Abstract: An auxiliary switch sub-assembly is provided for a telecommunication system circuit breaker including a housing having an opening, separable contacts inside the housing, and an operating mechanism operating the separable contacts between open and closed positions. The operating mechanism comprises an operating handle operable among a first position corresponding to the separable contacts being open and a second position corresponding to the separable contacts being closed. The operating handle has a first end protruding from the opening of the housing, and a second end. The auxiliary switch sub-assembly includes an auxiliary switch including an actuator, and a mount attaching the auxiliary switch to the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker within the housing thereof. The actuator is mechanically actuated by a portion of the second end of the operating handle. An electrical switching apparatus employing an auxiliary switch sub-assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trip indicator is for a circuit breaker having a housing including first and second openings, separable contacts and an operating mechanism having an operating handle protruding from the first opening. The trip indicator includes a one-piece flag member with a first end having a trip flag and a second end with first and second integral legs. The first leg biases the trip flag away from the second opening when the separable contacts are not tripped open, and includes a latching portion to maintain the flag in a viewable position to indicate the trip condition regardless of the operating mechanism position. The second leg is disposed proximate first leg and biases the operating handle toward the OFF position, thereby assisting the handle to move from the ON position in response to the trip condition.

Abstract: There is described a switching device whose disconnection cause can be identified, and a method for displaying the disconnection cause of a switching device. The switching device has a switch latch for mechanical activation of the switching device, a first tripper for overload protection, a second tripper for short-circuit protection, and a handle for activating the switch latch. The switching device is embodied in such a way that the handle is moved to a first position or a second position if the first tripper or second tripper is tripped, with the first position and the second position being different.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit interrupting device, preferably a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which contains a dual-function test button having a short pole and a long pole positioned underneath the dual-function test button. When the GFCI is properly wired and powered, and preferably in a reset state, a first-level depression of the dual-function test button allows the short pole to close a flexible switch (KT) to electrically connect a power input end to a power output end and generate a leakage current to test the components of the GFCI. If all of the components are functioned properly, the GFCI can be reset. If not, the GFCI cannot be reset. When the GFCI is miswired or reverse wired and not powered, the first-level depression of the dual-function test button does not test the components of the GFCI.

Abstract: A system and method for resetting a tripped circuit breaker are provided. The system includes a monitoring mechanism for monitoring a state of at least one electrical circuit breaker and for generating at least one monitoring signal indicative of the state of the at least one electrical circuit breaker; an actuating mechanism for actuating the at least one electrical circuit breaker in a plurality of positions; and a controller for receiving the at least one monitoring signal and for generating and transmitting at least one control signal to the actuating mechanism for resetting the at least one circuit breaker. The breaker reset system is self-contained and dimensioned as an add-on component to previously installed circuit breaker enclosure or as an integrated component of a circuit breaker enclosure. Additionally, the system allows for manual over-ride of the reset function.

Abstract: A trip indicator is for a circuit breaker having a housing including first and second openings, separable contacts and an operating mechanism having an operating handle for opening and closing the separable contacts. The trip indicator includes a trip indicating member with a first end having a trip indicia and a second end with first and second projections. The first projection is engaged by a cradle of the operating mechanism when the separable contacts are not tripped, in order to prevent the trip indicia from being viewable at the second opening of housing. The first projection is disengaged and released when the separable contacts trip, causing the trip indicating member to move in order that the trip indicia is viewable at the second opening. A locking feature in which the second projection engages and locks operating handle, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arc-fault detecting circuit-breaker system is used in conjunction with a protected electrical circuit whose current flow is to be interrupted upon the occurrence of an overcurrent fault or an arc fault. The arc-fault detecting circuit breaker system includes a normally closed circuit breaker, an arc-fault detector of the occurrence of an arc fault in the protected electrical circuit, and a circuit-breaker activating element operable responsive to the detector. The circuit-breaker activating element opens the circuit breaker in the event that the detector detects an arc fault in the protected electrical circuit. A status indicator structure, preferably in the form of a two-part pop-up button, has a first status indicator element which indicates the opening of the circuit breaker due to the overcurrent fault, and a second status indicator element which indicates the opening of the circuit breaker due to the arc fault.

Abstract: An on-board circuit breaker that includes a push-button that enables the circuit breaker to be reset by depressing it, a power supply terminal and distribution terminal, two breaking contacts, and a main bimetal strip. Thermal deformation of the main bimetal strip trips the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker further includes an actuator able to trip the circuit breaker and an electronic circuit monitoring the electric signal. The electric signal is monitored to trip the actuator when predefined particular situations are identified. The circuit breaker also includes a movable reset enable part equipped with a pin. When the circuit breaker is tripped, the reset enable part moves in such a way that resetting the circuit breaker is possible only by depressing the reset enable part before or when the push-button is depressed.

Abstract: A rotating display device displays a value in a variable viewing orientation. The value is received from an electrical apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, having a first port. The rotating display device includes a housing having a first side and a second side, a display disposed on the first side of the housing, a rotating assembly disposed on the second side, and a second port for receiving the value from the first port of the electrical apparatus. The second port communicates with the display and is coupled to the rotating assembly in order to permit the display to rotate. The rotating assembly permits the rotating display device to rotate in the plane of the surface of the circuit breaker on which it is mounted, thereby permitting the display to be quickly and accurately viewed and interpreted regardless of the orientation of the surface to which it is coupled.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a housing, separable contacts, a cradle rotatably mounted within the housing, an alarm switch mounted within the housing, and an interface lever disposed between the cradle and the alarm switch. The cradle is adapted to rotate about a first axis in a first direction when the circuit breaker moves to a tripped position in which the separable contacts are separated from one another. The alarm switch includes an actuation lever movable in an actuation direction, wherein movement of the actuation lever in the actuation direction causes the alarm switch to activate an alarm device electrically connected thereto. When the cradle rotates in the first direction, the cradle exerts a first force against the interface lever that causes the interface lever to exert a second force against the actuation lever that causes the actuation lever to move in the actuation direction.

Abstract: The auxiliary switch includes a non-contact sensor, such as a Hall effect device, that is switched by the condition of a magnetic field. The magnetic field condition is effected by a movable contact indicator that moves between open and closed positions with the separable contacts of the electric power apparatus. A magnet may be attached to the movable contact indicator, or the movable contact indicator can be magnetized to form the magnet. Alternatively, the moving contact indicator can intercept or not intercept a magnetic field produced by a fixed magnet spaced from the sensor. The Hall effect device may be mounted on the outside of the nonmagnetically permeable housing of the electric power apparatus, or inside if there is sufficient room. In either case, no mechanical coupling is required for the sensor.

Abstract: A U-shaped accessory actuator clip that snaps onto the crossbar of a multipole circuit breaker is integrally molded of a compliant material with a flexible finger that actuates/deactuates an accessory, such as an auxiliary switch, as the contacts of the breaker close and open.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device having a reverse wiring protection function is disclosed. The circuit interrupting device includes a housing having a cover and a base, a mounting plate, and an electrical component mounting member, a pair of input hot and neutral conductors and a pair of output hot and neutral conductors, a differential transformer for detecting a leakage current, a disconnecting mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the output conductors to and from input conductors, and a mechanism for preventing reverse wiring, which includes a coil connected to the input hot and neutral conductors and a moveable piece that moves when the coil is energized. The input and output conductors are electrically connected only when the coil is energized by correctly connecting the power wires to the input conductors of the device. This device thus provides both leakage current protection and reverse wiring protection that protects against incorrect wiring during installation.

Abstract: A signal accessory for a molded case circuit breaker, with the circuit breaker (10) having an operating mechanism (40) with a cradle pin (41b), a cross bar (55) and a trip bar (54) and a main breaker cover (20). The signal accessory (300) comprises a signal accessory mounting (301) having a bottom mount (308) and a top mount (306) coupled to the bottom mount (308) with the top mount configured to receive a switch (302, 304) and engage the breaker cover (20) in an accessory socket (22). A switch member (311) is rotably mounted on the bottom mount (308) with the switch member (311) having an actuator lever (322) in contact with the operating mechanism (40) of the circuit breaker (10) and an actuator pad (314) in contact with a switch mounted on the top mount (306).

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay, which is excellent in assemblability and includes an indicator which can be operated smoothly, is provided. A coil block and a contact switching mechanism are provided on a base plate, a case is covered over the base plate, the coil block is excited and demagnetized to rotate a movable iron piece, and a movable contact piece is operated via a card, whereby a contact is opened and closed. Bearing portions are formed in the base plate, and an indicator is operated by rotation of the movable iron piece is also provide. The indicator has an elastically deformable structure including pivots which are rotatably supported by the bearing portions of the base plate.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay, which reduces power consumption in a coil block and causes an indicator to operate smoothly, is provided. A coil block and a contact switching mechanism are provided on a base plate, a case is covered over the base plate, the coil block is excited and demagnetized to rotate a movable iron piece, and a movable contact piece is operated via a card, whereby a contact is opened and closed. An indicator, which operates following movement of the card by the rotation of the movable iron piece, is provided between the coil block and the contact switching mechanism.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay having superior visibility and a light-emitting device easy to mount. A coil block and a contact opening and closing mechanism are disposed on a base plate and covered with a case, and the electromagnetic relay magnetizes and demagnetizes the coil block via coil terminals to turn a movable core and moves a movable contact part to open and close a contact. Electrical connection portions of the coil terminals are projected upwardly through the top side of the case. A light-emitting device which emits light by the energization of the coil terminals and a holder which holds the light-emitting device are disposed on the top side of the case on the side opposite to a position where the electrical connection portions of the coil terminals of the case are projected. Lead wires connected to the light-emitting device are electrically connected to the electrical connection portions of the coil terminals.

Abstract: An assembly for interacting with a circuit breaker operating mechanism of a circuit breaker including a housing and a pair of contacts within the housing, the operating mechanism arranged to separate the pair of contacts upon the occurrence of a trip event is disclosed. The assembly includes a plurality of linkages arranged to transmit mechanical energy from the operating mechanism to a plunger of an accessory device for changing a state thereof. The system of linkages is configured to compensate for any over-travel resulting from possible tolerance variations.

Abstract: An improved shock resistant auxiliary switch mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a common conductor having a conduction plate that is slidably translatable between electrically conductive contact with first and second conductors. The conduction plate is biased by a spring in a direction toward contact with the first conductor. An improved shock resistant circuit breaker including the improved auxiliary switch mechanism includes a crossbar that is operatively engageable with the conduction plate to releasably retain the conduction plate in a position in contact with the second conductor. When the circuit breaker is in an ON position, the conduction plate is operatively interposed between the crossbar and the bias of the spring.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing having an opening, separable contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a generally transparent operating handle having a portion protruding through the opening of the housing. An auxiliary switch associated with the operating mechanism provides a first normally closed output when the separable contacts are open and a second normally open output when the separable contacts are closed. A first LED indicator cooperates with the first output, is proximate the operating handle and is illuminated when the separable contacts are open. A second LED indicator cooperates with the second output, is proximate the operating handle and is illuminated when the separable contacts are closed. One of the first and second LED indicators illuminates the operating handle.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based circuit breaker includes a removable chip that defines the current rating or ground fault current for the breaker. The breaker includes mechanical components that trip to disconnect the load terminal from the line input. The mechanical components include a floating breaker arm, trigger and tripper lever that cooperate to control the tripping of the breaker. A spring between the breaker arm and trigger, together with cam surfaces defined in the breaker switch cooperate to form a floating linkage to control the position of the breaker arm during on/off activation and current fault conditions. The circuit breaker also includes multiple indicia to provide a visual indication of the type of fault condition sensed by the breaker.

Abstract: A signal accessory for a molded case circuit breaker, with the circuit breaker (10) having an operating mechanism (40) with a cradle pin (41b), a cross bar (55) and a trip bar (54) and a main breaker cover (20). The signal accessory (300) comprises a signal accessory mounting (301) having a bottom mount (308) and a top mount (306) coupled to the bottom mount (308) with the top mount configured to receive a switch (302, 304) and engage the breaker cover (20) in an accessory socket (22). A switch member (311) is rotably mounted on the bottom mount (308) with the switch member (311) having an actuator lever (322) in contact with the operating mechanism (40) of the circuit breaker (10) and an actuator pad (314) in contact with a switch mounted on the top mount (306).

Abstract: A subminiature circuit breaker is equipped with an arc fault auxiliary switch actuated by the arc fault trip motor through an indicator actuator that also deploys a pop-up arc fault indicator. An additional auxiliary switch actuated by the drive link on the toggle mechanism provides an indication of the open/closed state of the circuit breaker separable contacts. Both the arc fault auxiliary switch and the contact state auxiliary switch are mounted on the outside of the subminiature circuit breaker housing and are operated by an operating member and a pivoted member, respectively, extending through openings in the housing.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, a pair of separable contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism having an operating handle for opening and closing the separable contacts. A micro-switch cooperates with the operating handle and provides a first output when the separable contacts are open and a second output when the separable contacts are closed. A first LED indicator protrudes through the housing and cooperates the first output of the micro-switch. The first LED indicator is illuminated when the separable contacts are open. A second LED indicator protrudes through the housing and cooperates with the second output of the micro-switch. The second LED indicator is illuminated when the separable contacts are closed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay including a holder capable of not only holding a light-emitting device but also causing a movable core to be moved by manual operation. In the electromagnetic relay, a coil is energized via coil terminals to magnetic and demagnetize a coil block and turn a movable core, thereby moving a movable contact part to open and close a contact. The electromagnetic relay includes a light-emitting device which emits light when the coil terminals are energized, and a holder including a holder body which holds the light-emitting device, an operating portion which moves the movable core by directly pressing the movable core through a depressing operation of the operating portion, and elastic arm portions which connect the holder body and the operating portion and are elastically deformed by the depressing operation of the operating portion.

Abstract: An improved shock resistant auxiliary switch mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a common conductor having a conduction plate that is slidably translatable between electrically conductive contact with first and second conductors. The conduction plate is biased by a spring in a direction toward contact with the first conductor. An improved shock resistant circuit breaker including the improved auxiliary switch mechanism includes a crossbar that is operatively engageable with the conduction plate to releasably retain the conduction plate in a position in contact with the second conductor. When the circuit breaker is in an ON position, the conduction plate is operatively interposed between the crossbar and the bias of the spring.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a switching mechanism, a manual operating handle connected to the switching mechanism, and an instantaneous tripping device for detecting a short circuit current and opening contacts of a main circuit. The instantaneous tripping device and a latch receiver of the switching mechanism are connected with each other via a trip member capable of sliding up and down. Further, the circuit breaker includes a trip indicating member moving along with the trip member, and a trip indicating window formed in a breaker housing and facing the trip indicating member. The trip indicating member moves to an indicating position to visually indicate a tripping state of the circuit breaker through the trip indicating window when the circuit breaker member instantaneously trips.

Abstract: A trip indicator of a circuit breaker is set to the tripped position through engagement by the cradle, which is unlatched by the trip mechanism. Even though the cradle is automatically reset by a reset spring, the trip member indicator is retained in the tripped position by an indicator spring. The trip indicator member is returned to the untripped position by a reset member on the circuit breaker operating member as the latter is rotated by the circuit breaker handle to the ON position. The trip indicating member is transversely displaced through an out of round pivot mount as the operating member is rotated to the off position before the cradle unlatches when the circuit breaker blows open in response to a short circuit.

Abstract: A device is for controlling the closing of a power circuit breaker according to operational parameters. The device includes an indication element for indicating the readiness for closing and a coupling element which interacts with the indication element. The operational parameters, for example, energy store empty or switchgear cell door open cause the indication element to pivot into the position not ready for closing and cause the coupling element to move into its disabled position.

Abstract: An assembly for interacting with a circuit breaker operating mechanism of a circuit breaker including a housing and a pair of contacts within the housing, the operating mechanism arranged to separate the pair of contacts upon the occurrence of a trip event is disclosed. The assembly includes a plurality of linkages arranged to transmit mechanical energy from the operating mechanism to a plunger of an accessory device for changing a state thereof. The system of linkages is configured to compensate for any over-travel resulting from possible tolerance variations.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a switching mechanism, a manual operating handle connected to the switching mechanism, and an instantaneous tripping device for detecting a short circuit current and opening contacts of a main circuit. The instantaneous tripping device and a latch receiver of the switching mechanism are connected with each other via a trip member capable of sliding up and down. Further, the circuit breaker includes a trip indicating member moving along with the trip member, and a trip indicating window formed in a breaker housing and facing the trip indicating member. The trip indicating member moves to an indicating position to visually indicate a tripping state of the circuit breaker through the trip indicating window when the circuit breaker member instantaneously trips.

Abstract: A switch relay with a switching status display is described, in which a display element is in operative connection with a switch contact of the switch relay and displays the switch positions in a clearly recognizable manner. The display element enlarges the display stroke so that contact movement is more readily visible. The principle is based on the elongation of a pointer of the flexing line of, for example, a constructed film hinge. As a result of the display element being constructed as a synthetic part low in mass, the contact dynamics are reduced by only a small extent.

Abstract: A protective switch includes a switch housing, a switching mechanism for closing and opening a movable contact, a tripping mechanism instantaneously pulling a plunger upon detection of an instant current, a tripping control device, an alarm switch, and a trip member. The trip member is divided into an upper trip member away from a bottom of the housing, and a lower trip member close to the bottom of the housing urged by a back spring. The upper trip member includes a plunger operating section opposed to an operating member of the plunger and a switch operating section opposed to an actuator of the alarm switch. The lower trip member includes a locking member operating section opposed to a locking member of a switching mechanism and a tripping section opposed to an operating member of a tripping control device.

Abstract: A securing member for use in a switch assembly of a circuit breaker includes a support post and a fastener. The securing member assists in mounting an alarm switch onto a bracket of the switch assembly and further resists movement of the actuation levers of a pair of auxiliary switches from moving beyond a first given position and from potentially becoming caught in an operating mechanism that pivots a crossbar. The dual functionality of the securing member is cost effective and occupies only a minimal amount of additional space within the crowded confines of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A signal accessory for a molded case circuit breaker, with the circuit breaker having an operating mechanism with a cradle pin, a cross bar and a trip bar and a main breaker cover. The signal accessory comprises a signal accessory mounting having a bottom mount and a top mount coupled to the bottom mount with the top mount configured to receive a switch and engage the breaker cover in an accessory socket. A switch member is rotably mounted on the bottom mount with the switch member having an actuator lever in contact with the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker and an actuator pad in contact with a switch mounted on the top mount. When the circuit breaker is opened or closed the operating mechanism moves a cross bar coupled to the contact arm. The cross bar moves the actuator lever of the switch changing the state of the switch.

Abstract: An aircraft circuit breaker includes a housing; separable contacts mounted in the housing; a latchable operating mechanism including a latch member which when unlatched opens the separable contacts; and an overcurrent assembly responsive to selected conditions of current flowing through the separable contacts for unlatching the latch member to trip the separable contacts open. A movable and illuminable arc fault indicator has a first ring portion and second leg portions internal to the housing. An arc fault actuator which when energized moves one of the second leg portions. An arc fault current assembly responds to selected arc fault conditions of current flowing through the separable contacts to energize the arc fault actuator to move the second leg portions internal to the housing and the first ring portion external to the housing. The arc fault current assembly includes a light for illuminating the first ring portion.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing; separable contacts mounted in the housing; a latchable operating mechanism including a latch lever which when released opens the separable contacts; and an overcurrent assembly responsive to selected conditions of current flowing through the separable contacts for releasing the latch lever to trip the separable contacts open. The circuit breaker also includes an arc fault indicator; an arc fault trip actuator which when energized moves a first indicator latch for actuating the arc fault indicator and a second latch for releasing the latch lever to trip the separable contacts open; and an arc fault current assembly responsive to selected arc fault conditions of current flowing through the separable contacts for energizing the arc fault trip actuator to actuate the arc fault indicator and to trip the separable contacts open.

Abstract: A switch relay with a switching status display is described, in which a display element is in operative connection with a switch contact of the switch relay and displays the switch positions in a clearly recognizable manner. The display element enlarges the display stroke so that a contact movement is more readily visible. The principle is based on the elongation of a pointer of the flexing line of for example a constructed film hinge. As a result of a display element, constructed as a synthetic part low in mass, the contact dynamics are reduced by only a small extent.

Abstract: An aircraft circuit breaker includes a housing; separable contacts mounted in the housing; a latchable operating mechanism including a latch member which when unlatched opens the separable contacts; and an overcurrent assembly responsive to selected conditions of current flowing through the separable contacts for unlatching the latch member to trip the separable contacts open. A movable and illuminable arc fault indicator has a first ring portion and second leg portions internal to the housing. An arc fault actuator which when energized moves one of the second leg portions. An arc fault current assembly responds to selected arc fault conditions of current flowing through the separable contacts to energize the arc fault actuator to move the second leg portions internal to the housing and the first ring portion external to the housing. The arc fault current assembly includes a light for illuminating the first ring portion.

Abstract: In relation to a circuit breaker, a left-side accessory switch storage section and a right-side accessory switch storage section are provided in a breaker case 1. A contact point of an ancillary switch 7 provided in one of the accessory switch storage sections is opened or closed in conjunction with an output protrusion 6a formed on an open-close lever 6 of an open-close mechanism section 3 on the main unit. A contact point of an alarm switch 9 provided in the remaining accessory switch storage section is opened or closed in conjunction with an alarm output plate 8 which operates in association with tipping action of the breaker. The output protrusion 6a is caused to oppose an operation lever 7a of an ancillary switch which is formed into a symmetrical bifurcated shape and which is provided in the accessory switch storage section. The alarm output plate constitutes a pivotal lever coupled to a toggle shaft 3a of the open-close mechanism section.

Abstract: A circuit breaker of the invention is formed of an attached switch installed in a breaker main body case and moving synchronously with an opening and closing lever of an opening and closing mechanism section to detect ON or OFF status of the circuit breaker. The attached switch has an operating lever moving vertically and placed opposite a tip of the opening and closing lever when the attached switch is installed in the main body case. The operating lever has an interlocking hook additionally provided thereon and linked with the opening and closing lever so as to hook the tip thereof, and an attached switch housing section formed in the main body case has a hook guide at a bottom thereof for guiding, in a position where the attached switch is installed, the interlocking hook to a position where the interlocking hook engages the opening and closing lever.

Abstract: Switch with at least one set of interacting contacts which is accommodated in the switch housing and can be seen through a transparent window. The contacts are arranged on the free ends of current-carrying strips which run towards the window. At least one of the strips has U-shaped section adjacent to its contact, the opening of the U-shaped section facing away from the window. A plate made from magnetizable material is arranged between the limbs of the U-shaped section of at least one strip.

Abstract: A molded circuit breaker cover for providing access to a calibration screw of a thermal trip unit is disclosed. The cover includes an exterior surface having an opening disposed therein and a locator extending from an underside of the cover. The locator includes a channel surface defining a channel continuous with the opening wherein the locator captures the calibration screw and aligns the calibration screw with the opening. Locator significantly increase the calibration yield of multi-pole circuit breakers by decreasing misalignment of the calibration screws during assembly of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved position sensor for a latching solenoid (15). In the preferred embodiment, the solenoid has a permanent magnet (16), a coil (18) adapted to be selectively energized by either a positive or negative current, a first pole-piece (19) and a second pole-piece (20), a first armature (21) positioned between the pole pieces, a first air-gap (22) and a second air-gap (23) between the armature and the first and second pole pieces, respectively, and a first magnetic flux path (24) and second magnetic flux path (25) associated with the first and second pole pieces, respectively, the armature being movable between an alternate first position (26) and second position (28) wherein flux from the magnet will hold the armature in either of the positions, the armature, magnet and air-gaps being so configured and arranged that selective energization of the coil produces a coil flux to cause the armature to move to and latch in one of the positions.

Abstract: A vacuum switch having a fixed stationary and moveable contact that functions very much like a conventional vacuum circuit interrupter. In addition, an annular stationary contact is positioned on the opposite side of the moveable contact from the first mentioned stationary contact with the drive rod of the moveable contact slidable within the annular opening of the additional stationary contact. The moveable contact travels between three positions. The first position is in electrical communication with the first mentioned stationary contact, the second position is an intermediate position that opens the circuit, and the third position places the moveable contact in electrical communication with the annular stationary contact. Preferably, one of the stationary contacts is grounded and the moveable contact is connected to the load, so that the switch either connects the power line to the load, opens the circuit in the intermediate position, or grounds the load to facilitate maintenance.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having an external trip indicator, having a circuit breaker housing, a trip mechanism within the housing, sensing a trip condition and being responsive thereto to mechanically break an electrical circuit, an indicator, having a selectively operable retaining mechanism and being biased outward from the circuit breaker housing, and a linkage, sensing a trip condition of the trip mechanism and selectively releasing the selectively operable retaining mechanism to allow the indicator to move outwardly from the housing. The external trip indicator is operated by sensing an overcurrent condition with the trip mechanism, breaking the electric circuit in response to the overcurrent, sensing a mechanical movement of the trip mechanism, and thereby releasing a positional restraint on the mechanical indicator; and allowing the mechanical indicator to protrude from the housing.

Abstract: In a make-and-break mechanism for use in a circuit breaker, an alarm output plate 56, which is disposed so as to be slidable in the vertical direction along the frame (cover plate) 27 of the make-and-break mechanism, is secured to the engaging projection 27d of the cover plate 27 through a pair of right and left guide holes 57 formed therein. At the same time, one end of a handle spring 59, which, in the trip operation, is used to rotate an operation handle 26 to a trip display position, is caught on the alarm output plate 56.

Abstract: A thermal-magnetic trip unit, suitable for use in a circuit breaker, for eliminating the requirement for latching surfaces while still providing the additional force and motion required to trip the breaker during a short circuit or an overcurrent trip event. The trip unit comprises a link that is biased based on the position of a trip bar. A spring biases the link in a first direction when the trip unit is in a reset condition and biases the link in a second direction when the trip bar is rotated about a pivot point. A trip unit further including an improved indication-of-trip system comprising a two-piece trip bar mechanism and flag system is described to discriminate between overcurrent and short circuit faults. In this embodiment of the invention, visual confirmation of the cause of the trip is provided.

Abstract: A circuit breaker contact position indicator assembly includes an indicator lever that interacts with the circuit breaker contact carrier through a indicator lever bell crank and a contact arm bell crank to provide true ON and OFF indication of the circuit breaker contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a housing having a window, a line terminal and a load terminal, and a circuit trip assembly. The circuit trip assembly includes a rotatable cradle, a moveable armature latch and a pivotable trip support including a trip indicator. Upon the occurrence of a tripping condition in the circuit breaker, the trip indicator moves from a first position where it is not visible through the window to a second position where it is visible through the window.