Electrical switching apparatus (1) such as a power circuit breaker, network protector or switch has a self-supporting operating mechanism module (17) including a cage (95) formed by a pair of side plates (97) rigidly clamped in spaced relation by spacers (99). The cage (95) supports all of the operating mechanism components (18,107,109,113) including a helical compression close spring (18) mounted fully between the side plates (97) and coupled to a cam member (171) through a rocker (155) in a manner which maintains the forces longitudinal to the spring (18). The cam member (171) has a charging cam (173) with a charge profile (189a) for compressing the close spring (18) and a close profile (189b) through which the spring (18) drives the cam member (171) to effect a controlled release of stored energy to close the contacts of the apparatus. A close prop (223), spring biased to an unlatched position, is latched to secure the close spring (18) in the charged state by a latch assembly (225) reset by a reset lever (247) separate from the close prop (223) which in turn is reset by rotation of the cam member (171) during charging. An interlock (265) prevents release of the close spring (18) when the contacts (43) are closed or the trip release is actuated. An indicator (27) actuated by a driver (345) pivoted against the cam shaft (115) snaps from a DISCHARGED to a CHARGED indication as the close spring (18) becomes fully charged and the driver (345) drops into a notch (343) created by a flat on the cam shaft (115). Rotating shafts (213, 239) are journalled solely in confronting apertures in the side plates (97). The can shaft (115) is captured between bushings (117) seated in non-circular openings (119) in the side plates (97) thereby eliminating the need for any fasteners. Likewise, other parts (165) mounted between the side plates (97) and joined by pins (167) having enlarged heads (169) retained by the side plates (97) do not need retainers. Various shafts (451) extending between the side plates (97) have reduced diameter ends (457) of progressive lengths for successive insertion in one side plate (97 2 ) to aid in assembly of the operating mechanism (17).