US Patent 7510223 Arc resistant electrical enclosure system and method

A latch device is provided for an electrical enclosure. The latch device includes a latch plate which is movable between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the latch plate allows a door to be secured over an opening in the enclosure. In the retracted position, the latch plate permits unencumbered access to components and mounting structures within the enclosure, such as for removal of a mounting unit. The latching mechanism may bias the enclosure door to a closed position, while permitting movement of the door, without unlatching of the mechanism, during fault conditions within the enclosure, such as to permit the escape of hot gasses.