Circuit breaker handle indication using opto-mechanical design

A tangible computer medium storing computer executable code, which when executed by one or more processors, is configured to implement a method of monitoring a status of a circuit breaker having a handle movable between different positions which correspond to different circuit breaker statuses, the handle including a handle body and a light control plate, the method comprising:

• sensing, via an optical sensor, an amount of light from a light source passing through the light control plate which is movable with a handle of the circuit breaker, the light control plate having different light passage regions each of which is configured to be positioned between the light source and the optical sensor when the handle is moved to a corresponding one of the different handle positions, each of the different light passage regions allowing a different amount of light emitted from the light source to pass to the optical sensor when positioned between the light source and the optical sensor;
• and
• determining a status of the circuit breaker based on the sensed amount of light which relates to a position of the handle.