A stored energy assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing and a mount coupled to the housing. The stored energy assembly includes: a ratchet assembly having: a first ratchet member, a second ratchet member, and a shaft extending through the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member, the shaft being structured to extend through the mount; a stored energy mechanism coupled to the shaft; at least one charging mechanism structured to charge the stored energy mechanism in order to store energy; and a clutch assembly including a link assembly cooperating with the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member in order to transmit energy from the charging mechanism to the stored energy mechanism.