Patent ID: 7910845
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: H02B

Abstract:
1. A modular racking system for an electrical switching apparatus, said electrical switching apparatus having a housing assembly with at least two generally parallel side plates, an operating mechanism coupled to said side plates and structured to move at least one pair of separable contacts between a first open position and a second closed position, said operating mechanism further including an interlock assembly structured to make safe the operating mechanism when actuated, said electrical switching apparatus being adapted to be moved in and out of an enclosure by a racking operator, said enclosure having a pair of rails, said modular racking system comprising: a carriage assembly structured to support said electrical switching apparatus, said carriage assembly having at least one wheel structured to engage each said enclosure rail and at least one cam structured to functionally engage a cam follower, said at least one cam structured to be actuated by a racking operator; at least one cam follower structured to be removably coupled to at least one of said electrical switching apparatus side plates, said at least one cam follower structured to functionally engage said interlock assembly; wherein, when said at least one cam follower is coupled to said electrical switching apparatus, said cam follower functionally engages said interlock assembly; wherein when said electrical switching apparatus is disposed on said carriage assembly, said carriage assembly at least one cam functionally engages said at least one cam follower; and wherein when said at least one cam is actuated by said racking operator, said carriage assembly at least one cam actuates said at least one cam follower and said at least one cam follower actuates said interlock assembly.