Patent ID: 6521849
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
An electrical panel adapted for interconnection with first and second sources of electrical power for supplying electrical power to the electrical panel, comprising:a first switch mechanism having a first manually operable switch handle movable in a first direction between an ON position and an OFF position for controlling the supply of electrical power to the electrical panel from the first power source; a second switch mechanism having a second manually operable switch handle, wherein the second switch handle is laterally offset from the first switch handle and is movable in a direction having a component parallel to the first direction, between an ON position and an OFF position for controlling the supply of electrical power to the electrical panel from the second power source; and an interlock mechanism interconnected between the first switch mechanism and the second switch mechanism, wherein the interlock mechanism includes: an interlock member movable between an interlock position in which the interlock member engages the first switch handle to prevent movement of the first switch handle from the OFF position to the ON position, and an inoperative position in which the interlock member enables the first switch handle to be moved from the OFF position to the ON position; and an actuator mechanism movable with the second switch handle between the ON and OFF positions; wherein the actuator mechanism is interconnected with the interlock member and is constructed and arranged to place the interlock member in the interlock position when the second handle mechanism is in the ON position, and to place the interlock member in the inoperative position when the second switch handle is in the OFF position; wherein the interlock assembly is mounted to a support arrangement interconnected with the first and second switch mechanisms, wherein the support arrangement includes a mounting bracket secured to one of the switch mechanisms, a base plate assembly to which the interlock assembly is mounted and which is supported by the mounting bracket, and a cover plate attached to the base plate assembly and the mounting bracket in spaced relationship above the interlock assembly, wherein the base plate assembly includes lower spacer plate structure, a base plate overlying the lower spacer plate structure and upper plate structure overlying a portion of the base plate.