Abstract: An installed device electrically connected to a power source. The installed device has circuitry capable of detecting voltage, performing self-diagnostics, and testing for connectivity to the power source. In one embodiment, the device can also check to see if the voltage is at a de-energized level, recheck for continuity and repeat the self-diagnostics. In another embodiment, the installed device can be electrically connected to the line and load side of a disconnect and have circuitry configured to check the status of the disconnect. In another embodiment, the device can be configured to communicate with a portable reader in order to transfer information to the portable reader. In yet another embodiment, the device can be configured to interact with a controller that controls access to the panel in which the device is installed.

Abstract: A method of providing a user access to an enclosure with an absence of voltage testing device (AVT) includes initiating an absence of voltage test, determining whether the user has appropriate authorization, and providing access to the enclosure.

Abstract: An absence of voltage detection system has an isolation module connected to a voltage source to be detected an I/O accessory module connected to the isolation module wherein the I/O accessory module is configured to allow remote activation of the isolation module.

Abstract: An absence of voltage detection system has an isolation module connected to a voltage source to be detected an I/O accessory module connected to the isolation module wherein the I/O accessory module is configured to allow remote activation of the isolation module.

Abstract: An absence of voltage detection system has an isolation module connected to a voltage source to be detected an I/O accessory module connected to the isolation module wherein the I/O accessory module is configured to allow remote activation of the isolation module.

Abstract: A method for allowing access to an electrical enclosure having a disconnect includes upon initiation by a user or upon a change of state of the disconnect automatically performing the steps of checking for an absence of voltage, giving a positive indication of an absence of voltage, checking the state of each phase of the electrical disconnect to ensure contacts of the disconnect are open, and opening a lock on the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of providing a user access to an enclosure with an absence of voltage testing device (AVT) includes initiating an absence of voltage test, determining whether the user has appropriate authorization, and providing access to the enclosure.

Abstract: A method for verifying that a disconnect is open includes providing a disconnect verification unit electrically connected to a load side of a disconnect to be verified, having the disconnect verification unit determine whether the contact for each phase of the disconnect is open, having the disconnect verification unit determine whether the leads are connected to the load side of the disconnect; and sending a signal to a user interface of a status of the disconnect.

Abstract: An installed device electrically connected to a power source. The installed device has circuitry capable of detecting voltage, performing self-diagnostics, and testing for connectivity to the power source. In one embodiment, the device can also check to see if the voltage is at a de-energized level, recheck for continuity and repeat the self-diagnostics. In another embodiment, the installed device can be electrically connected to the line and load side of a disconnect and have circuitry configured to check the status of the disconnect. In another embodiment, the device can be configured to communicate with a portable reader in order to transfer information to the portable reader. In yet another embodiment, the device can be configured to interact with a controller that controls access to the panel in which the device is installed.

Abstract: Industrial motor control apparatus and techniques are presented for mitigating incident energy associated with an internal arcing. Interior enclosure surfaces and/or surfaces of electrical components are provided with textures and/or coatings which may be non-reflective with respect to visible and/or infrared light in order to redirect incident energy associated with internal arcing conditions. The electrical components are also arranged so as to substantially minimize the percentage of back wall exposure, and filler material and/or tile structures may be mounted within the enclosure, which may be non-reflective and/or have textured surfaces or coating layers to mitigate incident arcing energy. In addition, baffles or barriers may be provided within the enclosure to redirect or absorb incident energy from internal arcing.

Abstract: A safety termination apparatus for connecting to a power conductor has first and second galvanic connections, a sensor wire, and an insulating housing. The first and second galvanic connections are connected to an uninsulated portion of the power conductor and a sensor wire is electrically connected to each galvanic connection. The insulating housing encloses the galvanic connections and has first and second compartments for enclosing the first and second galvanic connections. The first and second compartments separate the first and second galvanic connections such that the first and second galvanic connections are not electrically connected to each other than through a mutual connection to the power conductor.

Abstract: A safety termination apparatus for connecting to a power conductor has first and second galvanic connections, a sensor wire, and an insulating housing. The first and second galvanic connections are connected to an uninsulated portion of the power conductor and a sensor wire is electrically connected to each galvanic connection. The insulating housing encloses the galvanic connections and has first and second compartments for enclosing the first and second galvanic connections. The first and second compartments separate the first and second galvanic connections such that the first and second galvanic connections are not electrically connected to each other than through a mutual connection to the power conductor.

Abstract: A system for testing electrical continuity of a device to a source wherein there is at least one conductor connecting the device to the source can include a reference capacitive load, an oscillator, and a microprocessor. The oscillator is selectively connected to the reference capacitive load and each conductor connecting the device to the source such that the frequency output of the oscillator is a function of the selected capacitive load of the oscillator. Each conductor connecting the device to the source is connected to the oscillator such that when each one is selectively connected, the output of the oscillator is a function of that conductor's parasitic self-capacitance. The microprocessor can then compare the frequency of the signal generated when each conductor is connected to the oscillator with the frequency of the signal generated when the reference capacitive load is connected.

Abstract: Method and device for determining the absence of voltage in electrical equipment. An installed device is electrically connected to a power source. The installed device has circuitry capable of detecting voltage, performing self-diagnostics, and testing for connectivity to the power source. In one embodiment, the device can also check to see if the voltage is at a deenergized level, recheck for continuity and repeat the self-diagnostics. In another embodiment, the installed device can be electrically connected to the line and load side of a disconnect and have circuitry configured to check the status of the disconnect. In another embodiment, the device can be configured to communicate with a portable reader in order to transfer information to the portable reader. In yet another embodiment, the device can be configured to interact with a controller that controls access to the panel in which the device is installed.

Abstract: Electrical enclosures are provided that include arc resistant features designed to add structural strength for arc containment, to inhibit arc propagation, and/or to direct the release of pressure within and/or from the enclosure in order to provide arc resistant electrical enclosures. In general, the arc resistant features may be designed to provide enclosures where in the event of an arc fault, the doors and covers remain closed, parts are not ejected from the enclosure, holes are not produced in the enclosure, indicators located in close proximity to the enclosure do not ignite, and/or grounding connections remain effective. Further, the foregoing features may be designed to provide electrical enclosures that comply with industry guides and standards for arc resistant ratings.

Abstract: A system for testing electrical continuity of a device to a source wherein there is at least one conductor connecting the device to the source can include a reference capacitive load, an oscillator, and a microprocessor. The oscillator is selectively connected to the reference capacitive load and each conductor connecting the device to the source such that the frequency output of the oscillator is a function of the selected capacitive load of the oscillator. Each conductor connecting the device to the source is connected to the oscillator such that when each one is selectively connected, the output of the oscillator is a function of that conductor's parasitic self-capacitance. The microprocessor can then compare the frequency of the signal generated when each conductor is connected to the oscillator with the frequency of the signal generated when the reference capacitive load is connected.

Abstract: Industrial motor control apparatus and techniques are presented for mitigating incident energy associated with an internal arcing. Interior enclosure surfaces and/or surfaces of electrical components are provided with textures and/or coatings which may be non-reflective with respect to visible and/or infrared light in order to redirect or absorb incident energy associated with internal arcing conditions. The electrical components are also arranged so as to substantially minimize the percentage of back wall exposure, and filler material and/or tile structures may be mounted within the enclosure, which may be non-reflective and/or have textured surfaces or coating layers to mitigate incident arcing energy. In addition, baffles or barriers may be provided within the enclosure to redirect or absorb incident energy from internal arcing.

Abstract: Industrial motor control apparatus and techniques are presented for mitigating incident energy associated with an internal arcing. Interior enclosure surfaces and/or surfaces of electrical components are provided with textures and/or coatings which may be non-reflective with respect to visible and/or infrared light in order to redirect or absorb incident energy associated with internal arcing conditions. The electrical components are also arranged so as to substantially minimize the percentage of back wall exposure, and filler material and/or tile structures may be mounted within the enclosure, which may be non-reflective and/or have textured surfaces or coating layers to mitigate incident arcing energy. In addition, baffles or barriers may be provided within the enclosure to redirect or absorb incident energy from internal arcing.

Abstract: Electrical enclosures are provided that include arc resistant features designed to add structural strength for arc containment, to inhibit arc propagation, and/or to direct the release of pressure within and/or from the enclosure in order to provide arc resistant electrical enclosures. In general, the arc resistant features may be designed to provide enclosures where in the event of an arc fault, the doors and covers remain closed, parts are not ejected from the enclosure, holes are not produced in the enclosure, indicators located in close proximity to the enclosure do not ignite, and/or grounding connections remain effective. Further, the foregoing features may be designed to provide electrical enclosures that comply with industry guides and standards for arc resistant ratings.

Abstract: A system for the detection and indication of both the absence and presence of voltage is described. The system has a voltage detector module, a voltage indicator module, and a communication network based continuous secondary power source configured to enable the voltage indicator module to positively indicate the absence of voltage in the primary circuit. In some embodiments, the system can positively indicate the presence of voltage in the primary circuit such that the positive detection and indication is powered by the primary circuit itself. In some embodiments, the positive detection and indication of voltage can also be powered by the communication network based secondary power source.