Positive locking, trigger grip, external operating handle assembly for network protector enclosures

A handle assembly for a network protector where the network protector includes a circuit breaker and a housing assembly, the circuit breaker having a trip bar structured to move between a first position and a second position corresponding to an open and closed position of the circuit breaker, respectively, the housing assembly having a sidewall with an opening. The handle assembly includes a linkage assembly, a shaft assembly, a handle member and locking assembly. The shaft assembly has a shaft, where the shaft rotatably is disposed in the opening and structured to move between a first and second position. The handle member has an elongated body and an elongated grip extending generally perpendicular to the handle body. The handle body is coupled to, and structured to rotate, the shaft. The locking assembly has an elongated release grip. The locking assembly is coupled to the handle member and structured to selectively lock the shaft in at least the first position, and the release grip is structured to unlock the locking assembly. The release grip extends generally adjacent and parallel to the handle grip. The linkage assembly is coupled to the shaft and structured to engage the trip bar so that when the shaft is in the first position, the trip bar is in the first position and when the shaft is in the second position, the trip bar is in the second position.