Reverse-action auxiliary switch actuator mechanism and circuit breaker employing the same

An auxiliary switch actuating mechanism is for a circuit breaker including a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism with an operating handle interconnected to the separable contacts by a linkage assembly, and an auxiliary switch having a contact member. The auxiliary switch actuating mechanism includes an actuating lever with first and second ends and a pivot portion engaging the housing proximate the auxiliary switch. A torsion spring biases the actuating lever towards engaging and actuating the contact member of the auxiliary switch. The contact member is actuated when the separable contacts are not tripped open and the linkage assembly is not collapsed. When the circuit breaker trips, the linkage assembly collapses, engaging and pivoting the actuating lever, in order to overcome the bias and disengage and deactivate the contact member.