Abstract: A load breaking switch including a rotor embodied as a switch shaft segment, and a contact arm pivotally mounted in the rotor pivotable between an ON and OFF position about an axis of rotation and at the free end of which is a contact piece which is pivotable with the contact arm and is in contact with an opposite fixedly arranged contact piece when the contact arm is in its ON position. Current flows through the switch via the contact pieces and the contact arm. The contact arm is pivotable into its OFF position when the current flowing via the contact pieces exceeds a rated current value or an overload current value. A magnetizable area is spatially arranged inside the rotor such that the current flowing through the contact arm in this area induces a magnetic field which exerts a torque on the contact arm.

Abstract: A current path in an installation switching device includes first and second contact points, which respectively include first and second levers. The second lever is arranged in an air gap in a magnetic circuit. In case of a short circuit, an electrodynamic force, which leads to rapid opening of the second contact point, can act on the second lever due to interaction of current flow with magnetic flux within the air gap. A switching mechanism acts via a first connecting line on the first lever to open and/or keep open the first contact point. In case of overcurrent tripping, an overcurrent release acts through the switching mechanism and a second connecting line on the switching mechanism to open and keep open the first contact point. In case of short-circuit tripping, the second lever acts via a third connecting line on the switching mechanism to keep the first contact point open.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switching mechanism for a mold cased circuit breaker, capable of indicating a contacts status by a position of a handle.

Abstract: The disclosed concept relates to an overload relay and, more specifically, to an overload relay switch having a reduced number of components and less complex components. The reduced number of components includes the lack of a return spring on the manual actuators. Further, the relay switch member, which was typically a snap switch conducting member structured to change its configuration, is a substantially flat blade. Further, a circuit is used to detect an over-current condition and a solenoid actuates the relay switch assembly, thereby eliminating the need for a mechanical over-current detection and switch actuation device.

Abstract: The disclosed concept provides for an operating mechanism in a overload relay assembly having a solenoid with a permanent magnet. The solenoid includes a ferrous output member. The solenoid moves the output member between a first retracted position and a second extended position. When the output member is in the first retracted position, the permanent magnet maintains the output member in the first retracted position. Thus, in a system wherein the overload relay assembly interrupts power to its own operating mechanism solenoid, the permanent magnet maintains the output member in the first retracted position even when the solenoid is de-energized.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a power plug providing leakage protection comprising a casing, reset button and test button provided to the surface of the top of the casing; wherein movable springs respectively connected to power supply live wire and neutral wire pins are fixedly provided to the bottom part of a circuit board, movable contact points have separate electrical connections with free ends of the movable springs, stationary contact points corresponding to the movable contact points are provided to the circuit board and connected to a loading power supply cable; and a tripping device capable of contacting or disconnecting the movable and stationary contact points is provided inside the casing. The present invention is safe; has strong protective performance, simple structure, and reasonable design, and is safe, suited for mass production, and able to detect a power cable leakage failure and promptly sever the loaded connection with the power supply.

Abstract: A mechanical override device which is suitable for an undervoltage coil of a switching unit, is comprised of a first portion suitable for urging a plunger of the undervoltage coil in a first position which is taken by the plunger when the undervoltage coil is energized, and a second portion suitable for receiving an external movement command for imposing an operating movement to the first portion. The override device further comprises movement control means for controlling one or more cinematic parameters of the first portion so as to make the operating movement independent from the external movement command.

Abstract: A magnet core (1) that is suitable for use in a fault current circuit breaker and that is made of a helically wound, magnetically soft band has a top (4) and a bottom (5), the top (4) and the bottom (5) being formed by side surfaces (16) of the magnetically soft band. The magnet core (1) is fixed in a protective housing (6), and there is a contact cement (11) between the bottom (5) of the magnet core (1) and an inside wall (10) of the housing for fixing the magnet core (1).

Abstract: A circuit breaker with a short circuit self-locking function, a short circuit self-locking mechanism is disposed in the circuit breaker, and comprises a self-locking mechanism and a reset mechanism. As the circuit breaker is opened, it cannot be directly closed, whereby reminding an operator of a short circuit fault.

Abstract: A charging assembly for an electrical switching apparatus includes a cam shaft and including a number of cams. A latch lobe and a charging handle are coupled to opposing ends of the cam shaft. Each stroke of the charging handle pivots the cams a predetermined amount. A rocker arm includes a first portion cooperating with the cams, a second portion translating movement of the cams into movement of a stored energy mechanism, and a third portion cooperating with a close D-shaft having a close latch. A close prop includes a first end cooperating with the close D-shaft, and a second end including a roller that cooperates with the latch lobe. The close D-shaft pivots between latched and unlatched positions. The third portion cooperates with the close D-shaft to hold the close latch in the unlatched position until the charging handle has been pivoted a predetermined number of strokes.

Abstract: A circuit-breaker is provided for switching medium-voltage to high-voltage circuits. The circuit breaker includes a pole part having a cup-shaped housing made of insulating material for accommodating an interrupter insert operated by a drive rod. The cup-shaped housing is divided into an upper housing part in which the interrupter insert is arranged, and a lower housing part for accommodating a magnetic actuator. The drive rod of the interrupter insert is coaxially arranged to an armature of the magnetic actuator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes an actuator assembly that is responsive to the fault detection signal. The actuator assembly includes a breaker coil configured to generate an actuation force in response to being energized. A circuit interrupter includes four sets of movable contacts configured to be driven into a reset state in response to a reset stimulus, the four sets of movable contacts being configured to be driven into a tripped state in response to the actuation force. A self-test circuit is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the at least one sensor. The self-test circuit is configured to automatically generate a test signal from time to time during a predetermined portion of an AC power line cycle. The self-test circuit is configured such that the test signal is sensed by the at least one sensor when the at least one sensor is operational, the sensor output signal being a function of the test signal.

Abstract: An incorrect-circuit deactivation device of a magnetic GFCI outlet includes an electromagnetic coil seat, a magneto-conductive core driven by the electromagnetic coil seat to displace, and two magnetic elements located on both sides of the magneto-conductive core. The magneto-conductive core is connected to a first electrical conductive end. The first electrical conductive end is positioned to face a second electrical conductive end. Electric power is supplied when the first electrical conductive end is brought into contact with the second electrical conductive end. The electromagnetic coil seat senses a reverse current to make the magneto-conductive core to displace toward one of the magnetic elements when there is a ground fault, thereby departing the first electrical conductive end from the second electrical conductive end to cut off the electric current.

Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker comprising a single main housing containing multiple circuit breakers for protecting multiple branch circuits. Each of the circuit breakers comprises a single line terminal for receiving electrical current from a utility line, a plurality of load terminals for supplying electrical current from the single line terminal to a plurality of branch circuits via load lines, and a plurality of neutral terminals for receiving electrical current returned from the branch circuits via neutral lines Line conductors inside the main housing connect the line terminal to the plurality of load terminals. Sensors inside the main housing generate signals representing characteristics of the electrical current flow in the branch circuits, and a signal processor uses the signals generated by the sensors for detecting abnormal conditions in the branch circuits and generating trip signals in response to the detection of an abnormal condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trip mechanism for a circuit breaker, capable of maintaining a constant characteristic of a normal trip operation in spite of changes in installation angles of the circuit breaker including a horizontal installation, a perpendicular installation and an inclination installation, the trip mechanism including, a coil configured to generate a magnetic absorption force due to a fault current on a circuit, a stationary core fixed to a lower portion of the coil within the coil, a movable core movable down to the stationary core within the coil by the magnetic absorption force generated from the coil, and a trip lever rotatably to connected to the movable core so as to be pulled by the movable core when the movable core is downwardly moved and configured to trigger the switching mechanism such that the movable contactor is moved to an open circuit position.

Abstract: An incorrect-circuit deactivation device of a magnetic GFCI outlet includes an electromagnetic coil seat, a magneto-conductive core driven by the electromagnetic coil seat to displace, and two magnetic elements located on both sides of the magneto-conductive core. The magneto-conductive core is connected to a first electrical conductive end. The first electrical conductive end is positioned to face a second electrical conductive end. Electric power is supplied when the first electrical conductive end is brought into contact with the second electrical conductive end. The electromagnetic coil seat senses a reverse current to make the magneto-conductive core to displace toward one of the magnetic elements when there is a ground fault, thereby departing the first electrical conductive end from the second electrical conductive end to cut off the electric current.

Abstract: A leakage protective plug comprises a case and electric contacts. A protective cap is fixed on the top of the case and includes a reset button protective cap and a test button protective cap. The reset button protective cap is interiorly provided with a reset button connected with a push rod which in order penetrates an electric contact upper panel, an upper spring, an electric contact lower panel and a lower spring. The electric contact upper panel is provided at a right side thereof with a locking member linked with a brake connecting rod which is linked with a brake plate. The brake plate is located at a lower right side of the locking member. Below the brake plate are disposed an electromagnet pole shoe, an electromagnet coil, and an electromagnet core. The test button protective cap is provided with a test button having a test electric contact.

Abstract: A disconnect mechanism for a power receptacle, which includes a disconnect block, a locking member slidably coupled to the disconnect block, and an electromagnetic device moveably coupled to the locking member. The disconnect block includes two side arms extending outwards. A pressing plate is disposed above the disconnect block, and a disconnect spring is disposed above the pressing plate. The moveable contact arms of the main switch of the receptacle are disposed between the pressing plate and the disconnect block, and the pressing plate pushes the moveable contact arms when the main switch is being opened when a current leakage is detected. The receptacle also includes an auxiliary switch disposed because the disconnect block and the circuit board.

Abstract: A current transformer adapted for use in an electrical circuit. The current transformer includes a toroidal core and at least one electrical conductor having a portion passing within the toroidal core. The current transformer includes a cooling device having a body made of thermal conducting material and configured so that it has a first portion connected to the electrical conductor at a position upstream from the toroidal core and suitable for absorbing heat from the electrical conductor, and a second portion, spaced apart from the first portion, which is connected to the electrical conductor at a position downstream from the toroidal core and is suitable for transmitting heat to the electrical conductor. The thermal conducting body comprises at least one portion made of an electrically insulating material capable of preventing the current flow through the cooling device itself.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a trip unit and an electronic fault detection unit sharing a common trip latch for causing the circuit breaker to trip upon detection of a fault by either unit. The circuit breaker has an electromagnet for causing the circuit breaker to trip upon detection of a fault by an electronic fault detection unit. The electromagnet is oriented in the housing proximal the trip latch without any components interposed between them, and directly attracts the latch. Advantageously the electromagnet orientation does not impact operation or the range of motion of the latch or other trip unit components. Advantageously the circuit breaker of the present invention does not increase the trip latch mass, its bulk swept volume through its range of motion or require additional linkage components that potentially might increase trip cycle time. In some embodiments the electromagnet core is reciprocable.

Abstract: Disclosed are an elastic pressing unit and a molded case circuit breaker having the same, the molded case circuit breaker including, a plurality of fixed contacts, a plurality of movable contacts disposed to be rotatable between a closing position contacted with the corresponding fixed contacts and a breaking position or trip position separated from the corresponding fixed contacts, a rotation pin disposed to be simultaneously connected to the movable contacts, a mechanical unit connected to the rotation pin so as to allow the movable contacts to be simultaneously rotatable, and an elastic pressing unit configured to apply an elastic force to the rotation pin such that the rotation pin is rotated toward the closing position, whereby component deformation can be prevented, resulting in ensuring operation reliability and stability of the mechanical unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a plastic cradle. More particularly, the invention encompasses a plastic cradle utilized inside a molded circuit breaker (MCB). The present invention is also directed to a novel nonconductive nonmagnetic cradle that engages a contact arm between a first terminal conductor and a second terminal conductor inside a molded circuit breaker (MCB) in an ON state, and disengages same in an OFF or Neutral state.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an electromagnetic drive unit including a coil, a yoke, and an armature is disclosed. The winding of the coil is partly wound in one direction and partly in the other direction. An electromechanical switching device includes at least one input terminal and a respective output terminal and an electromagnetic drive unit adapted to limit or to break the electrical current between the at least one input terminal and the respective output terminal.

Abstract: A fast acting switching mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a drive rod articulated to a drive module and supporting at an end thereof a contact bridge having at opposite ends thereof respective moveable contacts for switchably engaging a pair of fixed contacts of the circuit breaker. A contact spring unit is operatively coupled to the drive module for applying closing pressure in the order of 200 Kg; and a latch latches the drive rod in an open or closed position after operation of the circuit breaker and prevents rebounds. The contact bridge includes a pair of side conductors supporting on upper edges thereof an armature having an exposed upper surface that supports the moveable contacts at opposite ends of the armature; and a reinforcing element inserted between the side conductors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a circuit interrupting device with symmetrical inputs comprising a first input configured for connection to a power source or a load circuit and a second input configured for connection to a power source. There are a plurality of electrical conductors extending from the first and second inputs and a third input configured for connection to a load provided by a user. There is also a first set of transformers comprising at least one differential transformer and at least one neutral transformer connected to detect leakage current in a load circuit coupled to the first set of terminals. There is also a second set of transformers comprising at least one additional differential transformer and at least one additional neutral transformer connected to detect leakage current in a load circuit coupled to the second set of terminals.

Abstract: An installation switching device having at least one pole current path comprises two stationary contact pieces; a moving contact bridge including two moving contact pieces forming a double-break pole with the two stationary contact pieces; a contact pressure spring exerting a pressure on the moving contact bridge in a closing direction of the moving contact bridge; a pusher configured to act on the moving contact bridge counter to the pressure of the contact pressure spring in an opening direction, the pusher including a slide and a striking pin disposed moveably relative to the moving contact bridge and to one another in a movement direction of the moving contact bridge; a switch latch having a latching point; an operating lever configured to act on the pusher; and an electromagnetic release having an impact armature.

Abstract: An electrical appliance designed according to the principle of a fork connection, and into which a contact element is insertable between two contact clips. In the event of high currents, such as those which can occur in the event of short circuits in a load which is connected to the fork connection, magnetic forces counteract current constriction forces, thus allowing higher currents to be carried through the connection without the contact clips being bent apart from one another in the process. This is achieved in that a magnetic field caused by a current is concentrated in a particularly advantageous manner for production of forces which draw the two clip contacts together with the aid of a part at least partially composed of a ferromagnetic material, one of which in at least one embodiment, is arranged between the contact clips.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and method includes a mechanical pole moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position to open an electrical connection between a pair of electrical contacts. An electronic tripping device is configured to respond to a sensor signal. The sensor signal is output from a condition sensor wherein upon receiving the sensor signal the electronic tripping device trips the mechanical pole into the unlatched position.

Abstract: An incorrect-circuit deactivation device of a magnetic GFCI outlet includes an electromagnetic coil seat, a magneto-conductive core driven by the electromagnetic coil seat to displace, and two magnetic elements located on both sides of the magneto-conductive core. The magneto-conductive core is connected to a first electrical conductive end. The first electrical conductive end is positioned to face a second electrical conductive end. Electric power is supplied when the first electrical conductive end is brought into contact with the second electrical conductive end. The electromagnetic coil seat senses a reverse current to make the magneto-conductive core to displace toward one of the magnetic elements when there is a ground fault, thereby departing the first electrical conductive end from the second electrical conductive end to cut off the electric current.

Abstract: In an air circuit breaker provided with a make-and-break unit having a stator 11 and a blade-shaped movable element 10 rotatably supported with a support shaft 9 oppositely to the stator, comprising an electromagnetic operation unit 20 having a fixed iron core 33 provided in an upper position, a movable iron core 32 provided in a lower position oppositely to the fixed iron core, a coil 30 that connects/disconnects the fixed iron core 33 and the movable iron core 32, and a permanent magnet 38; capacitors 17a to 17c that energy-store electric power to excite the coil 30; a control circuit board 19 that controls a carrying direction of a current supplied from the capacitors to the coil 30 in response to an input command or a breaking command to the make-and-break unit; and a servo mechanism 16 connected to the movable iron core 32, that transmits a driving force by the electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic operation unit 20 to the make-and-break unit.

Abstract: An add-on module adapted to be attached to the basic mechanical structure of a multi-pole circuit breaker includes multiple extended terminal plates each of which is adapted to replace one of the input and output terminals for one of the poles, multiple electromechanical transducers each of which is coupled to one of the extended terminal plates for producing a mechanical movement in response to a predetermined magnitude of electrical current in the extended terminal plate to which that transducer is coupled, a mechanical actuator coupled to the electromechanical transducers and to the movable contacts for operating the trip mechanism in response to a predetermined movement of any of the transducers, and a calibration element for adjusting mechanical movement of at least one of said multiple electromechanical transducers so as to control an aspect of trip actuation.

Abstract: An add-on module adapted to be attached to the basic mechanical structure of a multi-pole circuit breaker includes multiple extended terminal plates each of which is adapted to replace one of the input and output terminals for one of the poles, multiple electromechanical transducers each of which is coupled to one of the extended terminal plates for producing a mechanical movement in response to a predetermined magnitude of electrical current in the extended terminal plate to which that transducer is coupled, a mechanical actuator coupled to the electromechanical transducers and to the breaker contacts for operating a trip mechanism in response to a predetermined mechanical movement of any of the transducers, and a mechanical reset arm coupling the reset mechanism to the mechanical actuator for resetting the actuator in response to the resetting of the host circuit breaker.

Abstract: A line terminal for a circuit breaker includes a body forming two opposing legs and a third leg. The opposing legs are configured to form a passage for receiving a stab from a panel board. The two opposing legs are biased toward each other, and each of the opposing legs has a convex surface facing the passageway for engaging and maintaining alignment of the stab. A fixed contact is attached to the third leg. The fixed contact connects to a moveable contact of a circuit breaker. An arc runner is connected to the third leg and at least partially encloses a perimeter of the fixed contact.

Abstract: An add-on module adapted to be attached to the basic mechanical structure of a multi-pole circuit breaker includes multiple extended terminal plates each of which is adapted to replace one of the input and output terminals for one of the poles, multiple electromechanical transducers each of which is coupled to one of the extended terminal plates for producing a mechanical movement in response to a predetermined magnitude of electrical current in the extended terminal plate to which that transducer is coupled, and a mechanical actuator coupled to the electromechanical transducers and to the breaker contacts for operating a trip mechanism in response to a predetermined mechanical movement of any of the transducers.

Abstract: A magnetic circuit includes a stationary iron core, a permanent magnet, and an armature, in a circular pattern. A contact mechanism spring separates the armature from the stationary iron core to open the magnetic circuit to switch a contact mechanism to a reset position. A coil on the magnetic circuit generates a magnetic flux in a direction same as that of the permanent magnet when an overload is detected and in an opposite direction when a predetermined time is elapsed after detecting the overload. A reset bar switches a movable stopper between an engaging position and a non-engaging position with the contact mechanism against a biasing force of the contact mechanism spring.

Abstract: A shunt separator is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing, separable contacts enclosed within the housing, an operating assembly including a trip bar, and a trip assembly. The trip assembly cooperates with the trip bar to trip open the separable contacts in response to a fault condition. The trip assembly includes a number of shunts. The shunt separator includes a molded projection, which extends outwardly from the housing of the electrical switching apparatus. The molded projection at least partially surrounds a portion of the trip bar, thereby separating the number of shunts from the trip bar.

Abstract: A bimetal in a circuit breaker can deflect in a first direction or a second direction depending upon conditions. If the bimetal deflects in the second direction it can increase the force necessary to operate a trip mechanism of the circuit breaker. A yoke stop helps to control bimetal deflection forces and thus, the amount of force necessary to operate the trip mechanism. This allows better control, size, and selection of operating parts for the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A single pole module of a circuit breaker is disclosed. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion, and an interior wall separating the first portion from the second portion. The first portion includes a first section receiving a circuit board and a second section receiving a lever mechanism. The second portion includes a first section receiving an electromagnetic protection device, a second section receiving an arc extinguishing device, a third section receiving a thermal protection device, and a fourth section receiving an operating mechanism. The first and second sections of the first portion occupy substantially half of the housing and the first, second, third and fourth sections of the second portion occupy substantially half of the housing and the second section of the first portion and the third section of the second portion are opposite each other.

Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker and method include at least two breaker modules including circuit breakers therein. The circuit breakers include a moveable arm configured to connect and disconnect contacts therein. The at least two modules including armatures connectable to the moveable arms of each of the at least two modules. A center module connects the at least two modules. The center module includes an actuator and a beam connected to the actuator at a mid-portion. The beam connects to each armature of the at least two modules wherein under a trip condition the actuator displaces the beam to simultaneously trip the at least two modules using the armatures.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a breaker housing, a transformer housing, and a plurality of conductor locators. The transformer housing is enclosed within the breaker housing and has an opening for receiving a plurality of conductors. The plurality of conductor locators is desirably located adjacent to the transformer housing and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The conductors are generally centered in the opening of the transformer housing when the conductor locators are in the closed position.

Abstract: A protection switch, particularly for fast switching, includes at least one single-pole protection switch module having a housing, a movable contact mounted on a switching arm for pivoting against a fixed contact between closed and open positions, a manual operating mechanism manually setting the switching arm between the closed and open positions, and a tripping mechanism automatically resetting the switching arm into the open position upon a tripping condition. The switching arm is spring-loaded in direction of the open position and includes a latch lever latching with the manual operating mechanism, and a contact lever carrying the moveable contact. The latch lever is pivotably mounted on the housing and joined to the contact lever by a hinge. The tripping mechanism includes a trip slider to be displaced by a trip device from a ready position towards a tripping position, to load the switching arm for rotationally fixing the contact lever.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for protecting a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) from being faultily reset. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism has a blocking member secured onto a lateral side of the movable assembly, a resilient member, and a locking member having a first end portion positioned against the resilient member, a second end portion positioned in relation to the blocking member, and a body portion defined between the first end portion and the second end portion. When the movable assembly is in a first (tripping) position, the expanding force of the resilient member applied to the first end portion of the locking member causes the second end portion of the locking member to be positioned against the blocking member so that no movement of the movable assembly from the first position to a second (resetting) position is allowed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals, a plurality of load terminals, and a plurality of user-accessible terminals accessible via apertures disposed in a front major surface of the housing. A fault detection assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals, the fault detection circuit being configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled to the fault detection assembly. The circuit interrupter includes a first set of interrupting contacts configured to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals, and the plurality of user-accessible terminals in a reset state.

Abstract: A fault interrupter and load break switch includes a trip assembly configured to automatically open a transformer circuit electrically coupled to stationary contacts of the switch upon the occurrence of a fault condition. The fault condition causes a Curie metal element electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts to release a magnetic latch. The release causes a trip rotor of the trip assembly to rotate a rotor assembly. This rotation causes ends of a movable contact of the rotor assembly to electrically disengage the stationary contacts, thereby opening the circuit. The switch also includes a handle for manually opening and closing the electrical circuit in fault and non-fault conditions. Actuation of the handle coupled to the rotor assembly via a spring-loaded rotor causes the movable contact ends to selectively engage or disengage the stationary contacts.

Abstract: In line circuit breakers with a combined overcurrent/short-circuit current tripping device, tripping should take place in a well defined manner in the case of an overcurrent and in the case of a short-circuit current. For this purpose, gaps (A, B) need to be set precisely. If the housing is made from a cost-effective housing material such as thermosetting plastic it is subject to shrinkage. As a result, the mentioned gaps may change. An armature (24) is mounted in such a way that it changes its rest rotary position in the event of shrinkage of the housing. A magnet yoke (28) as part of the overcurrent/short-circuit current tripping device is mounted and shaped in such a way that the rotation is compensated for precisely, so that the mentioned gaps do not change despite the shrinkage.

Abstract: A method and a device for the secure operation of a switching device are disclosed, including at least one main contact which can be switched on and off and which includes contact pieces and a displaceable contact bridge, and also at least one control magnet which includes a displaceable anchor. The anchor acts upon the contact bridge when it is switched on or off such that the corresponding main contact is opened and closed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes: a) the displaceable contact bridge of the at least one main contact recognizes when an opening point has been exceeded after being switched off, and b) the additional operation of the switching device is interrupted, according to a predetermined duration of time, when the opening point is not exceeded.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and method include main contacts configured to connect in an on position and be separated in an off position. A handle is coupled to one of the main contacts to adjust the contacts between the on position, the off position, a trip position and an over on position. Secondary contacts are configured to provide power when connected using the handle in the over on position, even when the main contacts are separated. A stop mechanism configured to maintain separation between the main contacts to enable testing using the secondary contacts to power a test circuit such that if a test passes, the stop mechanism is released to permit resetting of the main contacts.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit interrupting device which contains four pairs of contacts to electrically connect/disconnect to an input power source to a user accessible load and an output power end. The present invention also provides a simulated leakage current generating switch, which is capable of automatically generating a simulated current to test the circuit interrupting device when the power lines are properly wired and in a tripped state. The present invention further provides a reset switch which allows reset when the power lines are properly wired and the reset button is depressed. In addition, the present invention provides a dual-functioned test button which can manually generate a simulated leakage current when a first-level test button is depressed, and can perform a mechanical trip when a second-level test button is depressed.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having a contact on mechanism which can perform a trip operation and automatically rotates the handle to the on position or a position toward the on position if the handle is manipulated to move to the off (or reset) position in a state that the contacts are melt-adhered to each other, the contact on mechanism, including: a contact on plate which is vertically movable by being guided according to the operation of the switching mechanism, a trip bar that drives the restricting unit to a releasing position, a lever connected to the handle and that provides a pivot point of the handle, a lever pin fixed to the lever, for driving the restricting unit to the releasing position by pressing the trip bar, and thereby operating the switching mechanism to the trip position, and a trip spring providing an elastic driving force for enabling the switching mechanism to operate to the trip position when the restricting unit is moved to the releasing position.