Abstract: A contactor includes first and second fixed contacts coupled to a housing having mating ends located in the cavity. The contactor includes a movable contact movable within the cavity between a mated position and an unmated position. The movable contact engages the second mating end in the mated position and is separated from the second fixed contact in the unmated position. The contactor includes a coil assembly in the cavity operated to move the movable contact. The contactor includes a magnetic shroud coupled to at least one of the movable contact and the second fixed contact to provide a magnetic holding force to hold the movable contact relative to the second fixed contact in the mated position.

Abstract: A contactor includes two static contacts and a movable contact. Two ends of the movable contact selectively electrically contact the two static contacts, respectively. The contactor further includes a rotatable member rotatable about a central axis, with the movable contact being mounted thereon. The rotatable member is rotatably mounted on a support plate. Two ceramic members are mounted on the support plate, with each defining an internal region. Two permanent magnets are mounted on the support plate and located outside of the two ceramic members, respectively. The two ends of the movable contact are located in respective internal regions of the two ceramic members, such that an electrical arc generated between the movable contact and the static contact is located within the internal region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a direct current relay and, more particularly, to a direct current relay including a mover assembly having improved support force with respect to a movable contactor. The direct current relay according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a pair of fixed contactors and a movable contactor which is moved up and down by an actuator to come into contact with or be separated from the pair of fixed contactors, comprises a mover support disposed below the movable contactor and connected to the actuator by a shaft; a mover holder disposed above the movable contactor and fixed to the mover support; a contact pressure spring disposed between the movable contactor and the mover support to provide a contact pressure to the movable contactor; and a supporting pin installed to extend through the movable contactor and the mover holder.

Abstract: Provided is a drive structure for a high-voltage direct-current relay, the drive structure comprising: a retaining frame, a stopper piece, a movable spring piece, and an elastic member. The retaining frame comprises two retaining side arms, a support plate, and a drive rod. The two retaining side arms are disposed at two sides of the support plate, and the drive rod is connected to a bottom portion of the support plate. The stopper piece has one end connected to a terminal end of one of the retaining side arms, and the other end connected to a terminal end of the other retaining side arm. The elastic member has one end pressing against the support plate and the other end pressing against the movable spring piece, the movable spring piece presses against the stopper piece, and the stopper piece is provided with an arc isolation portion.

Abstract: A circuit breaker design allows for the circuit breaker to have an overall height (i.e., measured vertically along the circuit breaker's exposed outwardly-facing surface in the typical orientation of circuit breaker panels) that is slimmer than achievable with known typical configurations, while at the same time still providing robust power (e.g., voltage) handling and arc interruption capabilities. This is achieved, for example, by providing various components formed from polymer materials (which are generally less conductive of heat than metals), reinforced by metal members in certain areas, if needed, as well as a very particular configuration of a permanent magnet that is employed for enhanced arc quenching.

Abstract: An anti-short circuit structure (10) of a high-capacity relay, the structure (10) comprising a housing assembly (100) and a pushing assembly (200). The housing assembly (100) comprises two static contacts (110), a first magnetically conductive block (120), a cover body (130), a transition block (160), and a yoke plate (140). The first magnetically conductive block (120) is disposed on an inner side surface of the top part of the cover body (130). The pushing assembly (200) comprises a fixing support (210), a stop piece (220), a movable reed (230), a second magnetically conductive block (240), an elastic member (250), and a push rod (260). The fixing support (210) comprises two fixing side arms (211) and a receiving plate (212). One end of the stop piece (220) is connected to the tail end of one fixing side arm (211), and the other end of the stop piece (220) is connected to the tail end of the other fixing side arm (211).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a direct current relay and, more particularly, to a direct current relay including a mover assembly having improved support force with respect to a movable contactor. The direct current relay according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a pair of fixed contactors and a movable contactor which is moved up and down by an actuator to come into contact with or be separated from the pair of fixed contactors, comprises a mover support disposed below the movable contactor and connected to the actuator by a shaft; a mover holder disposed above the movable contactor and fixed to the mover support; a contact pressure spring disposed between the movable contactor and the mover support to provide a contact pressure to the movable contactor; and a supporting pin installed to extend through the movable contactor and the mover holder.

Abstract: A DC relay resistant to short-circuit current includes two stationary contact leading-out terminals, a push rod component and a straight sheet type movable spring mounted on the push rod component. Upper magnetizers arranged in a width direction of the movable spring are mounted above a preset position of the movable spring. Lower magnetizers arranged mounted below the preset position can move with the movable spring. At least one through hole is provided in the movable spring at the preset position, so that the upper magnetizers and the lower magnetizers can approach one to another or come into contact with each other through the through holes; and at least two independent magnetically conductive loops are formed in the width direction of the movable spring by the upper magnetizers and the lower magnetizers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a direct current relay, and more specifically, to a direct current relay having a movable assembly with improved contact pressure. The direct current relay according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a pair of fixed contacts, and a movable contact which is moved vertically by an electromagnetic force to contact or be separated from the pair of fixed contacts, wherein an upper yoke and a lower yoke are respectively provided on the upper and lower portions of the movable contact, a contact spring is provided on the lower portion of the lower yoke, and the lower yoke is pressed by the contact spring to move the movable contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for non-reversible detection and display of electrical overcurrents or current limit values by means of a pre-finished conductor. The conductor according to the invention has at least two conductor sections, spaced apart from each other and extending parallel to each other, which are designed for current to flow through in the same direction. At least one of the parallel conductor sections has a protrusion, a nose, or similar blocking element, which limits the path of movement of a mechanical display or switching element, such that the electromagnetic force acting on the parallel conductor sections during the flow of current transitions the blocking element into a release position in respect of the path of movement of the mechanical display or switching element. Such an arrangement can be used particularly advantageously as a prior damage indicator in surge arresters.

Abstract: An apparatus for an electrical control assembly having at least one control member that is electrically connected to an electrical component, the at least one control member supported by an attachment assembly, which is disposed in a cavity of the electrical control assembly and includes a recess, the at least one control member movable between a first position and a second position is disclosed. The apparatus includes a structural assembly that is removably insertable in the recess of the attachment assembly, a through-beam emitter having an emitter member that is attached to a first end portion of the structural assembly and a receiver member that is attached to a second end portion of the structural assembly, the emitter member aligned to emit a light beam along a straight line of sight to the receiver member, and an electrical circuit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a vacuum interrupter having a closed position and an open position. The circuit breaker includes a linkage operatively coupled to and extending from the vacuum interrupter and a high-speed actuator operatively connected to the linkage. The high-speed actuator is operable to move the linkage by a repulsion force and cause the vacuum interrupter to move to the open position. The circuit breaker includes a decelerator with an integrated latch assembly operatively coupled to the high-speed actuator. The decelerator decelerates the repulsion force of the high-speed actuator and latches the actuator with the integrated latch assembly to maintain the vacuum interrupter in the open position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing (e.g., a housing having a form factor of a molded case circuit breaker) and at least two phase terminals supported by the housing and configured to be connected to respective ones of at least two phase buses in an electrical panelboard. The apparatus further includes at least one fault generation device supported by the housing and including an arc containment chamber and first and second spaced-apart electrodes in the arc containment chamber and electrically coupled to respective ones of the at least two phase terminals.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a pole unit with a moveable electrode and a fixed electrode. A resilient member is operably connected to a first end of the pole unit. A linkage extends from the second end of the pole unit and operably connects to the moveable electrode. A linear actuator is operably connected to the linkage and located away from the pole unit. A Thomson coil or other high-speed actuator is also operably connected to the linkage. A gap is provided between the pole unit and the linear actuator member when the resilient member is not extended. To open the electrodes, the high-speed actuator first acts on the linkage by pulling the movable electrode away from the fixed electrode. The linear actuator then actuates and increases the distance between the contacts of the breaker by pulling the pole unit toward it, closing the gap.

Abstract: Automatic transfer switches and methods of forming such switches are disclosed herein. One automatic transfer switch disclosed herein includes a first source bar structured to connect to a first power source, a second source bar structured to connect to a second power source, and a stationary bar structured to be coupled to a load. The automatic transfer switch also includes a first movable bar and a second movable bar each electrically coupled and rotatably connected to the stationary bar. The length of each movable bar and the angle of each movable bar with respect to the stationary bus bar are selected to approximately balance the contact force on each movable bar. Thus, smooth and reliable operations of the automatic transfer switch can be achieved.

Abstract: A magnetic module in a circuit interrupting system is configured to generate a blow-on force that pushes a moving contact toward a stationary contact. The magnetic module includes: a coil conductor having an opening through which a moving stem of the moving contact may move, wherein the coil conductor is electrically connected to the moving stem and a first auxiliary conductor, wherein the coil conductor is configured to allow current to flow from the moving stem to the first auxiliary conductor; a plunger attached to an end of the moving stem; and a first magnetic core shaped to fit around a first section of the coil conductor, wherein the first magnetic core is configured, when current flows through the coil conductor to the first auxiliary conductor, to become magnetized, attract the plunger toward the magnetic core, and cause the moving stem of the moving contact to move toward the stationary contact.

Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker such as a residential electronic circuit breaker is provided. It includes a means to prevent a breaker mechanism from latching, i.e., a breaker armature from latching with a cradle if certain criterion is met. In particular, the multi-pole circuit breaker comprises a breaker mechanism including a breaker armature, a cradle and an armature latch bar to prevent the breaker armature from latching with the cradle. The armature latch bar includes a recessed feature that interfaces with the breaker armature, an armature latching surface that needs to be removed before the breaker mechanism can be latched and an armature latching lever that prevents a rotation of the breaker armature.

Abstract: A switching device for LV electric installations is disclosed which can include an outer casing and one or more electric poles. Each electric pole can include one or more mobile contacts and one or more fixed contacts adapted to be coupled or uncoupled. A mobile contact assembly is operatively coupled with the mobile contacts such that the mobile contacts move together with the mobile contact assembly. The mobile contact assembly is adapted to reversibly move between a first contact position, in which the movable contacts and the fixed contacts are coupled and a second contact position, in which the movable contacts and the fixed contacts are uncoupled. A mechanical control assembly is provided for operating said mobile contact assembly.

Abstract: A switching device for breaking an electric current including a main contact carrier, movable and stationary main contacts, the movable contact attached to the main contact carrier, an arcing contact carrier, a movable and stationary arcing contacts, the movable arcing contact attached to the arcing contact carrier and the stationary arcing contact arranged in parallel with the stationary main contact, and an actuating unit for the main and arcing contact carriers between open and close position at an actuating distance, wherein there are separation distances between the stationary and movable contacts of the main and arcing contact units respectively when the current is interrupted. The switching device further includes a first rack and a first gear for actuating the arcing contact carrier so that, when interrupting the current, a separation distance between the arcing contacts is longer than a separation distance between the main contacts.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a circuit breaker, the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes an operating lever, a latching mechanism and an electrical contact system with a movable contact and a fixed contact. The operating lever is movable into an ON-position and an OFF-position. Further, the operating lever is mechanically connected via the latching mechanism to the contact system such that when the operating lever is in its OFF-position, the contacts of the electrical contact system are opened and when the operating lever is in its ON-position, the contacts of the electrical contact system are closed. Further, such a circuit breaker is also disclosed.

Abstract: A permanent magnet assembly for an arc driver assembly of an electric switching device, having a permanent magnet and a cover made of electrically insulating material, wherein the cover is connected directly to the permanent magnet.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a fixed contact member and a plurality of movable contact fingers that pivot into and out of engagement with the fixed contact member. The electrical switch also includes a fixed magnetic member and a plurality of U-shaped magnetic members housing the plurality of movable contact fingers. Upon occurrence of a fault condition, each of the plurality of U-shaped magnetic members is magnetically pulled towards the fixed magnetic member, without contacting the fixed magnetic member, such that each of the plurality of movable contact fingers is held in engagement with the fixed contact member.

Abstract: A DC electrical circuit breaker includes first and second movable electrical contacts. The circuit breaker includes a magnetic circuit including a magnet and generating a magnetic field able to guide an electrical arc in the direction of a quenching chamber, and having for this purpose curved field lines extending perpendicularly to opposite lateral walls of an electrical arc formation chamber, these field lines converging, in a central region of the arc formation chamber containing the contact zones, toward the quenching chamber while extending parallel to the longitudinal plane.

Abstract: A movable contact conductor assembly is provided. The movable contact arm assembly includes an elongated member with a distal tip, a first end, a medial portion, an actuator coupling second component, a primary pivot second component, a secondary pivot second component, a clinch joint second component, a second end, and a proximal tip. During an over-current event the movable contact arm assembly member generates a loop force. A loop force first portion is disposed on a first longitudinal side of the movable contact arm assembly member primary pivot second component, and, a loop force second portion is disposed on a second longitudinal side of the movable contact arm assembly member primary pivot second component.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a switch including a plurality of connectable modules. A first module is a connection module, electrical connections running into an interior, starting from the connection module for connection purposes. A second module is a manual plug module, connectable via its second contacts to the connection module, electrical connections passing external to the switch starting from the manual plug module for connection purposes. A third module is a communication module including a communication electronics system and including second contacts and first contacts, the communication module being connectable via its second contacts to the connection module and the manual plug module being connectable via its second contacts to the communication module. Second contacts of the communication module are electrically connectable to first contacts of the communication module or to the communication electronics system.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an electrically insulative case and a rotor assembly disposed within the electrically insulative case. The rotor assembly includes a contact arm and a rotor that is rotatable relative to the electrically insulative case. The contact arm is coupled to the rotor and movable between a first position in which a conductive path is closed and a second position in which the conductive path is open. The rotor assembly also includes a latch mechanism coupled to the rotor. The latch mechanism retains the contact arm in the second position during a short circuit event. The latch mechanism is spaced from the contact arm when the contact arm is in the first position. The latch mechanism engages the contact arm when the contact arm is in the second position.

Abstract: An enclosure is for a slot motor of an electrical switching apparatus. The slot motor includes a number of U-shaped laminations. The enclosure includes a first member and a second member coupled to the first member to form a U-shaped enclosed region for the U-shaped laminations.

Abstract: A switching device has a first switching path having first switching contacts and has a second switching path having second switching contacts, wherein the first switching path has a first electromagnetic tripping apparatus having a first coil winding, wherein the first coil winding has a first winding direction, wherein the second switching path has a second electromagnetic tripping apparatus having a second coil winding, and wherein the second coil winding has a second winding direction. The first switching contacts and the second switching contacts are coupled for substantially simultaneous actuation. The first switching path and the second switching path are arranged adjacent to each other in the switching device. The first winding direction is opposite the second winding direction.

Abstract: A circuit breaker crossbar assembly includes a crossbar having a first and second segment, the first and second segment each operatively coupled to a respective moveable contact arm assembly. Also included is a coupling segment disposed between the first and second segment, the crossbar and the coupling segment rotatable about an axis. Further included is at least one support assembly operatively coupled to the coupling segment. The support assembly includes a bushing coupled to the coupling segment and rotatable with the crossbar and the coupling segment. The support assembly also includes a support bracket configured for affixation to a stationary structure and disposed adjacent to the bushing, the bushing rotatable relative to the support bracket. The support assembly further includes a fixing bracket engaged with the support bracket and disposed adjacent to the bushing, the bushing rotatable relative to the fixing bracket.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter configured to aid in rapidly extinguishing an electrical arc regardless of the polarity of current through a circuit interrupter, and during low current conditions. Various implementations of the circuit interrupter incorporate an electromagnet and a pivoting permanent magnet. These structures produce additive magnetic fields that create a force on an arc between the contacts, urging it toward an arc arresting structure regardless of the electrical polarity of the circuit interrupter or the magnitude of the current through the circuit interrupter.

Abstract: A plug-type connector arrangement comprising a plug-type connector and an opposing plug-type connector, which each have an insulating housing and plug-type contact elements in the insulating housing and are designed for plugging together and for making electrical contact with assigned plug-type contact elements in the plugged-together state, is described. The opposing plug-type connector has at least one latching lug. The plug-type connector has at least one latching element, which is designed so as to interact with the latching lug in the plugged-together state so as to fasten the plug-type connector on the opposing plug-type connector. At least one detachment element provided for unlocking the latching lug is arranged displaceably on the plug-type connector.

Abstract: A switching system has two contact points and a contact link disposed so at be rotatably movable about an axis of rotation of the contact link between the two contact points. The switching system further has at least one quenching chamber and a magnetic element for producing a magnetic field being parallel to the axis of rotation of the contact link, for driving an arc produced when the contact points are open into the quenching chamber.

Abstract: A system including an automatic transfer switch configured to selectively route power from a first power source or a second power source to a load, comprising a switch configured to be moved between a first position and a second position, a first set of electrical contacts configured to route the power from the first power source when the switch is in the first position, a second set of electrical contacts configured to route the power from the second power source when the switch is in the second position, and a first arc chute housing configured to substantially enclose the first set of electrical contacts when the switch is in the first position.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter having a compact design. According to some implementations, the circuit interrupter includes a conductor from a terminal to a contact having a portion that is angled with respect to the housing sides. This allows a fastener sleeve used to secure the device housing to be positioned closer to the center of mass of the housing, reducing the area of the housing. In some implementations, an arc splitter is provided which includes conductive plates that are angled with respect to the housing sides, allowing the area of the housing to be reduced. In some implementations, a terminal is designed to accommodate a connection without being doubled back, reducing the clearance required for the terminal and the overall area of the circuit interrupter.

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 scalable earthing switch that incorporates a torsion spring to effect rapid closure of the switch. The torsion spring is supported coaxially about a rotatable shaft on which contact blades are mounted resulting in compact design. The blade contacts are separated axially along the length of the shaft by one or more spacers. By using difference size spacers the distance between adjacent blade contacts can be changed and, thus, the earthing switch can be easily scaled for different applications. A latching (detent) mechanism is provided for latching the switch in an open position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing equipped with a first switchgear region, in which a quenching chamber device and a sliding contact device having movable contacts are located, the contacts lying opposite fixed contacts, and equipped with a second switchgear region, in which a current release assembly consisting of a short-circuit release and an overload release are located. In an embodiment, a continuous ventilation channel is formed within opposing housing walls along the fixed contacts, the channel acting as a first convective air-flow through the circuit breaker in order to dissipate the heat.

Abstract: A mover assembly of a circuit breaker is provided. A mover assembly of a circuit breaker according to one aspect includes: a terminal fixed within a circuit breaker; a connector coupled to the terminal; a plurality of movers rotatably installed in the connector; and an elastic member applying elastic force to the movers to tightly attach the movers to the connector, wherein each of the movers includes a first mover and a second mover and the elastic member is positioned between the first mover and the second mover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a moving element for a low voltage switching device and to a switching device comprising this moving element. The moving element according to the invention comprises for each pole a housing unit suitable to receive an elastic element which interacts with an electrical contact. This latter comprises a first contact portion susceptible to contact a further electrical contact and a second portion connectable to a conductive element of the switching device. The electrical contact comprises a pin shaped portion positioned rotating in a seat defined on the housing unit so as to configure a mutual rotation axis of the electrical contact with respect to the housing unit.

Abstract: An override device is described for use with a coupler of a circuit breaker. The override device comprising a cam member coupled to the coupler. The cam member comprising a slot. The override device also including an actuator coupled to the cam member and configured to move the cam member between an over-current protection position and an over-current relay override position and a push member coupled to the coupler. The slot configured to guide the push member to a first position when the actuator moves the cam member to the over-current protection position. The slot further configured to guide the push member to a second position when the actuator moves the cam member to the over-current relay override position to permit current flow through the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A system comprising a circuit interrupter configured to interrupt flow of current through a circuit during an over current condition, wherein the circuit interrupter comprises two contacts configured to remain in contact when a current flowing through the two contacts is less than a threshold value, a tripping mechanism configured to separate the two contacts when the current equals or exceeds the threshold value, and at least one of either a permanent magnet or an electrode configured to extinguish an electric arc formed between the two contacts of the circuit interrupter when the two contacts are separated, wherein the circuit interrupter does not include an arc chute.

Abstract: An arc runner assembly for use in a circuit interrupter provides a pair of arc runners that are situated at opposite sides of a stationary contact of the circuit interrupter. If used in a DC application, the arc runner assembly is configured to communicate a positive DC arc along one of the arc runners in a first direction away from the stationary contact and is further configured to communicate a negative DC arc along the other arc runner in another direction away from the stationary contact. The arc runner assembly additionally includes a support that is electrically engaged with a conductor of the circuit interrupter on a surface opposite that on which the stationary contact is disposed. The improved arc runner assembly advantageously facilitates extinction of electrical arc and extinguishes both positive and negative DC arcs in a DC application.

Abstract: A switch suitable for DC applications includes: two fixed conductive contacts with first contact areas; a movable conductive bridge with two second contact areas for being connected to the two first contact areas in the on-status and for being disconnected from the two the first contact areas in the off-status; and two arc-extinguishing units configured to extinguish electric arcs occurring between the first and second contact areas after disconnecting the second contact areas from the first contact areas. First conductive arc-guiding elements extend from each first contact area into the corresponding arc-extinguishing unit and at least one second conductive arc-guiding element extends into the arc-extinguishing units suitably shaped to guide the electric arcs from each of the second contact areas of the movable bridge into the arc-extinguishing units.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, which includes a hinged armature and a yoke. In at least one embodiment, the hinged armature is supported in a cutout in the yoke and can pivot between at least two positions, the cutout in the yoke having an edge, on which the hinged armature is supported.

Abstract: This invention discloses a type of intelligent magnetic-hold miniature circuit breaker and its control method, comprising a casing, a magnetic-hold relay, and a drive circuit, wherein said drive circuit receives control signal and then drives operation of said magnetic-hold relay; said magnetic-hold relay comprises a dynamic spring assembly, a static spring assembly, a deflector rod, a pushing piece, and a magnetic steel assembly; rotation of said magnetic steel assembly drives said deflector rod and then closing or opening of contacts of said dynamic spring assembly and said static spring assembly via said pushing piece; said miniature circuit breaker also includes a central processor, a communication chip, and a voltage state circuit; and said deflector rod extends out through a hole on said casing to allow manual operation.

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: It comprises fixed terminal 42 provided with fixed contact 42a; movable armature 44 provided with movable contact 45; shaft 44 inserted in the movable armature; sealing container 40 holding the fixed terminal and housing the movable armature and the shaft therein in hermetically-sealed state; contact pressure spring 410 giving contact pressure between the movable contact and the fixed contact; return spring 411 urging the shaft to move away from the fixed contact; operation handle 1; shaft pressing piece 56 pressing, in accordance with the operation of the operation handle, the other end of main body of the shaft to move the shaft closer to the fixed contact; and electromagnetic tripping block 6 which makes the movable/fixed contacts open by taking the pressing means away from the other end of the main body of the shaft in case that anomalous current flows through the movable/fixed contacts when they are contacted.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter has a first contact, a second contact movable with respect to the first contact, an arcing chamber, and an arc splitter. The arc splitter is located on a first side of the first contact, as is an arc runner. An electrical conductor is connected to the arc runner having a first portion running from the first side of the first contact towards a second side of the first contact, the second side being opposite the first side with respect to the first contact. A second portion is connected to the first portion and the second contact; the second portion is located on the second side of the first contact. A current running through the arc runner and the electrical conductor generates a magnetic force on the arc moving the arc toward the arc splitter.

Abstract: Circuit breakers having an electrical contact assembly with a moving electrical contact that is linearly translatable within an inner cavity are disclosed. A guide linearly carries a moveable contact assembly having the moving electrical contact and the guide has one or more guide supports accessible by a drive member external to the cavity. According to another aspect, a circuit breaker electrical contact assembly and method of operating a circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A circuit breaker which includes first and second contact pairs and a contact arm arranged in series. A first arm contact and a first terminal contact from a first line terminal form a first contact pair. A second arm contact and a second terminal contact from a second line terminal contact form a second contact pair. The first contact pair, contact arm and second contact pair are connected in a series arrangement in which the air gaps formed when the first and second contact pairs are separated combine to form an effective air gap which is double in size and thus increases an interrupting capacity of the circuit breaker. An arc chamber is associated with the first and second contact pairs for extinguishing an arc formed in the air gaps. The first and second contact pairs may also be arranged in a parallel configuration for increasing an amperage rating of the circuit breaker.