Abstract: A system for determining whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes a sensor for monitoring a current waveform in the electrical circuit, and an arc fault detection circuit which determines whether an arc fault is present in response to the sensor. The arc fault detection circuit includes a controller which produces a trip signal in response to a determination that an arcing fault is present in the electrical circuit, and an inhibit/blocking function for preventing the production of the trip signal under one or more predetermined conditions.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter system for use with an electrical circuit includes an arcing fault detector which monitors the electrical circuit and a controller which generates a trip signal in response to the detection of arcing faults. The controller may also generate one or more communication signals corresponding to information relating to the operation of the arcing fault circuit interrupter. The system may also include one or more of the following: a communication port which communicates to a user the information relating to operation of the arc fault circuit interrupter in response to the communication signals; a memory for retaining predetermined information related to the condition and operation of the arcing fault circuit interrupter, with or without a backup memory; and a combined self-test/reset switch.

Abstract: A system for producing a simulated ground fault when arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes a sensor which monitors the electrical circuit. An arcing fault detection circuit determines whether an arcing fault is present in response to the sensor and produces a trip signal in response to a determination that an arcing fault is present in the electrical circuit. A ground fault simulator circuit produces a simulated ground fault in response to the trip signal.