Abstract
A device and method are disclosed for retaining a two-pole plug-on ("back-fed") circuit breaker in a load center interior so that the breaker cannot be withdrawn from the bus without first removing the device, hereinafter the hold-down-bar, using a tool. The hold-down-bar is a fixed member anchored to a fixture common with the load center interior. Some examples of such fixtures include: the enclosure, load center interior itself, load center interior plastic, load center interior metal, bracket, or other suitable means of anchoring. The hold-down-bar passes into the gap between the two poles of the breaker, at the height of the feature bridging the two poles, whether a coupling rivet, a section of housing plastic joining the pole housings, or a comparable element, hereinafter the "midway catch. When the breaker is pulled away from the bus, the midway-catch bears against the hold-down-bar and arrests the motion, preventing removal. Because releasing the breaker requires first detaching the hold-down-bar, an action other than a simple pull, the arrangement provides the additional securing means called for by NEC 408.36(D) for back-fed overcurrent devices, as well as general tamper resistance.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Robert, Hayden, "Hold-Down Device for Retaining a Two-Pole Plug-On Circuit Breaker in a Load Center", Technical Disclosure Commons, ()
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/11045