Circuit breaker with improved arc quenching

A circuit breaker comprising:

• a stationary contact;
• a contact arm having a movable contact coupled thereto, wherein said contact arm is positioned with said movable contact being in contact with said stationary contact when said contact arm is in a closed position, and wherein said movable contact and said stationary contact are separated by a first distance when said contact arm is in an open position;
• an ablative member having a first opening disposed about said stationary contact, said ablative member having a channel extending along a first side, said channel having a plurality of vent openings extending from a second side, wherein said movable contact is positioned within said channel as said contact arm moves from said closed position to said open position;
• and,
• a vent channel in fluid communication with said plurality of vent openings, said vent channel having an end adjacent a load terminal.

A method of operating a circuit breaker comprising:

• detecting an undesired electrical condition;
• separating a movable contact from a stationary contact in response to said detection of said undesired electrical condition;
• ablating a gas in response to said separation of said movable contact from said stationary contact;
• cooling an arc generated by said separation of said movable contact from said stationary contact with said ablated gas;
• and,
• venting said ablated gas through a first vent opening positioned adjacent said stationary contact.