Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for current monitoring. For example, in a system that includes a first circuit breaker coupled to a primary power source and a second circuit breaker coupled to an alternative power source, there is provided an apparatus that includes a controller circuit configured to prevent back-feeding of power from the alternative power source to the primary power source via tripping the second circuit breaker, in response to the total current in the first and second circuit breakers exceeding a defined maximum level.

Abstract: A wire-tensioning system can be used to maintain tension in power wires extending from components of solar panels. A tensioning component attached to the frame of the solar panel and attached to the power wires can be used to maintain tension in the power wires, both when the power wires are unconnected to power wires of adjacent solar panels, and after the power wires are connected to the power wires of adjacent solar panels. Some attachment structures may be configured to be easily removable and re-attachable to the frame of the solar panel, while other attachment structures may be configured to penetrate or dig into the frame of the solar panel to form a more permanent attachment therebetween.

Abstract: Bend radius adapters can be used to form connections between low-gauge electrical wires or cables, and can provide greater flexibility in the manner in which low-gauge electrical wiring or structures with equivalent load capacity can be routed through and within electrical systems and associated structures. For example, when electrical systems are being upgraded or repaired, it may be difficult or impossible to route lower-gauge or additional wiring through existing structures such as conduits and junction boxes without violating safety standards regarding the minimum bend radius of such wiring. The use of bend radius adapters can provide additional flexibility in utilizing existing electrical system structures, and can simplify installation of other electrical components.

Abstract: A wire-tensioning system can be used to maintain tension in power wires extending from components of solar panels. A tensioning component attached to the frame of the solar panel and attached to the power wires can be used to maintain tension in the power wires, both when the power wires are unconnected to power wires of adjacent solar panels, and after the power wires are connected to the power wires of adjacent solar panels. Some attachment structures may be configured to be easily removable and re-attachable to the frame of the solar panel, while other attachment structures may be configured to penetrate or dig into the frame of the solar panel to form a more permanent attachment therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to electrical components and methods of use associated with such components. In particular, the invention relates to an electrical device and improved method of back feeding energy generated from alternative energy devices such as solar panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, electrical generators and other alternative energy sources, to the utility without the necessity of installing a sub panel or replacing an existing panel, resulting in significant cost savings for the user and increased electrical energy available to the power grid. The invention further discloses installation of a back feed circuit breaker into an existing main panel and main circuit breaker thus, eliminating the need of a home owner to completely reinstall a new electrical system in order to install alternative energy sources such as for example, solar panels and the like.

Abstract: An insulation stripping tool can be used to precisely remove a section of insulation located away from the edges of an insulated wire. The insulation stripping tool includes two transverse cutting elements which can be spaced a predefined and precise distance apart, and upper and lower longitudinally-extending cutting elements extending between the transverse cutting elements. Hinged lever arms can be gripped to move the cutting elements towards one another and cut into the insulation sheathing an insulated wire. A depth guide may be included to control the depth of the insulation cut to minimize or avoid scoring or otherwise affecting the conductive core of the insulated wire.

Abstract: Bypass systems can be used to connect alternative energy sources to existing distribution panels without the need to replace or upgrade the distribution panel. Some such bypass systems may be integrated directly into an electric meter, while others can be connected to the meter but located laterally or otherwise away from the electric meter. The bypass busbars and breakers may in some devices be interchangeable, allowing for greater flexibility and capacity of the bypass systems.

Abstract: Bypass systems can be used to connect alternative energy sources to existing distribution panels without the need to replace or upgrade the distribution panel. Some such bypass systems may be integrated directly into an electric meter, while others can be connected to the meter but located laterally or otherwise away from the electric meter. The bypass busbars and breakers may in some devices be interchangeable, allowing for greater flexibility and capacity of the bypass systems.

Abstract: Bend radius adapters can be used to form connections between low-gauge electrical wires or cables, and can provide greater flexibility in the manner in which low-gauge electrical wiring or structures with equivalent load capacity can be routed through and within electrical systems and associated structures. For example, when electrical systems are being upgraded or repaired, it may be difficult or impossible to route lower-gauge or additional wiring through existing structures such as conduits and junction boxes without violating safety standards regarding the minimum bend radius of such wiring. The use of bend radius adapters can provide additional flexibility in utilizing existing electrical system structures, and can simplify installation of other electrical components.

Abstract: Bypass systems can be used to connect alternative energy sources to existing distribution panels without the need to replace or upgrade the distribution panel. Some such bypass systems may be integrated directly into an electric meter, while others can be connected to the meter but located laterally or otherwise away from the electric meter. The bypass busbars and breakers may in some devices be interchangeable, allowing for greater flexibility and capacity of the bypass systems.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for connecting an alternative energy source (for example, solar, wind, or gas generator power) to power source lines of a utility company to back-feed power to the utility company at a circuit breaker panel. In some implementations, an over current protection device (OCPD) is electrically coupled to the source lines before the source lines are coupled to the main circuit breaker such that it can pass current from the alternative energy source to the source lines without using the busbars of the circuit breaker panel. In some implementations, the OCPD includes slots that are configured to receive the source lines when the OCPD is pushed down over the source lines. The OCPD also includes coupling structures that fit around at least a portion of the source lines, and includes one or more spike taps to electrically couple to the source lines.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for current monitoring. For example, in a system that includes a first circuit breaker coupled to a primary power source and a second circuit breaker coupled to an alternative power source, there is provided an apparatus that includes a controller circuit configured to prevent back-feeding of power from the alternative power source to the primary power source via tripping the second circuit breaker, in response to the total current in the first and second circuit breakers exceeding a defined maximum level.