rotated by an external force to allow a breaker body to be closed or released while the carriage is moved with respect to a cradle, and a braking unit preventing the lead screw for operating when the girder assembly is released from the cradle. In an unstable state in which the girder assembly is not coupled to the cradle, a withdrawal handle is prevented from being inserted into the girder assembly. Therefore, an abnormal withdrawing operation can be prevented, and thus, various safety accidents, a contact resistance and temperature rise, damage to a device due to electrical breakdown can be prevented.

Abstract: An electric switchgear comprising a casing having at least one compartment provided with a door, a plurality of electrical conductors suitable to be connected to a load, a multi-phase switching device which is mounted on a truck movable inside the compartment between a connected position wherein each phase of the switching device is electrically connected to a corresponding electrical conductor and a withdrawn position wherein each phase of the switching device is electrically separated from the corresponding electrical conductor, and a mechanism adapted for stopping the switching device in a position intermediate between the connected position and the withdrawn position.

Abstract: An electrical device removal tool, such as for circuit breakers, that is lightweight, portable, and rugged for providing electrically operated controlled insertion and removal of electrical equipment by an operator from a remote location using a coupling device for engagement with the electrical equipment housing.

Abstract: A secondary disconnect assembly is provided for a racking assembly of an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The racking assembly movably couples the circuit breaker to a switchgear enclosure. The secondary disconnect assembly includes a mounting assembly having an elongated mounting member. The elongated mounting member has first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing sides. A sliding assembly is movably coupled to the first side between the first and second ends. A latching member is pivotably coupled to the sliding assembly. The latching member moves between an unlatched position corresponding to the circuit breaker being movable independently with respect to the sliding assembly, and a latched position corresponding to the latching member fixedly coupling the sliding assembly to the circuit breaker in order that the circuit breaker moves with the sliding assembly. The racking assembly may also include a position indicator.

Abstract: A position indicator assembly is provided for a levering assembly of an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The levering assembly includes a drive shaft and a racking member movably coupled to the circuit breaker housing. The drive shaft cooperates with the racking member to facilitate racking the circuit breaker into and out of a cassette. The position indicator assembly includes a number of indicator gears cooperating with the drive shaft, an indication rack cooperating with the indicator gears, and an indicator cooperating with the indication rack to provide a visual indication indicative of the position of the circuit breaker with respect to the cassette. When the circuit breaker is moved with respect to the cassette, the drive shaft pivots. In response, the indicator gears move, thereby moving the indication rack and the indicator in order to provide the visual indication.

Abstract: A closed door circuit breaker racking extension assembly is provided which enables a circuit breaker contained within a cell of a switchgear enclosure to be racked-in or racked-out without opening the cell door and without fear of explosive gases and debris being discharged from the cell through the extension assembly of this invention in the event of an arc-fault explosion.

Abstract: A remote switch operator that is portable and lightweight with onboard power, relays, and potentiometers for controlling two or more remote units from a single remote switch operator in a watertight, explosion proof rugged housing. A method for operating the operator with electrical equipment is included. This operator allows a user to stand at least 25 feet away from an arc flash boundary with no user training needed.

Abstract: An assembly that prevents a circuit breaker from being racked into and out of a switchgear compartment unless the compartment door is closed completely. A coupling member protrudes through the door and has an exposed hexagonal-shaped end to receive a socket of a racking tool. When the door is closed, a recess of the coupling member receives a drive shaft that has a drive pin through it. The drive pin slides into a slot formed in the recess of the coupling member such that when the racking tool cranks the coupling member, the coupling member in turn cranks the drive shaft as the drive pin engages the slot in the coupling member. However, when the door is open, the coupling member is separated from the drive pin so rotating the coupling member does not turn the drive shaft. An optional padlock and deadbolt assembly provides added security against unauthorized access to the tool-receiving end of the coupling member.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and mechanism are provided for opening circuit breaker contact arms when the circuit breaker is moved between an installed and a withdrawn position in a drawout installation. The circuit breaker has a cross shaft coupled to a first linkage that rotates in response to the circuit breaker being moved. A second linkage translates in response to said first linkage rotating. A cam surface is operably coupled between the cross shaft and the first linkage. An opening latch shaft is coupled between the second linkage and a contact arm assembly such that the opening latch shaft moves the contact arm assembly from a closed position to an open position in response to the translation of the second linkage.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing withdrawing and insertion of a carriage of a circuit breaker is disclosed. When a circuit breaker main body is inserted, an interlocking unit operates by interworking with the carriage withdrawing and inserting preventing apparatus, and while the circuit breaker is being closed, a withdrawal and insertion handle prevents a lead screw from being rotated by the interlocking unit. Thus, when the circuit breaker performs a closing operation, unnecessary withdrawing and inserting operation of the carriage is basically prevented to thus prevent various safety accidents, a contact resistance, a temperature increase, and damage to a device resulting from a breakdown.