Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc faults. The arc fault detector can be used stand alone or in combination with circuit interrupting devices such as IDCIs and ALCIs. The AFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal. The trip mechanism of the device trips on the occurrence of either an arc fault or a ground fault. The device allows the arc detector to differentiate between destructive high level arcing and low level arcing such as generated by typical household appliances and equipment. This serves to decrease the occurrence of false tripping.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device finctions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc faults. The arc fault detector can be used stand alone or in combination with circuit interrupting devices such as IDCIs and ALCIs. The AFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal. The trip mechanism of the device trips on the occurrence of either an arc fault or a ground fault. The device allows the arc detector to differentiate between destructive high level arcing and low level arcing such as generated by typical household appliances and equipment. This serves to decrease the occurrence of false tripping.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc faults. The arc fault detector can be used stand alone or in combination with circuit interrupting devices such as IDCIs and ALCIs. The AFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal. The trip mechanism of the device trips on the occurrence of either an arc fault or a ground fault. The device allows the arc detector to differentiate between destructive high level arcing and low level arcing such as generated by typical household appliances and equipment. This serves to decrease the occurrence of false tripping.

Abstract: An arc fault detector comprised as a stand alone unit and in combination with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. When combined with a GFCI, the combination arc fault/ground fault circuit interrupter (AFCI/GFCI) provides protection from both arc fault and ground fault conditions. A single transformer is used to detect faults between neutral and ground and arc faults. An impedance splits the current flow into two portions so as to generate differential current proportional to the current flowing through the conductors. An early arcing detector periodically tests the AC line for high impedance between the device and a main breaker panel. The AFCI/GFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal.

Abstract: An arc fault detector, as a stand alone device or in combination with a circuit interrupting device such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), protects from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. The device utilizes line side and load side pickup coils to distinguish between arc faults occurring on the line or load side. An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) circuitry portion of the device shares components from the GFCI circuitry portion, and utilizes the electromechanical power carrying portion of the GFCI, including AC line disconnect circuitry and a power supply. The AFCI employs quantitative detection using variable gain control in combination with either a load disconnect or audible/visual alarm indication. The device also includes a timer circuit, which permits the user to temporarily inhibit or disable the arc detection, and selective frequency filtering permitting arc detection in the presence of power line carrier communications.

Abstract: An arc fault detector comprised as a stand alone unit and in combination with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. When combined with a GFCI, the combination arc fault/ground fault circuit interrupter (AFCI/GFCI) provides protection from both arc fault and ground fault conditions. A single transformer is used to detect faults between neutral and ground and arc faults. An impedance splits the current flow into two portions so as to generate differential current proportional to the current flowing through the conductors. An early arcing detector periodically tests the AC line for high impedance between the device and a main breaker panel. The AFCI/GFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc faults. The arc fault detector can be used stand alone or in combination with circuit interrupting devices such as IDCIs and ALCIs. The AFCI device detects both AC line frequencies and high frequencies associated with arcing. Both average and instantaneous values of both AC line frequency and high frequency arcing signals are processed to generate an arc fault signal. The trip mechanism of the device trips on the occurrence of either an arc fault or a ground fault. The device allows the arc detector to differentiate between destructive high level arcing and low level arcing such as generated by typical household appliances and equipment. This serves to decrease the occurrence of false tripping.

Abstract: An arc fault detector embodied as both a stand alone device and in combination with a circuit interrupting device such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. The device utilizes line side and load side pickup coils to permit distinguishing between arc faults occurring on the line side and the load side of the device. The arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) circuitry portion of the device shares components from the GFCI circuitry portion as an integral part of its functionality. The AFCI utilizes the electromechanical power carrying, portion of the GFCI, including the AC line disconnect circuitry, the power supply and the physical housing. In addition, the AFCI employs quantitative detection using variable gain control in combination with either a load disconnect or audible/visual alarm indication.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved passive infrared detection system for use in controlling electrical wiring devices and systems in residential, commercial and industrial environments. Interior or exterior lighting, by way of example only, and the power or current feeding same, is controlled such that the presence of a body entering a predetermined zone, such as a room, will be detected in an improved manner and will trigger a series of events resulting in the switching of the lights on or off, as desired. The detecting portion of the combination comprising the present invention is capable of receiving presence signals 360 degrees about a reference line, thereby greatly increasing the ability of the system of this invention to detect body presence within any interior area, for example. This qualifies the present system to function as an improved security system.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a control system wherein fiber optics controls the functioning of one or more types of wiring devices, such as a wall receptacle. With the use of the present invention, a relatively safer system is provided for use in wet, hospital, explosive and other environments, and which is capable of surface mounting. Switch and load supply assemblies are interconnected by fiber optic means for transmitting reflected signals from a movable mirror to a photocell-influenced relay circuit.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a control system wherein fiber optics controls the functioning of one or more types of wiring devices, such as a wall receptacle. With the use of the present invention, a relatively safer system is provided for use in wet, hospital, explosive and other environments, and which is capable of surface mounting. Switch and load supply assemblies are interconnected by fiber optic means for transmitting reflected signals from a movable mirror to a photocell-influenced relay circuit.