At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a tripping apparatus, particularly for circuit breakers, which includes at least one controllable tripping magnet having an armature that is operatively connected to a downstream tripping gear, which engages in a tripping mechanism that acts on the circuit breaker and is coupled to a preloaded spring serving as a force amplifier. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the tripping mechanism includes a camshaft having a plurality of cam lobes, wherein at least one actuating device is associated with each cam lobe having an offset rotational angle, and wherein, when tripped, at least two actuating processes associated with the respective actuating means take place consecutively, so that the full spring force is transmitted by way of the camshaft to at least one of said actuating means so as to perform the relevant actuating process.