Retrofit breaker adapter system and method

A method of producing a retrofitted circuit breaker for use in a switchgear assembly having a cell with a racking structure disposed therein, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a.) providing a circuit breaker that is not adapted for mounting in the cell, said circuit breaker comprising a mechanical linkage connected to a shaft, said mechanical linkage being actuatable to rotate the shaft;
• (b.) providing an adapter frame for supporting the circuit breaker in the cell;
• (c.) providing a gear assembly comprising first and second gears;
• (d.) providing a racking arm;
• (e.) mounting the gear assembly to the circuit breaker so as to be operatively engaged by the shaft such that the rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the second gear, wherein the axis of rotation of the second gear is not coaxial with the axis of rotation of the shaft;
• (f.) connecting the racking arm to the second gear of the gear assembly such that rotation of the second gear causes the racking arm to rotate;
• and
• (g.) mounting the circuit breaker to the adapter frame;
• and
• (h.) wherein after steps (a) through (g), the circuit breaker with the adapter frame and the gear assembly is adapted for mounting within the cell such that when the circuit breaker is in a first, disconnected position in the cell and the mechanical linkage is actuated, the racking arm engages the racking structure of the cell and pivots, thereby moving the circuit breaker farther into the cell to a second, connected position.