ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS AND
LOAD CONDUCTOR THEREFOR
BACKGROUND
Field
The disclosed concept relates generally to electrical switching apparatus
and, in particular, to electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers. The
disclosed concept further relates to load conductors for circuit breakers.
Background Information
Electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers, provide protection
for electrical systems from electrical fault conditions such as, for example, current
overloads, short circuits, abnormal voltage and other fault conditions. Typically, circuit
breakers include an operating mechanism which opens electrical contact assemblies to
interrupt the flow of current through the conductors of an electrical system in response to
such fault conditions.
Figures 1, 2A and 2B, for example, show a circuit breaker 1 including a
molded housing 3 (partially shown). The operating mechanism 5 is enclosed by the
housing 3, and includes a pivotal poleshaft 7 (Figure 2B) structured to open and close
electrical contact assemblies 9, which are also disposed within the molded housing 3.
The electrical contact assemblies 9 generally comprise a conductor assembly 11
including a movable contact assembly 13 having a plurality of movable contacts 15 (one
movable contact 15 is shown in Figure 2B), and a stationary contact assembly 17 having
a plurality of corresponding stationary contacts 19 (one stationary contact 19 is shown in
Figure 2B). The movable contact assembly 13 is electrically connected to a generally
rigid conductor 21 (e.g., load conductor) of the conductor assembly 11 by flexible
conductors, commonly referred to as shunts 23 (Figure 2B).
A mounting hardware assembly 25 mounts the load conductor 21 within
the circuit breaker housing 3. That is, a plurality of fasteners (see, for example, fasteners
27,29,31,33,35 all shown in Figure 1) must be assembled and fastened in order to fasten
(e.g., secure) the load conductor 21 with respect to a desired portion 37 of the circuit
breaker 1. In the non-limiting example of Figures 1, 2A and 2B, the mounting hardware
assembly 25 includes a bolt 27, first and second washers 29,31 (both shown in Figure 1),

sleeves 33 and nut plates 35. The nut plates 35 are sized and configured to be disposed
within corresponding recesses 37 of the circuit breaker housing 3, as shown in Figures
2A and 2B. Thus, the bolts 27 are inserted through the load conductor 21 and sleeves 33
and are fastened (e.g., tightened) to the nut plates 35 within the recesses 37 to secure the
load conductor 21 to the housing 3.
There is room for improvement in electrical switching apparatus, and in
load conductors therefor.
SUMMARY
These needs and others are met by embodiments of the disclosed concept,
which are directed to a load conductor for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a
circuit breaker, wherein the load conductor is coupled to the circuit breaker without
requiring a number of separate fasteners.
As one aspect of the disclosed concept, a load conductor is provided for an
electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing
comprising a number of recesses. The load conductor comprises: a first side; a second
side disposed opposite and distal from the first side; an intermediate portion extending
between the first side and the second side; and a number of protrusions extending
outwardly from the second side, each of the protrusions being structured to be disposed
within a corresponding one of the recesses of the housing to secure the load conductor
without a separate fastener.
Each of the protrusions may comprise a first portion and a second portion
extending outwardly from the first portion. The first portion may be a first substantially
straight segment including a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the
first end, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end and the second end,
and the second portion may be a second substantially straight segment. The second
substantially straight segment may extend perpendicularly outwardly from the
intermediate portion of the first substantially straight segment.
The number of protrusions may be a first T-shaped protrusion and a
second T-shaped protrusion, and the number of recesses of the housing may be a first
recess and a second recess. The first T-shaped protrusion may be structured to be

substantially disposed within the first recess, and the second T-shaped protrusion may be
structured to be substantially disposed within the second recess.
As another aspect of the disclosed concept, an electrical switching
apparatus comprises: a housing comprising a number of recesses; and at least one load
conductor comprising: a first side, a second side disposed opposite and distal from the
first side, an intermediate portion extending between the first side and the second side,
and a number of protrusions extending outwardly from the second side, each of the
protrusions being disposed within a corresponding one of the recesses of the housing to
secure the at least one load conductor without a separate fastener.
The electrical switching apparatus may be a circuit breaker, wherein the
circuit breaker includes a plurality of poles, and wherein the at least one load conductor is
a plurality of load conductors, one for each pole of the circuit breaker.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the
following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric partially exploded view of a portion of a circuit
breaker and a plurality of load conductor assemblies therefor;
Figure 2A is a top plan partially in section view of the circuit breaker and
load conductor assemblies therefor of Figure 1;
Figure 2B is a section view taken along line 2B-2B of Figure 2A;
Figure 3 is an isometric partially exploded view of a portion of a circuit
breaker and a number of load conductors therefor, in accordance with an embodiment of
the disclosed concept;
Figure 4 is an isometric view of one of the load conductors of Figure 3;
Figure 5A is a top plan partially in section view of the circuit breaker and
load conductors therefor of Figure 3; and
Figure 5B is a section view taken along line 5B-5B of Figure 2A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As employed herein, the term "fastener" shall mean a separate element or
elements which is/are employed to tighten two or more components together, and
expressly includes but is not limited to, screws, bolts and the combinations of bolts and
nuts (e.g., without limitation, lock nuts) and bolts, washers and nuts.
As employed herein, the terms "contiguous" shall mean that one
component, portion or segment is immediately adjacent to or in an abutting relationship
with another component, portion or segment, in order that the two components are
touching along a boundary or point.
As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts are "coupled"
together shall mean that the parts are joined together either directly or joined through one
or more intermediate parts.
As employed herein, the term "number" shall mean one or an integer
greater than one (i.e., a plurality).
Figure 3 shows a load conductor 100 for an electrical switching apparatus,
such as for example and without limitation, a circuit breaker 200 (partially shown). In
the example of Figure 3, the circuit breaker 200 includes three poles 212,214,216 and
three load conductors 100,100', 100" , one for each pole 212,214,216, respectively. It
will, however, be appreciated that any known or suitable number and/or configuration of
load conductors 100,100', 100" could be employed with any known or suitable alternative
electrical switching apparatus (not shown) having any known or suitable number and/or
configuration of poles.
The circuit breaker 200 includes a housing 202 (partially shown in
exploded view in Figure 3) including a number of recesses 204,206 (see also recesses
204',206' of pole 214, and recesses 204",206" of pole 216). For economy of disclosure,
only one of the load conductors 100 will be described in detail herein. It will be
appreciated that the other load conductors 100', 100" are substantially similar.
Specifically, each load conductor 100 includes first and second opposing sides 102,104
and an intermediate portion 106 extending therebetween.
As shown in the non-limiting example of Figure 4, a number of
protrusions 108,110 extend outwardly from the second side 104 of the load conductor

100. The protrusions 108,110 are structured to be disposed within corresponding
recesses 204,206, respectively, of the circuit breaker housing 202, as shown in Figure 5 A,
to secure the load conductor 100 within the circuit beaker 200, without requiring the use
of a separate fastener or plurality of fasteners. It will, therefore, be appreciated that the
disclosed load conductor (e.g., without limitation, 100, 100', 100" (all shown in Figure
3)) advantageously eliminates the need for separate hardware (e.g., without limitation,
fasteners) to secure the load conductor to the corresponding recess (e.g., without
limitation, 204,206; 204'206'; 204",206") of the circuit breaker housing 202 that is
required by known load conductors (see, for example, mounting hardware assembly 25
and bolt 27, washer 29, washer 31, sleeve 33 and nut plate 35 therefor, which is required
to secure the load conductor 21 of Figures 1-2B to the circuit breaker housing 3). Among
other benefits, eliminating the use of such fasteners avoids time-consuming assembly and
difficult access to the fasteners within the relatively small interior of the circuit breaker
housing. It also reduces the overall number of parts of the electrical switching apparatus,
thereby advantageously reducing manufacturing costs. One non-limiting example of a
protrusion design in accordance with the disclosed concept, which enables the
elimination of such fasteners, will now be described in greater detail.
Specifically, as best shown in Figure 4, the example load conductor 100
includes first and second T-shaped protrusions 108,110, although it will be appreciated
that any known or suitable alternative number, shape and/or configuration of protrusions
(not shown) could be employed, without departing from the scope of the disclosed
concept. For example and without limitation, although two T-shaped protrusions 108,110
are shown and described herein, one single relatively large protrusion (not shown) could
be employed.
Each of the example protrusions 108,110 respectively includes a first
portion 112,114 and a second portion 116,118 extending outwardly from the first portion
112,114. In the example of Figure 4, the first T-shaped protrusion 108 includes a
substantially straight segment 112 having first and second opposing ends 120,122, and
the second T-shaped protrusion 110 includes a first substantially straight segment 114
having first and second opposing ends 124,126. The first substantially straight segments
112,114 further include an intermediate protrusion 128,130, respectively. The second

portion of each T-shaped protrusion 108,110 is a second substantially straight segment
116,118, respectively. Specifically, the second substantially straight segment 116 of the
first T-shaped protrusion extends perpendicularly outwardly from the intermediate
portion 128 of the first substantially straight segment 112 thereof. Similarly, the second
substantially straight segment 118 of the second T-shaped protrusion 110 extends
perpendicularly outwardly from the intermediate portion 130 of the first substantially
straight segment 114 thereof. Thus, as previously discussed, it will be appreciated that
the protrusions 108,110 of the example load conductor 100 are generally T-shaped, as
best shown in Figures 4 and 5A.
As shown in Figures 3 and 5A, the circuit breaker housing 202 further
includes a first channel 208 extending outwardly from the first recess 204, and a second
channel 210 extending outwardly from the second recess 206. Accordingly, as best
shown in Figure 5A, when the load conductor 100 is assembled within the housing 202,
the first substantially straight segment 112 of the first T-shaped protrusion 108 is
disposed in the first recess 204, and the second substantially straight segment 116 of the
first T-shaped protrusion 108 is disposed in a first channel 208. Similarly, the first
substantially straight segment 114 of the second T-shaped protrusion 110 is disposed in
the second recess 206, and the second substantially straight segment 118 of the second T-
shaped protrusion 110 is disposed in the second channel 210. In this manner, the
protrusion and recess interface between the load conductor 100 and circuit breaker
housing 202, respectively, establish and maintain a secure fit of the load conductor 100
within the housing 202, without requiring a separate fastener or plurality of fasteners.
Referring again to Figure 4, the first substantially straight segment 112 of
the first T-shaped protrusion 108 includes a longitudinal axis 132, which is preferably
aligned with a corresponding longitudinal axis 134 of the first substantially straight
segment 114 of the second T-shaped protrusion 110. Additionally, the second
substantially straight segment 118 has a longitudinal axis 136, which is preferably
parallel with respect to a corresponding longitudinal axis 138 of the second substantially
straight segment 118 of the second T-shaped protrusion 110, as shown. It will also be
appreciated that the plurality of protrusions 108,110 (two T-shaped protrusions 108,110
are shown) are preferably, although not necessarily, substantially identical.

As shown in Figure 4, a projection 140 projects generally perpendicularly
outwardly from the second side 104 of the load conductor 100. The projection 140
includes first and second opposing sides 142,144 and first and second opposing edges
146,148. The second substantially straight segment 116 of the first T-shaped protrusion
108 extends outwardly from the first side 142 of the projection 140 between the first side
142 of the projection 140 and the second substantially straight segment 116 of the first T-
shaped protrusion 108, as shown. Similarly, the second substantially straight segment
118 of the second T-shaped protrusion 110 extends outwardly from the first side 142 of
the projection 140 between the first side 142 of the projection 140 and the second
substantially straight segment 118 of the second T-shaped protrusion 110. The second
side 104 of the example load conductor 100 has a circular perimeter (indicated generally
by reference 150 in Figure 4). The aforementioned projection 140 extends laterally
across the second side 104 of the load conductor 100 such that the first and second edges
146,148 of the projection 140 extend beyond the circular perimeter 150 in opposing
directions, as shown. It will be noted, however, that preferably, no portion of either of
the protrusions 108,110 extends beyond the circular perimeter 150 of the load conductor
100. More specifically, in the example of Figure 4, the first substantially straight
segment is a substantially rectangular segment 112 including a plurality of corners
152,154,156,158. A corresponding one of the corners 152 is contiguous with the circular
perimeter 150 of the load conductor 100, as shown. It will, however, be appreciated that
any known or suitable alternative number, type and/or shape or configuration of
protrusions other than those shown and described herein, could be employed, without
departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the disclosed protrusions 108,110
(both shown in Figures 4 and 5A) provide a unique mechanism for effectively and
efficiently securing the load conductor(s) 100,100', 100" (all shown in Figures 3 and 5A)
to a corresponding portion (e.g., without limitation, recesses 204,206; 204',206';
204",206" (all shown in Figure 3)) of the circuit breaker housing 202, without a number
of separate fasteners. This advantageously reduces the number of parts of the circuit
breaker 200, simplifies the assembly of the circuit breaker 200, and reduces the cost of
the circuit breaker 200.

While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been described
in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and
alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be
illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the disclosed concept which is to be
given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

REFERENCE CHARACTER LIST
1 circuit breaker
3 molded housing
5 operating mechanism
7 poleshaft
9 electrical contact assembly
11 conductor assembly
13 movable contact assembly
15 movable contact
17 stationary contact assembly
19 stationary contact
21 load conductor
23 shunt
25 mounting hardware assembly
27 bolt
29 washer
31 washer
33 sleeve
35 nut plate
37 recess of housing
100 load conductor
100' load conductor
100" load conductor
102 first side of load conductor
104 second side of load conductor
106 intermediate portion
108 first protrusion
110 second protrusion
112 first portion of first protrusion
114 first portion of second protrusion
116 second portion of second protrusion
118 second portion of second protrusion
120 first end of first substantially straight segment
122 second end of first substantially straight segment
124 first end of second substantially straight segment
126 second end of second substantially straight segment
128 intermediate portion of first substantially straight segment
130 intermediate portion of second substantially straight segment
132 longitudinal axis
134 longitudinal axis
136 longitudinal axis
138 longitudinal axis
140 projection
142 first side of projection
144 second side of projection

146 first edge
148 second edge
150 circular perimeter
152 corner
154 corner
156 corner
158 corner
200 electrical switching apparatus
202 housing
204 first recess
206 second recess
208 first channel
210 second channel
212 pole
214 pole
216 pole

WE CLAIM
1. A load conductor (100) for an electrical switching apparatus (200), said
electrical switching apparatus (200) including a housing (202) comprising a number of
recesses (204,206), said load conductor (100) comprising:
a first side (102);
a second side (104) disposed opposite and distal from the first side (102);
an intermediate portion (106) extending between the first side (102) and
the second side (104); and
a number of protrusions (108,110) extending outwardly from the second
side (104), each of said protrusions (108,110) being structured to be disposed within a
corresponding one of said recesses (204,206) of the housing (202) to secure said load
conductor (100) without a separate fastener.
2. The load conductor (100) of claim I wherein each of said protrusions
(108,110) comprises a first portion (112,114) and a second portion (116,118) extending
outwardly from the first portion (112,114).
3. The load conductor (100) of claim 2 wherein said first portion is a first
substantially straight segment (112,114) including a first end (120,124), a second end
(122,126) disposed opposite and distal from the first end (120,124), and an intermediate
portion (128,130) extending between the first end (120,124) and the second end
(122,126); wherein said second portion is a second substantially straight segment
(116,118); and wherein said second substantially straight segment (116,118) extends
perpendicularly outwardly from the intermediate portion (128,130) of said first
substantially straight segment (112,114).
4. The load conductor (100) of claim 3 wherein said number of protrusions is
a first T-shaped protrusion (108) and a second T-shaped protrusion (110); wherein said
number of recesses (204,206) of the housing (202) is a first recess (204) and a second
recess (206); wherein said first T-shaped protrusion (108) is structured to be substantially
disposed within said first recess (204); and wherein said second T-shaped protrusion
(110) is structured to be substantially disposed within said second recess (206).
5. The load conductor (100) of claim 4 wherein the housing (202) further
comprises a first channel (208) extending outwardly from said first recess (204) and a

second channel (210) extending outwardly from said second recess (206); wherein said
first substantially straight segment (112) of said first T-shaped protrusion (108) is
structured to be disposed in said first recess (204); wherein said second substantially
straight segment (116) of said first T-shaped protrusion (108) is structured to be disposed
in said first channel (208); wherein said first substantially straight segment (114) of said
second T-shaped protrusion (110) is structured to be disposed in said second recess (206);
and wherein said second substantially straight segment (118) of said second T-shaped
protrusion (110) is structured to be disposed in said second channel (210).
6. The load conductor (100) of claim 4 wherein each of said first
substantially straight segments (112,114) and said second substantially straight segments
(116,118) has a longitudinal axis (132,134,136,138); wherein the longitudinal axis (132)
of said first substantially straight segment (112) of said first T-shaped protrusion (108) is
aligned with the longitudinal axis (134) of said first substantially straight segment (114)
of said second T-shaped protrusion (110); and wherein the longitudinal axis (136) of said
second substantially straight segment (116) of said first T-shaped protrusion (108) is
parallel to the longitudinal axis (138) of said second substantially straight segment (118)
of said second T-shaped protrusion (110).
7. The load conductor (100) of claim 3 wherein the second side (104) of said
load conductor (100) includes a projection (140); wherein said projection (140) projects
generally perpendicularly outwardly from the second side (104) of said load conductor
(100); wherein said projection (140) comprises a first side (142) and a second side (104)
disposed opposite the first side (140) of said projection (140); and wherein said second
substantially straight segment (116,118) extends outwardly from the first side (142) of
said projection (140) between the first side (142) of said projection (140) and said second
substantially straight segment (116,118).
8. The load conductor (100) of claim 7 wherein said projection (140) further
comprise a first edge (146) and a second edge (148) disposed opposite and distal from the
first edge (146); wherein the second side (104) of said load conductor (100) comprises a
circular perimeter (150); wherein said projection (140) extends laterally across the second
side (104) of said load conductor (100); wherein the first edge (146) of said projection
(140) extends beyond the circular perimeter (150) of said load conductor (100) in a first

direction; wherein the second edge (148) of said projection (140) extends beyond the
circular perimeter (150) of said load conductor (100) in a second direction opposite the
first direction; and wherein said protrusions (108,110) do not extend beyond the circular
perimeter (150) of said load conductor (100).
9. The load conductor (100) of claim 8 wherein said first substantially
straight segment is a substantially rectangular segment (112); wherein said substantially
rectangular segment (112) includes a plurality of corners (152,154,156,158); and wherein
a corresponding one of said corners (152) is contiguous with the circular perimeter (150)
of said load conductor (100).
10. The load conductor (100) of claim 1 wherein said number of protrusions is
a plurality of protrusions (108,110); and wherein all of said protrusions (108,110) is
substantially identical.
11. An electrical switching apparatus (200) comprising:
a housing (202) comprising a number of recesses (204,206); and
at least one load conductor (100,100',100") comprising:
a first side (102),
a second side (104) disposed opposite and distal from the first side
(102),
an intermediate portion (106) extending between the first side
(102) and the second side (104), and
a number of protrusions (108,110) extending outwardly from the
second side (104), each of said protrusions (108,110) being disposed within a
corresponding one of said recesses (204,206) of the housing (202) to secure said at least
one load conductor (100) without a separate fastener.
12. The electrical switching apparatus (200) of claim 11 wherein each of said
protrusions (108,110) of said at least one load conductor (100,100', 100") comprises a
first substantially straight segment (112,114) and a second substantially straight segment
(116,118); wherein said first substantially straight segment (112,114) includes a first end
(120,124), a second end (122,126) disposed opposite and distal from the first end
(120,124), and an intermediate portion (128,130) extending between the first end
(120,124) and the second end (122,126); and wherein said second substantially straight

segment (116,118) extends perpendicularly outwardly from the intermediate portion
(128,130) of said first substantially straight segment (112,114).
13. The electrical switching apparatus (200) of claim 12 wherein said number
of protrusions (108,110) of said at least one load conductor (100,100', 100") is a first T-
shaped protrusion (108) and a second T-shaped protrusion (110); wherein said number of
recesses (204,206) of the housing (202) is a first recess (204) and a second recess (206);
wherein said first T-shaped protrusion (108) is substantially disposed within said first
recess (204); and wherein said second T-shaped protrusion (110) is substantially disposed
within said second recess (206).
14. The electrical switching apparatus (200) of claim 13 wherein the housing
(202) further comprises a first channel (208) extending outwardly from said first recess
(204) and a second channel (210) extending outwardly from said second recess (206);
wherein said first substantially straight segment (112) of said first T-shaped protrusion
(108) is disposed in said first recess (204); wherein said second substantially straight
segment (116) of said first T-shaped protrusion (108) is disposed in said first channel
(208); wherein said first substantially straight segment (114) of said second T-shaped
protrusion (110) is disposed in said second recess (206); and wherein said second
substantially straight segment (118) of said second T-shaped protrusion (110) is disposed
in said second channel (210).
15. The electrical switching apparatus (200) of claim 13 wherein each of said
first substantially straight segments (112,114) and said second substantially straight
segments (116,118) has a longitudinal axis (132,134,136,138); wherein the longitudinal
axis (132) of said first substantially straight segment (112) of said first T-shaped
protrusion (108) is aligned with the longitudinal axis (134) of said first substantially
straight segment (114) of said second T-shaped protrusion (110); and wherein the
longitudinal axis (136) of said second substantially straight segment (116) of said first T-
shaped protrusion (108) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (138) of said second
substantially straight segment (118) of said second T-shaped protrusion (110).
16. The electrical switching apparatus (200) of claim 12 wherein the second
side (104) of said at least one load conductor (100,100', 100") includes a projection (140);
wherein said projection (140) projects generally perpendicularly outwardly from the

second side (104) of said load conductor (100); wherein said projection (140) comprises a
first side (142) and a second side (104) disposed opposite the first side (140) of said
projection (140); and wherein said second substantially straight segment (116,118)
extends outwardly from the first side (142) of said projection (140) between the first side
(142) of said projection (140) and said second substantially straight segment (116,118).
17. The electrical switching apparatus (200) of claim 16 wherein said
projection (140) further comprise a first edge (146) and a second edge (148) disposed
opposite and distal from the first edge (146); wherein the second side (104) of said load
conductor (100) comprises a circular perimeter (150); wherein said projection (140)
extends laterally across the second side (104) of said load conductor (100); wherein the
first edge (146) of said projection (140) extends beyond the circular perimeter (150) of
said load conductor (100) in a first direction; wherein the second edge (148) of said
projection (140) extends beyond the circular perimeter (150) of said load conductor (100)
in a second direction opposite the first direction; wherein said first substantially straight
segment is a substantially rectangular segment (112); wherein said substantially
rectangular segment (112) includes a plurality of corners (152,154,156,158); and wherein
a corresponding one of said corners (152) is contiguous with the circular perimeter (150)
of said load conductor (100).
18. The electrical switching apparatus (200) of claim 11 wherein said number
of protrusions (108,110) of said at least one load conductor (100,100', 100") is a plurality
of protrusions (108,110); and wherein all of said protrusions (108,110) is substantially
identical.
19. The electrical switching apparatus (200) of claim 11 wherein said
electrical switching apparatus is a circuit breaker (200); wherein said circuit breaker
(200) includes a plurality of poles (212,214,216); and wherein said at least one load
conductor is a plurality of load conductors (100,100', 100"), one for each pole
(212,214,216) of said circuit breaker (200).
20. The electrical switching apparatus (200) of claim 19 wherein each of said
plurality of load conductors (100,100', 100") includes a first protrusion (108) and a second
protrusion (110); wherein said number of recesses (204,206) of the housing (202) of said
circuit breaker (200) is a pair of recesses (204,206) for each pole (212,214,216) of said

circuit breaker (200); wherein each pair of recesses (204,206) includes a first recess (204)
and a second recess (206); wherein said first protrusion (108) of each of said load
conductors (100,100', 100") is disposed within a corresponding one of said first recesses
(204); and wherein said second protrusion (110) of each of said load conductors
(100,100', 100") is disposed within a corresponding one of said second recesses (206).

A load conductor (100) is provided for an electrical switching apparatus,
such as a circuit breaker (200). The circuit breaker (200) includes a housing (202) having
a number of recesses (204,206). The load conductor (100) includes first and second
opposing sides (102,104), an intermediate portion (106) extending between the first and
second sides (102,104), and a number of protrusions (108,110) extending outwardly from
the second side (104). Each of the protrusions (108,110) is disposed within a
corresponding one of the recesses (204,206) of the housing (202) to secure the load
conductor (100) without a separate fastener.