Patent ID: 6897747
Filing Date: 2005-05-24
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A circuit breaker having a housing, a line input terminal, and load output terminal and a stationary contact electrically connected to the load output terminal, comprising: a mechanical trip mechanism including a contact electrically connected to the line input terminal by a conductor passing through the housing and a trigger element, said trip mechanism operable in a normal condition to hold said contact in engagement with the stationary contact and in a fault condition to disengage the contact from the stationary contact when the trigger element is actuated; a tripping lever pivotably mounted within the housing and including a latch plate operable to engage said trigger element when said trip mechanism is in said normal condition and movable to release said trigger element when said tripping lever is pivoted relative to the housing, said tripping lever including a trip plate configured to pivot said tripping lever upon movement of said trip plate; an over-current sensor having an actuator operable to move said trip plate when a first fault condition is sensed; a short circuit sensor, independent of said over-current sensor, said short circuit sensor having a second actuator operable to move said trip plate when a second fault condition is sensed wherein said short circuit sensor comprises an armature disposed about said conductor and operable to produce a magnetic flux in response to current flowing through said conductor, a magnetic lever movably mounted within the housing to move toward said armature in response to said magnetic flux, said lever including a portion for engaging said trip plate when said magnetic lever moves toward said armature, and a biasing member for biasing said magnetic lever away from said armature; and a fault indicator actuated by movement of said magnetic lever toward said armature, said fault indicator comprising a housing defining a viewing window, a slider slidably mounted within said housing and having differently colored portions alternatively visible through said viewing window, one of said portions signifying a short circuit condition, a means for biasing said slider with said one portion aligned with said window, and a movable locking tab arranged to hold said slider against said means for biasing, wherein said magnetic lever includes an arm operable to move said locking tab away from said slider when said magnetic lever moves toward said armature.