The large close spring in the operating mechanism of electrical switching apparatus is charged by a charging mechanism which includes a charging cam mounted on a cam shaft and rotated by a ratchet wheel. A stop member is employed for engagement with the ratchet wheel to prevent reverse rotation of the ratchet wheel during charging of the close spring. To reduce friction force between the stop member and the ratchet wheel once the close spring is fully charged and it is desired to discharge the spring, the ratchet wheel includes a toothless region formed on the periphery thereof. The ratchet wheel is positioned such that the stop member is in engagement with the toothless region once the close spring is fully charged. Friction between the stop member and the ratchet wheel is reduced by eliminating the need for the stop member to traverse the teeth of the ratchet wheel as discharging of the spring is initiated.