Racking device and power module therefor

A power module for a racking device having a base and a guide rail extending substantially vertically from said base, said racking device being structured to manipulate an electrical apparatus with respect to a housing structure, said power module comprising:

• an enclosure including a pair of opposing openings structured to receive said guide rail of said racking device;
• a counter-balanced guide assembly structured to interconnect said guide rail and said power module in order to facilitate vertical movement of said power module with respect to said base of said racking device;
• an actuator generally enclosed within said enclosure;
• a linkage assembly coupled to said actuator and structured to be coupled to said electrical apparatus, said actuator being structured to move said linkage assembly thereby moving said electrical apparatus with respect to said housing structure;
• and
• a switch module structured to operate said power module and said actuator thereof from a remote location in order to perform a racking operation of said electrical apparatus from said remote location.

A racking device for performing a racking operation of an electrical apparatus with respect to a housing structure, said racking device comprising:

• a base including a maneuvering mechanism structured to facilitate moving said racking device and positioning said racking device with respect to said housing structure;
• an elongated tubular member extending substantially vertically from said base;
• and
• a counter-balanced power module structured to perform said racking operation of said electrical apparatus, said counter-balanced power module comprising:
• an enclosure including a pair of opposing openings for receiving said elongated tubular member therethrough,
• a counterweight system structured to facilitate vertical movement of said counter-balanced power module with respect to said base, said counterweight system including at least one weight, at least one pulley coupled to said elongated tubular member, and at least one cable coupled at one end to said at least one weight, extending over said at least one pulley, and coupled at the other end to said counter-balanced power module,
• an actuator generally enclosed within said enclosure, and
• a linkage assembly coupled to said actuator and structured to be coupled to said electrical apparatus, said actuator being structured to move said linkage assembly thereby moving said electrical apparatus in order to perform said racking operation.