A latch system for an electrical equipment enclosure includes a chassis and a latch arm, engaged with a circuit breaker, that moves between first, second, and intermediate arm positions. A handle operatively connected to the circuit breaker is movable between ON, TRIP, OFF, and RESET handle positions. The handle is operatively connected to the latch arm such that the latch arm is positioned in the second arm position when the handle is located in said RESET handle position. The latch arm spring biases the latch arm into the first or intermediate positions when the handle is in the ON, TRIP, or OFF handle position. A lockout plunger is connected to the handle to rotate with the handle and is movable between disengaged and engaged positions. The lockout plunger prevents movement of the handle from the OFF to the ON handle position when the lockout plunger is in its engaged position.

An interlocking mechanism for a switching device is provided. The interlocking mechanism includes an interlocking arm having a first end and a second end. The interlocking arm is movable between a first position and a second position. When positioned in the first position, the second end of the interlocking arm forms a releasable contact with switching device blocking operation of the switching device. When positioned in the second position, the second end of the interlocking arm withdraws from the releasable contact with the switching device allowing operation of the switching device. The interlocking mechanism further includes an actuator connected to the interlocking arm. The actuator, in response to receiving actuator signal, moves the interlocking arm between the first position and the second position.