Automatic actuator for breakers or switches

A method of retrofitting a load center to remotely control one or more circuit breakers installed therein, the method comprising:

• removing a first cover from a housing of the load center revealing a plurality of circuit breakers therein, each of the circuit breakers being electrically coupled to one or more busbars positioned within the housing of the load center;
• mounting a rotational motor to a second cover such that a threaded drive shaft of the motor protrudes through a drive-shaft aperture in the second cover;
• threadingly coupling an actuator member to the threaded drive shaft, the actuator member including a handle aperture forming a first actuating surface and a second actuating surface in the actuating member;
• and
• attaching the second cover to the housing such that the actuator member at least partially abuts a first one of the circuit breakers and such that a handle of the first circuit breaker protrudes through the handle aperture of the actuator member.

A kit for retrofitting a load center to remotely control one or more circuit breakers installed in the load center, the kit comprising:

• a replacement cover configured to be attached to a housing of the load center, the replacement cover including a preformed drive-shaft aperture therein;
• a rotational motor including a threaded drive shaft, the rotational motor being configured to be attached to the replacement cover such that the threaded drive shaft is positioned through the preformed drive-shaft aperture in the replacement cover;
• and
• an actuator member configured to be threadingly engaged with the threaded drive shaft of the rotational motor, the actuator member having a handle aperture forming a first actuating surface and a second actuating surface in the actuating member.