A circuit breaker and mechanism are provided for opening circuit breaker contact arms when the circuit breaker is moved between an installed and a withdrawn position in a drawout installation. The circuit breaker has a cross shaft coupled to a first linkage that rotates in response to the circuit breaker being moved. A second linkage translates in response to said first linkage rotating. A cam surface is operably coupled between the cross shaft and the first linkage. An opening latch shaft is coupled between the second linkage and a contact arm assembly such that the opening latch shaft moves the contact arm assembly from a closed position to an open position in response to the translation of the second linkage.