Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ground-current isolating circuit for providing a low voltage barrier between a service neutral conductor and an associated grounding system. The voltage barrier circuit comprises a first current unidirectional element and a second current unidirectional element connected in antiparallel. The unidirectional elements are preferably diodes having a characteristic threshold voltage. The current in a forward biased direction is blocked by the circuit until an applied forward biased voltage exceeds the threshold voltage. The present invention also is directed to a method of isolating a neutral conductor temporarily from an associated grounding system during testing of a structure grounding system.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 10, 2005
Date of Patent:
January 29, 2008
Assignee:
Magicground Technology LLC
Inventors:
Charles A. Gaston, Vaughn G. Silar, Jr.
Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ground-current isolating circuit for providing a low voltage barrier between a service neutral conductor and an associated grounding system. The voltage barrier circuit comprises a first current unidirectional element and a second current unidirectional element connected in antiparallel. The unidirectional elements are preferably diodes having a characteristic threshold voltage. The current in a forward biased direction is blocked by the circuit until an applied forward biased voltage exceeds the threshold voltage. The present invention also is directed to a method of isolating a neutral conductor temporarily from an associated grounding system during testing of a structure grounding system.