Self-powered communications link for smart circuit breakers

A circuit breaker communication system is provided including a circuit breaker, an electronic module to record and store data associated with the operation of the circuit breaker, and a portable communication unit for downloading the stored data. The portable communication unit includes a power source, a display unit, a processor unit, a communication interface, and a keypad. Also, a cable is provided for interconnecting the portable communication unit to the electronic module. The cable is configured to carry a data signal between the portable communication unit and the electronic module, and to conduct power to the electronic module from the power source. The system may include an optical communication link to transmit to or receive signals from the circuit breaker, a transmitter to transmit data to the optical communication link; and a receiver to receive signals from the optical communication link.