Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring protection device for use in coupling an AC power distribution system to at least one electrical load. The device includes an automated self-test circuit coupled to the AC power distribution system. The automated self-test circuit is configured to generate at least one simulated fault signal during a first predetermined half-cycle of AC power. A detector circuit is coupled to the automated self-test circuit. The detector circuit generates a detection signal in response to the at least one simulated fault signal. An interval timing circuit is coupled to the test circuit. The interval timing circuit is configured to enable the automated self-test circuit to generate the at least one simulated fault signal during a first predetermined interval and not enable the test circuit during a subsequent second predetermined interval. The first predetermined interval and the second predetermined interval are recurring time intervals.

Abstract: An AC power line protection device which includes a protection circuit which guards against miswiring also has an indicator lamp which lights when the device is in the tripped condition and turns off when the device is reset. If the device is miswired after having been wired properly, the indicator lamp does not light when the device is tripped, and so provides a supplemental indication of miswiring. The protection circuit is powered from the hot line bus bar. The indicator lamp is also powered via the hot line bus bar of the interrupting contacts to meet safety standards.

Abstract: An AC power line protection device which includes miswiring protection has an indicator lamp which lights when the device is in the tripped condition and turns off when the device is reset. If the device is miswired after having been wired properly, the indicator lamp does not light when the device is tripped, and so provides a supplemental indication of miswiring. The indicator lamp is powered via the hot line bus bar of the interrupting contacts to meet safety standards.

Abstract: A transient voltage surge suppressor for an electrical circuit having a hot electrical conductor, a neutral electrical conductor, and a ground electrical conductor includes a first surge suppressor connected between the hot and neutral electrical conductors, a second surge suppressor connected between the hot and ground conductors, and a third surge suppressor connected between the neutral and ground conductors; a first over current fuse connected between the hot electrical conductor and the first and second surge suppressors and a second electrical fuse connected in series between the third surge suppressor and the neutral conductor; and a visible indicator connected between the first fuse and the second fuse for illuminating only when both said first and second fuses are intact, and extinguishing when either of the first and second fuses is open.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter comprises a transformer having a saturable core; a secondary winding on the core; an integrating detector coupled to the secondary winding; and a pulse stretcher connected between the secondary winding and the differential detector for stretching high voltage short duration pulses sufficiently to allow them to be detected by the detector.

Abstract: A transient voltage surge suppressor (TVSS) receptacle having front and rear, matable casings including a plurality of through openings for receiving the blades of an electrical plug; a plurality of first components which are fixed with respect to said casings; a plurality of second components which are moveable relative to said first components; a plurality of first rigid members formed integrally with the front and rear casings and extending from inside surfaces of each casing to define recesses for receiving the components; and a separator within the periphery of the front and rear casings for insulating one or more of the plurality of first components from each other, said separator including a separator board in a plane substantially parallel with the front and rear walls and intermediate between the front and rear casings and a plurality of partitions extending outwardly from a first surface of the board into the recesses.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle having front and rear casings forming an enclosed housing for a printed circuit board carrying contacts into which the blades of a plug connected to the receptacle are inserted. The housing includes portions cooperatively placed with respect to the circuit board to provide underlying support for the contacts, as well as to assist in positioning the circuit board relative to the housing. The circuit components carried by the circuit board include three varistor devices for suppressing high transient voltages and the housing includes internal walls providing spaced cavities to receive the respective varistor devices. Another aspect concerns a one-piece mounting strap positioned entirely exteriorly of the receptacle housing and connected thereto by cooperative engagement portions on the strap and the housing, requiring no screws, rivets or other fastening devices.