Abstract: A touch-safe bus connection device includes a bus extension (160, 260, 360), a non-conductive housing (110, 210, 310), a moveable electrical contact (150, 250, 350) and a moveable non-conductive cover (140, 240, 340). The contact is arranged in the housing, and is moved to connect or disconnect the extension and a stab of an electrical panel across a gap (192, 292, 392). The cover is concurrently and automatically moved to uncover or cover an opening (116, 216, 316) of the housing to allow or restrict, respectively, access to the extension. The contact and cover are concurrently and automatically moveable between a position at which the contact bridges the gap to connect the extension and the stab and the opening of the housing is covered by the cover, and another position at which the extension and the stab are disconnected across the gap and the opening of the housing is uncovered.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer-readable media secure a coupler 101 of an electric vehicle charging station 100 by locking the coupler 101 to the electric vehicle charging station 100 or an electric vehicle 210. A locking mechanism is provided within the coupler 101. The locking mechanism may include an actuator 432 configured to move between a lock and unlock position. When the actuator 432 is in the lock position, the coupler 101 may be locked to the charging station 100 or an electric vehicle 210. Whereas, when the actuator 432 is in the unlock position, the coupler 101 may be removed from the charging station 100 or electric vehicle 210. Further, the charging station 100 may include an identification device 437 for determining when to lock or unlock the coupler 101.

Abstract: An autonomous adaptive arc fault detection device includes a memory for storing data of arc fault tripping events detected on a circuit over a period of time. The device also includes a processor, in communication with the memory, for determining whether a newly detected arc fault tripping event is an unwanted tripping event based on a number of times a same type of tripping event, as the newly detected arc fault tripping event, has occurred, and inhibiting interruption of the circuit if the newly detected arc fault tripping event is determined to be an unwanted tripping event. The memory can store data, such as sensed or calculated electrical characteristic parameters defining a signature of a detected arc fault tripping event as well as a number of times a stored tripping event has occurred over a period of time.

Abstract: A terminal shield for a circuit breaker, formed of an electrically insulating material, protects an operator from inadvertently touching the load terminal that would otherwise be exposed on the bottom side of the circuit breaker: In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention, the terminal shield is integrated with a toroidally shaped current transformer sensor, to enable measuring the current in a load wire that has been inserted through an aperture in the terminal shield. Preferably there is an access hole in the front portion of the terminal shield, which allows the operator to insert a tool through the front face of the circuit breaker, to tighten the load terminal onto the load wire. The terminal shield with the integrated current transformer sensor enables standardization of load current sensing capability for circuit breakers and further enables ease of installation without clutter in the confined regions of the load center.

Abstract: A plug-on neutral circuit breaker includes a housing, a neutral terminal, and a biasing member. The neutral terminal is pivotally coupled to the housing and includes a body portion, a first leg, and a second leg. The first leg extends from the body portion in a first direction and the second leg extends from the body portion in a second direction. The biasing member is positioned within the housing and is configured to engage the second leg of the neutral terminal, thereby biasing the neutral terminal in a first rotational direction. The biasing of the neutral terminal in the first rotational direction causes a portion of the first leg of the neutral terminal to be urged into contact with a neutral bar of an electrical distribution apparatus in response to the plug-on neutral circuit breaker being installed in the electrical distribution apparatus.

Abstract: A synthetic fault signal generator assembly is remotely located on a branch circuit downstream from a circuit breaker protecting a load. The synthetic fault signal generator assembly is configured to detect an improper circuit condition that is not independently detected, detectable, or actionable by the circuit breaker such as, for example, a load or outlet receptacle specific problem that can lead to equipment damage or property damage if not mitigated. In response to the improper circuit condition being detected, the synthetic fault signal generator assembly generates a synthetic fault signal, which causes the circuit breaker to trip. The synthetic fault signal generator assembly can inject the synthetic fault signal into the branch circuit to provide the synthetic fault signal to the circuit breaker.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlet is disclosed which detects and interrupts upstream parallel arc faults. The example AFCI outlet includes a switching element coupled between the line and neutral conductors at the outlet. The outlet also includes a voltage sensor and a current sensor. A parallel upstream arc fault is detected from a sensed voltage drop and no corresponding increase in current. On detecting the arc fault, the switching element is closed and current flows through the relatively lower resistance switching element interrupting power through the arc fault. The closed switching element results in an overcurrent condition causing an upstream conventional thermal-magnetic circuit breaker to trip.

Abstract: According to various aspects, an energy management system is provided for generating a user request for information. According to one embodiment, the user selects energy management information to initiate a request for information. The system captures user context, the selected information, and determines information that is necessary to resolve the user's request. In some embodiments, the system requires explicit consent prior to sharing the necessary information with potential responders. In other embodiments, the system can require payment before proceeding. User requests can be routed to potential responders based on user context (e.g., what energy management information was being viewed, what report was being displayed, what actions the user was taking, etc.). User context can also include information on the user so a compatible responder with subject matter expertise can be identified. Generated responses can then be returned in-line in same context (e.g.

Abstract: Methods and systems for limiting damage caused by arcs in bus stacks provide an arc transfer feature on each side of the bus stack. The arc transfer feature captures any arcs forming near busbar connection points and transfers the arc away from the busbar connection points to the interior of the bus stack. Phase barriers along the length of the interior of the bus stack then direct the arcs toward the end of the bus stack. At the end of the bus stack, a bus end interrupter receives and extinguishes the arcs.

Abstract: A cable reel assembly in an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) having a reel around which a cable is coiled. A shaft supporting the reel bears discs that rotate with the reel, and calipers coupled to the discs stop them and the reel from rotating. The power L1 and L2 conductors in the cable are electrically connected to the discs, and the calipers are electrically connected to the power source for the EVSE so that the calipers provide mechanical and electrical connection when actuated. Optionally, slip rings coupled to the shaft are connected to the control pilot and proximity signal conductors in the cable. Thus, during cable re traction, the control pilot and proximity signals are still provided to the EVSE, but the power conductors are decoupled from the power source. Only when the calipers are actuated to brake the discs is current flow permitted.

Abstract: A subsurface mounted inductive charging coil system for electric vehicles accommodates the gap distance between primary charging coil and secondary coil on the vehicle with an extendable primary coil carrier. The system protects the primary coil when exposed by mounting on a deformable and elastic structure. By keeping the primary coil normally hidden in a deformable and elastic structure several advantages are obtained. The extendable structure is preferably a low pressure inflatable bladder or membrane in the floor for carrying, protecting, and extending the primary coil.

Abstract: A contact wear detector includes an electrical contact 100 having a base layer 110 composed of a first material and a contacting layer 120 composed of a second material, to electrically contact an opposing contact in the circuit. The base layer is capable of having portions exposed through worn areas 125 of the contacting layer. The first material of the base layer is configured to form an arc 210 between the portions of the base layer exposed through the worn areas and the opposing contact when the contacts separate. The arc thus formed emits light 212 having a characteristic optical spectrum of the first material. An optical detector 220 is proximate to the electrical contacts, to detect the characteristic optical spectrum of the light emitted by the arc between the portions of the base layer exposed through the worn areas and the opposing contact.

Abstract: An electrical connecting assembly includes a combination of a wire-binding screw and washer for fastening a conductor wire to a mechanical lug. The wire is inserted into the lug within a main bore. The screw and washer are inserted into the lug within a secondary threaded bore. The screw has a threaded body with an external thread for coupling to an internal thread of the mechanical lug. The threaded body has a bottom surface from which a boss extends with an end surface being formed-over for retaining the washer. The washer has a top surface in contact with the bottom surface of the screw and a bottom surface in contact with the conductor. The screw rotates independently of the washer, providing improved clamping force and reduced wire-strand breakage during current cycling.

Abstract: Methods and systems for safely installing and removing a circuit breaker or other branch electrical equipment from a panelboard provide a resilient barrier interface for the panelboard. The barrier interface operates in conjunction with the circuit breaker to allow access to a plug-in jaw in the panelboard only when the circuit breaker is inserted in the panelboard. Specifically, the circuit breaker has one or more insertion keys on the underside of its casing that interact with the barrier interface to open and close the barrier interface. When the circuit breaker is inserted into the panelboard, the insertion keys force the barrier interface open automatically to allow the circuit breaker to access the plug-in jaw. Removing the circuit breaker from the panelboard automatically closes the barrier interface and prevents fingers or tools and the like from inadvertently accessing the plug-in jaw.

Abstract: A data synchronization method and apparatus are provided for a distributed control system where multiple controllers can control a plurality of actuators or sensors. The actuators or sensors are assigned to logical groups that share a common state. One of the actuators or sensors within a logical group serves as a reference device for a state variable. Before taking a control action, the controllers read the current value of the state variable from the reference device. Data synchronization is maintained by one or more refresh master controllers.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting electrical devices to busses within a switchgear cabinet includes an independently movable shutter that slides along a bus bar, the shutter covering access to the bus bar in a disconnected position and allowing access in a connected position. The bus bar has an insulator cap covering its free end. The shutter is mounted to a spring-biased support. The shutter has an opening through which the bus bar passes. The shutter slides along the bus bar backwardly away from the insulator cap, in the connected position. The shutter slides forwardly along the bus bar toward the insulator cap, in the disconnected position. The insulator cap fits closely within the opening in the shutter to prevent access to the bus bar when in the disconnected position. The shutter can fit within arc attenuating phase barriers surrounding each bus bar and be constructed to be arc resistant.

Abstract: An electronic overload relay includes a microcontroller having an internal random-access memory (RAM) in which a motor thermal model is stored. The microcontroller is coupled to a power supply having a bulk storage capacitor. In response to a trip or stop condition of a protected motor, the thermal model is maintained in the RAM with no timing or decrementing. When the motor restarts, the microcontroller calculates a change in capacitor voltage to estimate the motor stop duration. The thermal model is decremented based on the estimated duration.

Abstract: Dynamic adjustment of a charge rate of an EVSE on a shared branch circuit, ensuring maximum power delivery to the EVSE without overloading the branch circuit. The Level 1 EVSE and at least one other load are connected to the branch circuit via different electrical outlets. A current monitoring circuit continuously monitors the total current flowing through the branch circuit, and a communications link is established between the monitoring circuit and the EVSE. When the monitored current on the branch circuit is about to exceed a set point corresponding to a rated current capacity of the branch circuit, the charge rate is reduced to maximize power delivery to the EVSE without overloading the branch circuit. The charge rate is increased when more current is available to be drawn from the branch circuit to ensure continuous and uninterrupted delivery of maximum power to the EVSE without exceeding the rated current capacity.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media provide electric supply equipment 200 configured to perform diagnostics. The electric supply equipment 200 may include a receptacle 210 for forming a closed circuit loop. The electric supply equipment 200 includes a connector 203 for charging devices, such as electric vehicles 101. The connector 203 may include one or more conductors, some of which may be wrapped with insulation. When the connector 103, 203 is not used for charging, the connector 203 may be connected to a receptacle 210 of the electric supply equipment 200. Thus, the electric supply equipment 200, via the receptacle 210, may form a closed loop circuit with the conductors. Further, the electric supply equipment 200 may include a diagnostic unit 250 for performing diagnostic tests on the conductors. In particular, the diagnostic unit 250 may access ends of the conductors via the receptacle 210.

Abstract: A busway and a method of assembling the same in which a flowable, uncured epoxy is applied between insulated busbar conductors that are stacked on top of one another and inner surfaces of the busway housing into which the stacked conductors are placed to form an enclosed busway. The busbar conductors are insulated by an epoxy powder coat, which can develop pinholes during the curing of the epoxy powder. A flowable, curable dielectric material, such as epoxy, is applied between the outermost busbar conductors and the inner surfaces of the top and bottom pieces of the busway housing. Optionally, epoxy is also applied between adjacent pairs of busbar conductors, which are stacked and arranged into the housing. Pressure is applied to the housing stack, and the epoxy is allowed to cure, resulting in a busway having superior thermal performance, dielectric integrity, and mechanical strength compared to conventional busways.