Method for operating a circuit breaker and circuit breaker

A method for operating a circuit breaker, the circuit breaker including an operating lever, a latching mechanism and an electrical contact system with a movable contact and a fixed contact, the operating lever being movable into an ON-position and being mechanically connected via the latching mechanism to the electrical contact system such that when the operating lever is in the ON-position, the movable and fixed contacts of the electrical contact system are closed, the method comprising:

• moving the operating lever in the ON-position;
• transferring the movement of the operating lever via the latching mechanism to the contact system by moving a connecting device of the latching mechanism, mechanically directly connected to the contact system in a first direction, and thereby moving the movable contact;
• reaching the ON-position of the operating lever and closing the movable and fixed contacts of the contact system;
• and
• inhibiting a movement of the connecting device in a second direction, different from the first direction by bringing a touching surface of a tension lever into direct contact with a first stationary mechanical stop and bringing a surface of the connecting device into direct contact with a touching surface of a second stationary mechanical stop thereby preventing opening of the movable and fixed contacts.