Abstract: An electrical distribution computer panel for delivering and controlling power to a plurality of electrical circuits. The electrical distribution computer includes a unitary enclosure having a top, bottom, sides and a door. Located within the enclosure is a microprocessor having a central processing unit, a clock for providing a clock signal to the central processing unit, memory for storing an application program for the central processing unit and a remote communication circuit for providing communications to the electrical distribution computer from a remote device. Also located in the enclosure is an interface having a plurality of outputs and a plurality of inputs communicably associated with the microprocessor and a plurality of computer controllable circuit breakers having a circuit breaker input for receiving a circuit breaker control signal from the interface. A display for displaying information provided by the microprocessor is located on an outer wall of the enclosure.

Abstract: A transient surge suppression system utilizes a negative resistance voltage breakdown device such as a gas discharge tube or a semiconductor device such as a SIDAC in series with a resistance element, preferably a non-linear resistance element, such as a varistor or Zener diode, to limit the amplitude of voltage transients applied to electrical equipment being protected. The breakdown device breaks down when a sufficiently high amplitude voltage transient is applied thereto, and the resistive element serves to protect the breakdown device from damage by excessive follow-on current. If a non-linear resistance device is used as the resistance element, the voltage across the combination is reduced at high currents. Several units may be cascaded to achieve sequential breakdown of multiple devices to thereby share the surge current among several devices and to reduce the dynamic impedance of the circuit and to multiply power dissipation capacity of the transient voltage surge suppression system.