Abstract: Methods, systems, and non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium for generating a graphical user interface to view status events for devices operating within an electrical distribution system over various time interval granularities and ranges are disclosed. The graphical user interface provides users with the ability to select various overall ranges of time and time intervals within these ranges. By generating a simple graphical user interface in this manner, operating personnel can more easily view an aggregation of data for the electrical power system, predict trends, and isolate and rectify recurring problems.

Abstract: A fuse incorporates a fusible element assembly and an auxiliary fusible element assembly in a solid arc extinguishing material configuration. The fusible element assembly has a first operating characteristic and the auxiliary fusible element has a second operating characteristic different than the first operating characteristic.

Abstract: A fault protection system for an electrical power distribution system and a method of configuring and operating a fault protection system for an electrical power distribution system accepts device fault protection parameters, such as the time-current-characteristics (TCCs), of boundary devices, and selects and sets fault protection parameters for one or more fault protection devices, such as fault-interrupters, that thus coordinate with the boundary devices. Fault protection parameter selection for each fault protection device may occur automatically, and each device may reconfigure its fault protection parameters based upon changes in the electrical power distribution system, for example, as the result of fault isolation and/or service restoration.

Abstract: A virtual closed loop power distribution system couples a parallel source to a feeder upon an initial indication of a fault existing on a distribution feeder If the fault is persistent, a fault protection system including fault protection devices segmenting the distribution feeder operates to isolate the fault segment of the distribution feeder from each of the coupled sources. The coupled sources provide substantially uninterrupted service to the non-faulted segments of the distribution feeder until a circuit reconfiguration and return-to-normal function operates to restore the system upon repair of the fault.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a trunnion body portion and a coupled guiding member. The guiding member may be a spring or spring like and may further include a blocking structure. The trunnion body portion may include a loop.

Abstract: A power distribution system may incorporate a network communication capability. The network communication capability may be configured or may be configurable as a multi-tiered, mesh network. The network may have two tiers of fixed node meshes (tier 2 and tier 3) and one tier of mobile nodes mesh (tier 1). Each tier and each node of each tier has distinct characteristics relative to application, type of routing, transmit power control, physical configuration and message priorities. The configuration and the characteristics of the network change based upon varying application and communication needs of the network.

Abstract: A reclosing fault protection device detects a partial bypass state. Upon detecting the partial bypass state, the fault protection device implements a ground trip delay operating state. The ground trip delay operating state provides a delayed ground trip response characteristic.

Abstract: A fault interrupting and reclosing device includes a circuit interrupter coupled to an actuator. The actuator includes at least one force generating element for generating an opening force for opening the circuit interrupter and for generating a restoring force to close the circuit interrupter. The device further includes a latch to engage the actuator to hold the contacts open once opened. In a preferred arrangement, the device is provided with an automatic mode of operation including a reclose process and a non-reclosing mode of operation. The device also preferably includes a method of determining the end-of-life of a vacuum interrupter monitors characteristics and/or parameters of a fault current or vacuum interrupter operation to predict a percent of life consumed with each fault current interruption operation. A cumulative percent of life consumed may also be determined, and an end-of-life may be predicted based upon the cumulative percent of life consumed.

Abstract: A fault interrupter and a method of operating a fault interrupter to reduce arcing time during fault interruption. Fault interrupter operation is delayed following detecting a peak current such that its operation occurs at a point of the current wave resulting in reduced arcing during fault isolation.

Abstract: A circuit testing closer is capable of closing a power distribution circuit and interrupting the resulting current at the next current zero. Upon detecting a fault, the circuit testing closer is operable to open contacts to isolate the fault. Next, the circuit testing closer tests the faulted line to determine whether the fault has cleared. The circuit testing closer may generate a first test signal having a first polarity and a second test signal having a second polarity opposite the first polarity. Generation of the second test signal may be limited to occur when the first test signal indicates a fault.

Abstract: A multi-path switching configuration provides independent switching of multiple circuit paths. In a preferred arrangement, a plurality of circuit interrupters have one end connected in common with each other and a second end providing a circuit path connection. An operating facility is arranged to independently operate the circuit interrupters via an operating member operatively connected to a respective circuit interrupter and controlling the respective interrupting path. Two or more of the operating members are moved to selectively provide desired connections of circuit paths.

Abstract: An arc extinguishing composition including an arc-quenching metal hydrate (herein defined as a metal compound that produces water vapor (H2O) when in contact with an electrical arc), and one or more binders. The compositions contain an arc-quenching metal hydrate compound, such as Mg(OH)2, with or without a second arc-quenching compound, such as melamine, and these metal hydrate-containing compositions are used in a method of extinguishing an arc by disposing the molded compositions along a path of an electrical arc, for contacting the arc.

Abstract: An exhaust control device includes a wear indicator disposed within a housing of the exhaust control device. The wear indicator is arranged to be exposed to a flow of exhaust gas through the exhaust control device. The wear indicator has a first observable state indicative of remaining useful life of the exhaust control device. The wear indicator is responsive to a flow of exhaust gas through the exhaust control device to assume a second observable state indicative of the exhaust control device having reached the end of its useful life.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device is manufacturable in a number of different configurations providing current path options, conductor connectivity options and sensing options. The device may include a configurable solid insulation housing into which various operable components are installed. The device may include a core element including a sensor assembly and conductor members, from which the various configurations may be established including a plurality of different current path configurations. A plurality of circuit interrupting devices (302) may be configured together in an assembly with corresponding disconnect assemblies (306). An interlock is provided to prevent operation of the disconnect assemblies (306) unless the circuit interrupting devices (302) are in an open state.

Abstract: Fault protection is provided with fuse saving in a power distribution system. An operating characteristic of a fault protection device protecting a portion of the power distribution system is configured in view of fuse melting characteristics. In this manner, fault protection is provided with fuse saving, when possible, with reduced service disruptions.

Abstract: A power distribution system may have source, switching and load components, wherein at least one of the source, switching and load components has a wireless communication capability such that it is operable to act as a wireless communication access point. A mobile station seeking to associate with the one component may use a secure access protocol to gain such access. The secure access protocol may provide for receiving at the one component a management message from the mobile station. From the management message the component may obtain mobile identification information used to verify the identity of the mobile station and to initiate communication by sending an association message. Until after successful verification of the mobile station identity the component remains radio silent.

Abstract: An arc-interrupting compound, such as melamine, and to a method of extinguishing an arc by disposing the composition along the path of the arc, for contacting the arc. In one embodiment, the binder, or at least a portion of the binder, is a polymer that contains a functional group that binds to a coupling agent that is included in the arc-extinguishing composition. The coupling agent ties the polymeric binder to the arc-extinguishing compound, e.g., melamine, to provide new and unexpected physical strength and stability to the composition. In this embodiment, the molded composition, including the arc-interrupting compound coupled to the binder, maintains excellent arc-interrupting capability, while providing chemical stability and electrical insulating properties as well as unexpected physical strength.

Abstract: An arrangement capable of being assembled with either an existing installed electrical equipment enclosure having an access door or during the fabrication and assembly of such an electrical equipment enclosure that increases the arc-resistant capabilities and characteristics of the electrical equipment enclosure. The arc-resistant capabilities of the electrical equipment enclosure are increased via the provision of shielding facilities disposed in the vicinity of the access opening of the enclosure to substantially limit the heat generated by internal arcing within the enclosure from reaching the access door to the enclosure.

Abstract: A manual trip control method and arrangement is provided to manually trip a plurality of circuit interrupters. Specifically, where the circuit interrupters include magnetic-actuator-driven vacuum interrupters including permanent magnets that hold the contacts of the circuit interrupter in the closed position via a plunger, a first of the circuit interrupters is manually tripped via movement of the plunger. To operate the remaining circuit interrupters to trip open, the voltage generated in the magnetic actuator of the first circuit interrupter is coupled to the magnetic actuators of the remaining circuit interrupters for tripping thereof.

Abstract: A fault protection device such as a fuse may have a body portion and a displaceable portion mounted to the body portion and displaceable from the body portion as a result of use or operation of the fault protection device. An authentication device is secured to the fault protection device. The authentication device may have a first portion secured to the body portion and a second portion secured to the displaceable portion in a manner that removal of the first portion or the second portion from the body portion and the displaceable portion, respectfully, results in irreparable damage to the authentication device. Furthermore, displacement of the displaceable portion from the body portion as a result of use or operation of the fault protection device results in irreparable damage to the authentication device. The authentication device may also include verifiable indicia authenticating a characteristic of the fault protection device as being genuine.