Molded case circuit breaker with current flow indicating handle mechanism

Abstract

A circuit interrupter handle mechanism is disposed on the face of a molded case circuit breaker. The handle mechanism has a rotary handle, which may be rotated through approximately 90° of rotation from a disposition of circuit interrupter conduction to a disposition of circuit interrupter non-conduction. The handle is not centered over the linear handle of the circuit interrupter per say, but rather is disposed in the upper left hand corner, so that a larger lever arm can be utilized. Furthermore, the larger lever has a handle opening into which the hasp of a lock may be placed to lock the circuit breaker in the open state for servicing and the like. Because of the length of the handle more hasps can be disposed therein than if the handle was disposed exactly in the center of the circuit breaker case. Lastly, the disposition of the circuit breaker rotary handle provides an indication of the conduction status of the molded case circuit breaker. If the handle is in a generally horizontal position, i.e., straight across the front of the circuit interrupter, that is an indication that the contacts of the circuit interrupter are open and that current therefore is blocked. If on the other hand the handle is 90° displaced, in a rotational manner, to be parallel with the long longitudinal axis of the circuit interrupter, then an indication is given that the circuit interrupter contacts are closed and current is being conducted.