Patent ID: 6670729
Filing Date: 2003-12-30
Classification: H01H,H02B

Abstract:
A replaceable circuit breaker module comprising:a housing for supporting and enclosing elements of the module; a circuit breaker mounted in the housing in a manner that an action of installing the module connects the breaker to bridge an incoming and an outgoing conductor; monitoring circuitry for monitoring characteristics of the circuit breaker, the monitoring circuitry mounted in the housing and having a first connector element for engaging a mating connector element in the action of installing the module; and a safety mechanism for preventing the module from being docked or withdrawn with the breaker on; characterized in that action of withdrawing the circuit breaker module also withdraws the monitoring circuitry, and the safety mechanism comprises a horizontal bar guided vertically in slots such that the bar is held in a notch of a bracket affixed to a cabinet to be powered when the breaker is closed (on), and lowering the bar from the notch to release the module for extraction trips the breaker open (off), thus preventing arcing during docking or withdrawing of the module.