A hydraulic damper for an electrical switching apparatus includes a damper enclosure including an inner wall. Also included is a chamber defined by the inner wall, the chamber having a first end, a second end. Further included is a tapered portion of the chamber extending from a tapered portion initial end to a tapered portion terminal end, the tapered portion angled inwardly in a direction from the first end toward the second end of the chamber. Yet further included is a press rod at least partially disposed within the chamber. Also included is a piston having a piston outer surface and disposed within the chamber and having an initial position adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the chamber. Further included is a gap defined by the piston outer surface and the inner wall, wherein adjustment of the piston in the longitudinal direction adjusts the gap.