An integral stationary arcing contact (61) and arc runner (75) for electrical switching apparatus (1) is formed by an electrically conductive member (65) secured to the line conductor (13) adjacent the stationary main contact (19) thereby providing a joint free path for the arc to pass from the arcing contact (61) to the arc runner (75). Preferably, the electrically conductive member (65) is a sheet metal member having a base section (67) secured to the line conductor (13), an arcing contact section (73) adjacent the stationary main contact (19) and extending generally perpendicular to the line conductor (13) and a runner section (75) extending at an obtuse angle (α) to the arcing contact section (71) toward the arc chute (83). A support member (81) between the arcing contact section (71) and the housing (3) transmits reaction forces imposed by the moving conductor assembly (23) on the sheet metal member (65) into the housing (3).