Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrical protection system , including a breaker enclosure and associated terminals, and the methods of use therefor that allow for a circuit breaker or other electrical protection device to be safely added or removed from a circuit while power is supplied to at least one of the terminals. The disclosed enclosure and terminals include a series of interrelated safety features that prevent a user from accidentally completing the circuit from one terminal to another when the electrical protection system would be in an unsafe state. The combination of features described herein allow for a replaceable electrical protection device for equipment under load to be realized, thus improving user safety.

Abstract: A switching device includes a base module equipped with an electromagnetic drive that has a yoke, a coil and an armature arranged movably relative to the yoke, and that has a switching contact that includes a stationary switching piece and a movable switching piece arranged opposite the stationary switching piece, wherein the switching contact is switchable between an “open” position and a “closed” position via movement of the armature, where the switching device also includes a modular auxiliary switching unit equipped with a contact system that consists of a stationary switching piece and a movable switching piece arranged opposite the stationary switching piece such that the coupling between the base module and the modular auxiliary switching unit is configured such that different distances in the contact system of the auxiliary switching unit are transferrable during a trigger event via an elastic element regardless of the auxiliary switching unit in use.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism includes a link lever, a fan-shaped lever, a spring mechanism and a thrust shaft pin. An outer end of the link lever includes a pin hole and an inner end includes a chute. A cam shaft pin passes through the chute and moves in the chute to drive the link lever when a motor cam rotates. A roller is mounted between the pin hole and the chute. The fan-shaped lever is connected to a main shaft and includes a first chute. The top of the spring mechanism includes a hole. The thrust shaft pin passes through second chutes on two side plates, the first chute, the hole, and the pin hole and links the link lever, the fan-shaped lever and the spring mechanism. The thrust shaft pin compresses the spring mechanism to store energy and drives the fan-shaped lever to rotate and a contact to move.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for battery management. The present disclosure may significantly reduce the likelihood that a fuse of a battery pack will be melted based on a voltage value of a battery cell to which an error has occurred. Accordingly, the present disclosure may avoid an economic loss and a time loss that may occur when the fuse is incorrectly melted and the battery pack becomes unusable.

Abstract: A protective switch assembly (100) includes switch position sensors (109) that sense switch blade (14) position and indicate whether one or more switches (104) are open. According to another aspect, the voltage and current of the switch circuits are monitored to determine switch position as well as overall circuit status.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter trip apparatus operably connected to an operating mechanism of a circuit interrupter includes a sensor and a switch operably connected and responsive to the sensor. The switch is positioned such that the sensor changes the operating state of the switch in response to detection of a predetermined electrical condition, such as an electrical fault. A controller is operably connected to the switch and is configured to activate the operating mechanism in response to a change in the operating state of the switch.

Abstract: A MOC operator structure for a circuit breaker includes linkage structure coupled between the operating mechanism and an interface structure. An armature is associated with the linkage structure. Permanent magnet structure is associated with the circuit breaker and is disposed generally adjacent to the armature. Wherein, when the operating mechanism is coupled with the linkage structure and the operating mechanism moves in a first direction, a portion of the linkage structure moves in a first direction and moves the MOC operator structure to an open position, with the armature being magnetically engaged with permanent magnet structure to maintain the MOC operator structure in the open position. When the portion of the operating mechanism moves in a second direction, the portion of the linkage structure moves in a second direction and moves the MOC operator structure to a closed position, with the armature magnetically disengaging from the permanent magnet structure.

Abstract: Electrical switchgear which combines, connected electrically in series, a visible disconnect switch (operated by a main switch actuator) and a circuit breaker module (which may also be termed an interrupter) including circuit breaker contacts which are opened and closed by an electrically-activated magnetic actuator and capable of interrupting fault currents. The magnetic actuator is stable in either a breaker-closed state or a breaker-open state without requiring electrical current flow through the magnetic actuator. An interlock is provided such that, as the main switch actuator begins to move from its switch-closed position to its switch-open position, the breaker-closed state is destabilized to open the circuit breaker contacts. An interlock is also provided such that the circuit breaker contacts cannot close while the visible disconnect switch is open.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric protection apparatus comprising at least one switching module fitted on a mounting support, and a control device with an electromagnetic coil juxtaposed with one of the above-mentioned modules, this device comprising a magnetic shield arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the mounting support, said shield being located between the control device and the switching module situated closer to said device, facing the coil of the control device, and comprising at least one ferromagnetic part shaped in such a way that said shield performs magnetic guiding of the arc as soon as separation of the contacts takes place so as to increase the propulsion component of the Laplacian force acting on the arc as soon as separation of the contacts takes place.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and method includes a mechanical pole moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position to open an electrical connection between a pair of electrical contacts. An electronic tripping device is configured to respond to a sensor signal. The sensor signal is output from a condition sensor wherein upon receiving the sensor signal the electronic tripping device trips the mechanical pole into the unlatched position.

Abstract: An apparatus for auxiliary contact of circuit breaker is disclosed that is capable of preventing an erroneous operation of and damage to an ON/OFF switch caused by over-stroke of a linkage mounted at an auxiliary contact apparatus, and enhancing reliability despite repeated opening/closing thereof.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a vacuum valve, an electromagnet including a first coil for driving an operating shaft of the vacuum valve toward an opening direction by electromagnetic repulsion, a movable core and a permanent magnet. Further, an operating mechanism is provided which excites the first coil to close the vacuum valve, holds the vacuum valve closed by an attractive force of the permanent magnet and excites the first coil in a direction reverse to an excitation direction in closing operation to open the vacuum valve. In the circuit breaker, together with the first coil, a second coil is disposed which is excited simultaneously with an electromagnetic repulsion coil for a quick opening operation by electromagnetic repulsion is provided in the electromagnet.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

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.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: An electromechanical/solid-state AC relay has an electromechanical winding coil that moves an armature to force mechanical contacts to open or close. Electrical arcing across the mechanical contacts that occur as the contacts are opening or closing can damage and severely reduce the lifetime of the relay. Contact arcing is prevented by pulsing a triac on for a short period of time just before and after the mechanical contacts make or break contact. The triac limits the voltage difference across the mechanical contacts to less than one volt to prevent arcing. The triac is turned off after the mechanical contacts finish moving, reducing the heating and average power through the triac. A zero-sampling circuit that detects when the AC input voltage switches across 0 volts and activates a control integrated circuit to switch on the triac during zero-crossings to minimize power surges.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals, a plurality of load terminals, and a plurality of user-accessible terminals accessible via apertures disposed in a front major surface of the housing. A fault detection assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals, the fault detection circuit being configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled to the fault detection assembly. The circuit interrupter includes a first set of interrupting contacts configured to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals, and the plurality of user-accessible terminals in a reset state.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a family of resettable circuit interrupting devices that eliminates the need to rewire a resettable circuit interrupting device after it is installed and powered up to correct for a reverse wiring conditions.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A non-contact auxiliary switch for a circuit breaker includes a target having first and second positions corresponding to open and closed positions of separable contacts. A non-contact sensor is responsive to the first and second positions of the target to generate first and second output signals. A movable slider member carries the target and is structured to slide within a holder inside the housing of the circuit breaker and to be coupled to and moved by an operating mechanism responsive to the open and closed positions of the separable contacts. This effects one of the first and second positions of the target when the separable contacts are closed and the other of the first and second positions of the target when the separable contacts are open.

Abstract: An improved ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle with reverse wiring protection. If the power lines are incorrectly connected to the load end of the receptacle during installation, power output to both the input end of the receptacle and the insertion outlets on the faceplate is prevented. The GFCI receptacle includes two stationary terminals on two first output conductors electrically connected to the insertion outlet, two stationary terminals on two second output conductors adapted for electrically connecting to the load, and four moveable terminal on two moveable connector arm adapted for electrically connecting to the power lines. The four moveable terminals corresponds in position to the four stationary terminals, respectively, and operate to electrical connect or disconnect the power lines to and from the load and the insertion outlet in a manner controlled by a disconnecting mechanism assembly and a reverse wiring protection mechanism.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for auxiliary contact of circuit breaker is disclosed that is capable of preventing an erroneous operation of and damage to an ON/OFF switch caused by over-stroke of a linkage mounted at an auxiliary contact apparatus, and enhancing reliability despite repeated opening/closing thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit interrupting device which comprises a novel reset mechanism to allow a user to test whether the device is wired properly. The novel reset mechanism includes a reset conducting apparatus which contains a reset start switch (KR-4). The KR-4 contains a first conducting pin, a second conducting pin, and a conducting bridge. When the reset button is depressed and the device is wired properly, the KR-4 is closed to allow the conducting bridge to be in contact with both the first and the second conducting pins so as to reset the device. The present invention also provides a circuit interrupting device which is capable of automatically checking the components of the circuit interrupting device (i.e., the end of life test) through a novel status test switch (KR-1). The KR-1 comprises a flexible metal piece and a simulated leakage current controlling resistor, which is located underneath of the flexible metal piece.

Abstract: A safety switch configured to determine whether a magnetically operated switch which forms part of the safety switch has been welded closed. The safety switch is configured to establish a first magnetic field in the vicinity of the magnetically operated switch. The magnetic field is arranged to move the magnetically operated switch from a first configuration to a second configuration. The safety switch monitors the state of the magnetically operated switch to determine if the magnetically operated switch has been moved by the first magnetic field, thereby determining if the magnetically operated switch has been welded closed.

Abstract: An on-board circuit breaker that includes a push-button that enables the circuit breaker to be reset by depressing it, a power supply terminal and distribution terminal, two breaking contacts, and a main bimetal strip. Thermal deformation of the main bimetal strip trips the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker further includes an actuator able to trip the circuit breaker and an electronic circuit monitoring the electric signal. The electric signal is monitored to trip the actuator when predefined particular situations are identified. The circuit breaker also includes a movable reset enable part equipped with a pin. When the circuit breaker is tripped, the reset enable part moves in such a way that resetting the circuit breaker is possible only by depressing the reset enable part before or when the push-button is depressed.

Abstract: An inductor comprising a core, wherein the inductor is produced by the steps of: defining physical parameters of the core of the inductor, the physical parameters including dimensions of the air gap; defining a plurality of branches of the core; approximating the relative permeability of the core material by interpolating between first and second known values of magnetic flux density that exist in the core material when the core material is exposed to first and second values of magnetic field strength, respectively; calculating boundary currents that must flow through the inductor for each of the first and second known values of magnetic flux density to exist in each branch of the core; establishing the inductance of the inductor at each of the calculated boundary currents; and constructing the inductor.

Abstract: A U-shaped accessory actuator clip that snaps onto the crossbar of a multipole circuit breaker is integrally molded of a compliant material with a flexible finger that actuates/deactuates an accessory, such as an auxiliary switch, as the contacts of the breaker close and open.

Abstract: A signal accessory for a molded case circuit breaker, with the circuit breaker (10) having an operating mechanism (40) with a cradle pin (41b), a cross bar (55) and a trip bar (54) and a main breaker cover (20). The signal accessory (300) comprises a signal accessory mounting (301) having a bottom mount (308) and a top mount (306) coupled to the bottom mount (308) with the top mount configured to receive a switch (302, 304) and engage the breaker cover (20) in an accessory socket (22). A switch member (311) is rotably mounted on the bottom mount (308) with the switch member (311) having an actuator lever (322) in contact with the operating mechanism (40) of the circuit breaker (10) and an actuator pad (314) in contact with a switch mounted on the top mount (306).

Abstract: An assembly for interacting with a circuit breaker operating mechanism of a circuit breaker including a housing and a pair of contacts within the housing, the operating mechanism arranged to separate the pair of contacts upon the occurrence of a trip event is disclosed. The assembly includes a plurality of linkages arranged to transmit mechanical energy from the operating mechanism to a plunger of an accessory device for changing a state thereof. The system of linkages is configured to compensate for any over-travel resulting from possible tolerance variations.

Abstract: An improved shock resistant auxiliary switch mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a common conductor having a conduction plate that is slidably translatable between electrically conductive contact with first and second conductors. The conduction plate is biased by a spring in a direction toward contact with the first conductor. An improved shock resistant circuit breaker including the improved auxiliary switch mechanism includes a crossbar that is operatively engageable with the conduction plate to releasably retain the conduction plate in a position in contact with the second conductor. When the circuit breaker is in an ON position, the conduction plate is operatively interposed between the crossbar and the bias of the spring.

Abstract: A subminiature circuit breaker is equipped with an arc fault auxiliary switch actuated by the arc fault trip motor through an indicator actuator that also deploys a pop-up arc fault indicator. An additional auxiliary switch actuated by the drive link on the toggle mechanism provides an indication of the open/closed state of the circuit breaker separable contacts. Both the arc fault auxiliary switch and the contact state auxiliary switch are mounted on the outside of the subminiature circuit breaker housing and are operated by an operating member and a pivoted member, respectively, extending through openings in the housing.

Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes a main body having a solenoid side and an auxiliary side. A solenoid side limit switch assembly is mounted to the solenoid side and an auxiliary side limit switch assembly is mounted on the auxiliary side. The solenoid side limit switch assembly includes a plurality of limit switches and a solenoid side mounting plate. The auxiliary side limit switch assembly includes a plurality of limit switches and an auxiliary side mounting plate.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case, separable contacts housed within the case, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the contacts. The operating mechanism includes a first pivot, a catch link and a U-link. The catch link has a first end and a second end, is pivotally mounted to the first pivot at the first end of the catch link, and is pivotally mounted to the U-link at the second end of the catch link. An operating handle includes a first handle portion extending through an opening of the case, a second elongated arm portion within the case, and a second pivot between the first and second portions. An independent operating handle link has a first end and a second end, is pivotally mounted to the second pivot at the first end thereof, and is pivotally mounted to the first pivot at the second end thereof.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case, separable contacts having a fixed contact and a movable contact, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a closed position, an open position, an operating handle for moving the operating mechanism between the open and closed positions, a movable contact arm carrying the movable contact, a linkage having a first end and a second end, and a snap lever. The second end of the linkage is pivotally mounted to the movable contact arm. The snap lever holds the linkage in the open position of the operating mechanism and releases the linkage as the operating handle moves from the open position toward the closed position of the operating mechanism, in order to snap close the separable contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case, a frame fixedly disposed within the case, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The frame includes a tab. The operating mechanism includes an operating handle, a closed position, an open position, a linkage, such as a pair of links, having a first end and a second end, and a link pivotally mounted to the case and to the first end of the linkage. The tab of the frame engages and stops movement of the link in the closed position.

Abstract: A neutral pole for a multipole circuit breaker is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a housing, a plurality of contact arms for opening and closing an electrical circuit, and an operating mechanism for driving the contact arms. The neutral pole includes a neutral housing, a conduction path within the neutral housing having a neutral arm arranged to open and close the conduction path, a bias spring configured to exert a first bias moment on the neutral arm when the conduction path is closed, a spring support configured to support the bias spring, a rotor pivotally arranged within the neutral housing and configured to displace the neutral arm and to open the conduction path, and a drive pin configured to couple the rotor to the multipole circuit breaker. The spring support is fixedly arranged at the neutral housing. The rotor is responsive to the opening and closing action of the operating mechanism of the multipole circuit breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing having an elongated pivot opening, a movable arm, a fixed contact and a movable contact mounted on the arm. The contacts and the arm cooperate to provide closed, pivot and open states. The pivot opening mounts a pivot end of the arm for pivotal and longitudinal movement. A solenoid includes a plunger coupled to the arm. The plunger moves between deactuating and actuating positions to provide the open and closed states, respectively. The plunger has a pivot position between the deactuating and actuating positions. The pivot end moves to a first longitudinal position in the pivot and open states, and moves to a second longitudinal position in the closed state. When the contacts are welded closed, the solenoid provides insufficient force to move the plunger to the deactuating position until after the pivot end moves at least substantially toward the first longitudinal position.

Abstract: An improved test button assembly for use in a circuit breaker includes a frame and a button member, with the button member being pivotably mounted on the frame. A pair of microswitches are mounted on a printed circuit board that is disposed on the frame. The button member is alternately engageable with the two microswitches, with one of the microswitches being connectable with a ground fault protection circuit, and the other microswitch being connectable with an arc fault protection circuit. In an alternate embodiment, a common electrical contact is mounted on the button member, and a pair of contacts are mounted on the frame, with the common contact being alternately engageable with each of the contacts mounted on the frame. The contacts mounted on the frame are connected with the ground fault and arc fault protection circuits.

Abstract: A securing member for use in a switch assembly of a circuit breaker includes a support post and a fastener. The securing member assists in mounting an alarm switch onto a bracket of the switch assembly and further resists movement of the actuation levers of a pair of auxiliary switches from moving beyond a first given position and from potentially becoming caught in an operating mechanism that pivots a crossbar. The dual functionality of the securing member is cost effective and occupies only a minimal amount of additional space within the crowded confines of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protection relay, in particular of the thermal type, recessed relative to its front face (24), a recess acting as through passage for interconnection of the conductors (C) between the terminals of the relay control (23) and of the contact switch (16). The recess (27) is concealed in normal operation by a shutter consisting of a flap (26) or a fixed part (26′) of the housing (20). The interconnection conductors can consist of individual cables (C) or can be integrated to a precabling addition (40) housed in the recess.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has a set of remotely controllable secondary contacts electrically connected in series with the main contacts which provide overcurrent or fault current protection. An operating mechanism opens and closes the set of main contacts. The secondary contacts are opened and closed by a latching solenoid. The latching solenoid includes a plunger latchable to a first position, which opens the set of secondary contacts, and to a second position which closes the set of secondary contacts. The latching solenoid also includes an open/close coil which when energized with a first polarity signal operates the plunger to the first position and which when energized with an opposite second polarity signal operates the plunger to the second position. A circuit is structured for cooperation with a remote control circuit for energizing the coil with the first polarity signal or, alternatively, the second polarity signal.

Abstract: An under-voltage tripping device installed on a main body of a circuit breaker includes an electromagnetic under-voltage tripping mechanism; an early-operation auxiliary switch for switching a conductive path of an electromagnet of the electromagnetic under-voltage tripping mechanism in connection with a handle mechanism of the circuit breaker; and a unit case having two opposite ends and external connection terminals at the two opposite ends thereof. The unit case is shaped to fit an outward frame of the main body. The wiring circuits for the electromagnet and the early-operation auxiliary switch are separated from each other in the unit case. The early-operation auxiliary switch is connected between the external connection terminals of the unit case, and the electromagnet has leads emerging directly from the unit case and connected to an external wiring.

Abstract: A remote control circuit breaker which includes a first current path and a second current path. The circuit breaker also includes a set of separable main contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the set of main contacts, a trip device in electrical communication with the main contacts, a set of separable latching contacts having an actuator in electrical communication with the trip device. The circuit breaker also includes a by-pass circuit in electrical communication with the trip device. The first current path passes through the main contacts, the trip device, and the latching contacts and the second current path passes through the main contacts, the trip device, and the by-pass circuit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker of the invention is formed of an attached switch installed in a breaker main body case and moving synchronously with an opening and closing lever of an opening and closing mechanism section to detect ON or OFF status of the circuit breaker. The attached switch has an operating lever moving vertically and placed opposite a tip of the opening and closing lever when the attached switch is installed in the main body case. The operating lever has an interlocking hook additionally provided thereon and linked with the opening and closing lever so as to hook the tip thereof, and an attached switch housing section formed in the main body case has a hook guide at a bottom thereof for guiding, in a position where the attached switch is installed, the interlocking hook to a position where the interlocking hook engages the opening and closing lever.

Abstract: An auxiliary switch for a circuit breaker of the split case type. The switch is capable of switching the rated interrupt current capacity of the breaker and is fitted in to the circuit breaker case so that the overall width is substantially equal to or less than the overall width of the circuit breaker. Several embodiments of the auxiliary switch disclose various features which contribute to increasing the interrupt current rating and/or down sizing the width of the auxiliary switch.

Abstract: The auxiliary switch (2) has a slide (5) with a gate (14) as an actuating element that engages with the reversing lever (13) acting upon the contact carrier (11). After a first actuation stage, in which the slide (5) pushes the contact carrier (11) into the ON position, the actuating element of a basic switching device (1) is actuated when pushing is continued.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and method for interrupting the flow of electric current in a line having a load and a source including a first switch connected in series with the line and a first actuating device coupled to the first switch and adapted to be actuated by at least one activating signal, to move the first switch from the closed position to the open position. A resistor having a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity is connected in series with the first switch and a voltage limiting device is connected in parallel with the resistor. A second actuating device is coupled to the first switch and is adapted to be actuated by at least one remote control activating signal, to move the first switch to the open position or to the closed position. The second actuating device further includes a coil and a second switch connected to the coil and to the line, the second switch adapted for activating the coil upon the receipt of the remote control activating signal.

Abstract: Miniature circuit breaker apparatus is taught which includes side-by-side ganged cases where one of the ganged cases includes the main circuit breaker operating mechanism and contacts and where the other case includes an actuable micro-switch, which is interconnected with an indicating device for providing either a bell alarm function for the circuit breaker system or an auxiliary switch function for the circuit breaker system. The bell alarm function is provided by extending the rotatable axis of the trip mechanism of the main circuit breaker into the case of the secondary circuit breaker casing for movement of an auxiliary switch. The auxiliary switch indicates a trip function when the main circuit breaker contacts have been tripped opened, thus providing a bell alarm indication, for example.