Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter test circuit is disclosed. The test circuit incorporates a controller along with at least one power transistor, a current sense circuit and a voltage sense circuit. When the power transistor is operated, the current flowing through the transistor is sensed, and if the current is not at least equal to a threshold value, the voltage at which the power transistor is operated is increased.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter test circuit is disclosed. The test circuit incorporates a controller along with at least one power transistor, a current sense circuit and a voltage sense circuit. When the power transistor is operated, the current flowing through the transistor is sensed, and if the current is not at least equal to a threshold value, the voltage at which the power transistor is operated is increased.

Abstract: A testing system includes a hand-held transmitter that plugs into a receptacle electrically coupled to a selected branch circuit. The transmitter includes a circuit effective to test an arc fault circuit interrupter electrically coupled to the branch circuit by creating a first pulse on the branch circuit that is effective to trip the arc fault circuit interrupter. The transmitter can perform at least one additional test including: determining whether the receptacle is wired properly; determining a location of a circuit interrupting device electrically coupled to the branch circuit by creating a second pulse on the branch circuit that can be sensed by a receiver located proximately to the respective circuit interrupting device and broadly tuned about a frequency of the second pulse; and testing a ground fault circuit interrupter electrically coupled to the branch circuit by creating a third pulse on the branch circuit that is effective to trip the ground fault circuit interrupter.

Abstract: A testing system includes a hand-held transmitter that plugs into a receptacle electrically coupled to a selected branch circuit. The transmitter includes a circuit effective to test an arc fault circuit interrupter electrically coupled to the branch circuit by creating a first pulse on the branch circuit that is effective to trip the arc fault circuit interrupter. The transmitter can perform at least one additional test including: determining whether the receptacle is wired properly; determining a location of a circuit interrupting device electrically coupled to the branch circuit by creating a second pulse on the branch circuit that can be sensed by a receiver located proximately to the respective circuit interrupting device and broadly tuned about a frequency of the second pulse; and testing a ground fault circuit interrupter electrically coupled to the branch circuit by creating a third pulse on the branch circuit that is effective to trip the ground fault circuit interrupter.

Abstract: A testing system includes a hand-held transmitter that plugs into a receptacle electrically coupled to a selected branch circuit. The transmitter includes a circuit effective to test an arc fault circuit interrupter electrically coupled to the branch circuit by creating a first pulse on the branch circuit that is effective to trip the arc fault circuit interrupter. The transmitter can perform an additional test of determining whether the receptacle is wired properly.

Abstract: A system for locating a circuit interrupter associated with a selected branch circuit. The system includes a passive transmitter that creates a current spike at a predetermined frequency and a receiver broadly tuned about that predetermined frequency. The current spike signal has a sufficiently short spike duration and a sufficient amplitude so as to substantially minimize development of a sympathetic signal on other branch circuits adjacent to the selected branch circuit. The passive transmitter includes a voltage controlled switch in series with a charge storage device. The receiver drives a user-perceivable signaling device upon sensing the current spike. Related subsystems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A test system for distinguishing a particular AC distribution circuit interrupting device from among a plurality of AC distribution circuits interrupting devices. The test system comprises a transmitter for placing an identification signal on an AC power distribution circuit and a receiver for detecting the identification signal. The transmitter comprises means for generating an FM modulated identification signal, and means for coupling the identification signal to the AC power distribution circuit. The receiver comprises preselector means for selecting a predetermined band of frequencies for further processing, first detector means for detecting a signal within the predetermined band of frequencies, second detector means for detecting a modulating signal, and processor means for processing indications from the first and second detectors, and for activating a discernible indication of receiver operation.

Abstract: A system for locating the particular circuit breaker associated with a branch circuit. The system includes a transmitter is connected to the hot lead of the branch circuit to inject a signal having a predetermined frequency. The system further includes identification circuits permanently associated with each circuit breaker. The identification circuit includes an indicator powered by a rectifier connected to the hot lead of the associated branch circuit. A band pass filter within the identification circuit passes the predetermined frequency, which when present biases the gate of a controlled switch which is placed in series with the indicator lamp such that when the predetermined frequency is present on the hot lead the indicator lamp is turned on.