Calibration assembly and process for use in a circuit protective device

A calibration assembly for use in a circuit protective device comprising:

• a calibration pin;
• a split clamp arm having a first end and an opposite second end, the split clamp arm including a first opening for receiving and holding the calibration pin and a second opening for receiving an actuator key, wherein a portion of the split clamp arm is divided into a first arm and a second arm by a channel which extends from the first end through the first opening and communicates with the second opening;
• a first support plate disposed against a first surface of the split clamp arm, the first support plate having a first opening axially aligned with the first opening of the split clamp arm and a second opening axially aligned with the second opening of the split clamp arm;
• and
• a second support plate disposed against a second surface of the split clamp arm, the second support plate having a first opening axially aligned with the first opening of the split clamp arm and a second opening axially aligned with the second opening of the split clamp arm.

A process of calibration for a circuit protective device having a bimetal for sensing current and a trip arm which causes actuation of a trip mechanism to interrupt current flow in the circuit protective device, comprising:

• providing a calibration assembly having a split clamp arm including a first end and an opposite second end, the split clamp arm including a first opening for receiving and holding a calibration pin and a second opening for receiving an actuator key, wherein a portion of the plate is divided into a first arm and a second arm by a channel which extends from the first end through the first opening and communicated with the second opening, the calibration assembly being proximate the bimetal;
• inserting and rotating the actuator key within the second opening so that the first and second arms are forced apart from one another;
• inserting the calibration pin within the first opening, the calibration pin being free to move within the first opening;
• and
• applying a predetermined amount of heat to the bimetal so that at least one end of the bimetal deflects and drives the calibration pin in a direction away from the bimetal in a first period of time.

A process of calibration for a circuit protective device having a calibration assembly including a calibration pin held in place within a first opening formed in a split clamp ann, a bimetal proximate to the calibration assembly for sensing current, and a trip arm which causes actuation of a trip mechanism to interrupt current flow in the circuit protective device, comprising:

• opening the split clamp arm so that the calibration pin is free to move within a first opening formed therein;
• deflecting the bimetal so that the bimetal travels a predetermined first distance in a predetermined first time period and drives the calibration pin;
• and
• locking the split clamp arm so that the calibration pin is secured within the first opening.