Molded case circuit breaker with combined position indicator and handle

Abstract

A molded case circuit breaker includes an operating mechanism position indicator having a plurality of electrically insulating cards or strips disposed beneath an opening in the breaker cover about a manually engageable handle of the circuit breaker for movement in response to movements of the handle along the cover opening. A first one of the cards includes a pair of spaced apart, laterally aligned red markings for providing an externally visually discernible indication that the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker is in its CLOSED position. The first card also includes a pair of spaced apart, laterally aligned white markings for providing an externally visually discernible indication that the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker is in its TRIPPED position. The second card is positioned beneath the first card and is of a substantially greater length than the first card. Disposed on the second card are a pair of spaced apart, laterally aligned green markings for externally visually indicating that the operating mechanism is in its OPEN position. The first and second cards are movable relative to each other and a lost motion connection is provided between the second card and the handle. The colored markings on the cards are viewable through a pair of laterally-aligned slots provided in the cover of the circuit breaker. The two cards also function as a mechanical and electrical barrier closing the opening of the cover of the circuit breaker through which the handle extends.