Quick-make, quick-break switch mechanism combined with inverse time element tripping operation and trip-free handle design. Type CH circuit breakers trip to the off position, eliminating nuisance callbacks. The CHF family also includes a trip flag to differentiate between a trip and the breaker being turned off. The thermal magnetic trip curve avoids nuisance tripping on mild overloads while reacting almost instantaneously to severe short circuit conditions. Multi-pole breakers have internal common trip connection to operate all poles simultaneously. Handles are marked with On-Off indication and ampere rating of the breaker.