Abstract: An electrical fault detection device for use in a branch of a power circuit that utilizes signals from an AC line current sensor coupled to an electrical distribution line having a primary and neutral lines, a line high-frequency sensor coupled to the electrical distribution line, a differential current sensor coupled to the primary and neutral lines, and a ground fault current sensor coupled to the primary and neutral lines. A signal conditioner receives the signals outputted by AC current line current sensor, the line high frequency sensor, the differential current sensor and the ground fault current sensor and generates a signal indicative of the load current associated with a branch of the power circuit. Output of the signal conditioner is sampled and processed by a processing resource. The processing resource has stored therein data representing a plurality of time-versus-current curves that define a plurality of regions in which tripping may or may not occur.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system is provided for selectively connecting an electrical power source to load devices comprising a plurality of panelboards each having a plurality of load circuit positions. A plurality of pairs of circuit breakers and switching devices are each mounted in one of the load circuit positions. Each pair is electrically connected between an electrical power source and a load device for selectively delivering electrical power to load devices. An I/O controller is mounted in the panelboard for controlling operation of the switching devices. The I/O controller includes a communication circuit. A system controller is connected to each I/O controller communication circuit and comprises a programmed controller for commanding operation of the I/O controllers.

Abstract: A spring-loaded captive fastener retainer provides a user-friendly system to mechanically fasten units (e.g. panels, cabinets, etc.) to other units. Generally, the retainer is spring-loaded to force a fastener to extend beyond the unit. The retainer has a housing that provides guidance to the fastener so that it is secured within the unit and travels in a predictable path.

Abstract: A circuit breaker enables selective left, right or a combination of both side connection to a power conductor, such as a cable or wire. Side connection eliminates the need for large radius U-bends of the power conductor that is normally required when using top connection circuit breakers. An electrically non-conductive cavity commonly defined by left and right sides of the circuit breaker housing receives the power conductor in a connector such as a lug. The circuit breaker may have a visualization window oriented to observe whether excessive cable is projecting out of the lug, so as to confirm compliance with electrical code over surface spacing requirements. In some embodiments, the circuit breaker lugs are vertically oriented above its front cover surface in a receptacle portion of the housing. The receptacle may be constructed for selective lug orientation in horizontal or vertical positions by the installer.

Abstract: A positioning block and method for spacing riser bus bars includes an insulating material body forming recesses along a longitudinal axis of the block, each recess for receiving an electric riser bus bar therein. A binding feature is formed adjacent to at least one wall of the recesses for securing the riser bus bar within the recess. A locator feature is formed between the walls of each recess for aligning the riser bus bar within the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a lay-in lug nut plate retainer. More particularly, the invention encompasses a nut plate retainer for a lay-in lug assembly nut plate. The present invention is also directed to a novel lay-in nut plate retainer which provides an alternative way to secure a nut plate to a lay-in lug body during shipping and/or the installation process. The inventive nut plate retainer has a cover with an open area and at least two legs to surround a portion of the lay-in lug and the nut plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a load center. More particularly, the invention encompasses a self contained kilowatt-hour meter which is integral to a standard load center. The present invention is also directed to a novel printed circuit board and housing for the self contained kilowatt-hour meter. The self contained kilowatt-hour meter of this invention measures the energy usage of a facility, such as, residential unit, a house, an apartment, a condominium, and then it communicates the energy usage in a timely manner or as desired to a local requester, such as, the owner, occupant or any other entity, as well as, to another requester, such as, a remote requester, for example, an energy provider.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a fault detection system, which can comprise a circuit breaker that is adapted to protect an electrical circuit. The circuit breaker can comprise a screen adapted to render a user interface. The user interface can comprise an arc fault detection circuit status indicator indicative of an automatic detection of an electrical circuit arc fault by the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker and method include at least two breaker modules including circuit breakers therein. The circuit breakers include a moveable arm configured to connect and disconnect contacts therein. The at least two modules including armatures connectable to the moveable arms of each of the at least two modules. A center module connects the at least two modules. The center module includes an actuator and a beam connected to the actuator at a mid-portion. The beam connects to each armature of the at least two modules wherein under a trip condition the actuator displaces the beam to simultaneously trip the at least two modules using the armatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a mechanism of a contact system for circuit breakers. More particularly, the invention encompasses a mechanism for a rotary double-break contact system, which enables a direct transfer of torque from stored energy components, such as, springs, to the contact arm in the ON-position (contacts closed) without using intermediate cam surface. The mechanism described in the invention also ensures reliable locking of the contact arm in the blow-off position using stationary means that are integral with or fixed to a crossbar module. This invention enables to achieve significant reduction or even to eliminate friction at certain critical interfaces between the contact mechanism components, thus, reducing or potentially eliminating hysteresis, and improving performance consistency, and also eliminating mechanism performance dependency on wear level and condition of an intermediate cam surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the synchronization of diagnostic cycles and data conversion for redundant I/O applications are provided. An exemplary system comprises a first analog input module adapted to request mastership with respect to a second analog input module, output a synchronization pulse to said second analog input module, initiate a diagnostic cycle of said second analog input module, and initiate a data conversion cycle, and wherein said second analog input module, said second analog input module are adapted to assume a slave role with respect to said first analog input module. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system is provided for selectively connecting an electrical power source to load devices comprising a panelboard having a plurality of load circuit positions. A remote operated device is mountable in the panelboard comprising a load control device, and a device control for controlling the load control device. The device control comprises a programmed controller for operating the load control device responsive to control commands and a communication circuit for receiving control commands. An input/output (I/O) controller is mounted in the panelboard for controlling operation of the remote operated device, the I/O controller comprising a programmed controller for generating the control commands for commanding operation of the remote operated device, the control system including a communication circuit for communication with the remote operated device communication circuit.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method comprising a plurality of activities comprising via a graphical editor running on a Human Machine Interface comprising a first embedded operating system, providing a plurality of set points related to a process to a programmable logic controller. The method can comprise, via the programmable logic controller, automatically controlling the process responsive to information received from the graphical editor.

Abstract: A circuit tests the health of a ground-neutral transformer within a ground fault circuit interrupter. This test can include testing both the ground-to-neutral detection circuitry and the differential current detection circuitry. The test circuit provides a conductive path through the respective cores of a differential transformer and the ground-neutral transformer of the GFCI device. A closed loop induces current from the differential transformer, which creates a current imbalance through the differential transformer. In a properly working device, the circuit breaker will trip, confirming the health of the ground-neutral transformer portion of the GFCI.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method for utilizing a memory cartridge connected to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The memory cartridge can comprise a plurality of memory segments. The method can comprise a plurality of activities comprising: providing a default identifying stamp for records in a data log file, a structure for the data log file stored separately from the data log file in the memory cartridge, and obtaining a request to provide the data log file.

Abstract: A power distribution apparatus for distributing electrical power includes circuit breaker modules and remote operated devices mounted separately in a panel. The devices may be relays, circuit breakers, meters, dimmers or other devices for controlling a circuit. An I/O controller board is connected to the remote operated devices and controls those devices through a data rail. A control module may interface with the I/O controller board and may also interface with other I/O controller boards and with one or more networks. The I/O controller board is mounted in the subfeed breaker region of the panelboard, at an end of the panelboard opposite the main breaker region. The controller board may include connection and status features that are accessible through the deadfront.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method for utilizing a memory cartridge connected to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The memory cartridge can comprise a plurality of memory segments. The method can comprise a plurality of activities comprising: providing a default identifying stamp for records in a data log file, a structure for the data log file stored separately from the data log file in the memory cartridge, and obtaining a request to provide the data log file.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a wizard, which enables a user to configure and program an intelligent module by answering a series of questions about a specific application. The output of the wizard includes two distinct components. The wizard generates a parameter configuration for an intelligent module, reflecting the choices specified by a user for a specific application. The wizard also generates a set of customized instructions for use in a program. These instructions are specific to the choices that the user input into the wizard, and can be used in the same manner as standard instructions. Certain exemplary embodiments of the application, program, and instructions apply to a Program Logic Controller (PLC).

Abstract: An electrical distribution system for selectively connecting an electrical power source to load devices comprises a panelboard having a plurality of load circuit positions. A remote operated relay is mountable in the panelboard in an adjacent pair of the load circuit positions comprising a multipole switching device, and a switch control for controlling the switching device, the switch control comprising a control circuit for operating the switching device responsive to control commands and a communication circuit for receiving control commands. An input/output (I/O) controller is mounted in the panelboard for controlling operation of the remote operated relay, the I/O controller comprising a programmed controller for generating the control commands for commanding operation of the remote operated relay, the control system including a communication circuit for communication with the remote operated relay communication circuit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and method include main contacts configured to connect in an on position and be separated in an off position. A handle is coupled to one of the main contacts to adjust the contacts between the on position, the off position, a trip position and an over on position. Secondary contacts are configured to provide power when connected using the handle in the over on position, even when the main contacts are separated. A stop mechanism configured to maintain separation between the main contacts to enable testing using the secondary contacts to power a test circuit such that if a test passes, the stop mechanism is released to permit resetting of the main contacts.