A circuit breaker includes a pole unit with a moveable electrode and a fixed electrode. A resilient member is operably connected to a first end of the pole unit. A linkage extends from the second end of the pole unit and operably connects to the moveable electrode. A linear actuator is operably connected to the linkage and located away from the pole unit. A Thomson coil or other high-speed actuator is also operably connected to the linkage. A gap is provided between the pole unit and the linear actuator member when the resilient member is not extended. To open the electrodes, the high-speed actuator first acts on the linkage by pulling the movable electrode away from the fixed electrode. The linear actuator then actuates and increases the distance between the contacts of the breaker by pulling the pole unit toward it, closing the gap.