Abstract: A circuit interrupting device comprises a conductor capable of generating heat and a temperature-activated, permanent lock out trip mechanism. The mechanism includes a plunger, a compressed or stretched spring and a fusible metal to hold the plunger. The mechanism is located near the conductor that generates heat and is configured such that when the fusible metal melts when at least one heating element is energized or a holding wire fuses when energized in response to a failed self-test the plunger is released: allowing the compressed or stretched spring to convert its potential energy into kinetic energy and moving the plunger to generate a force to unlatch a latch releasing a first spring to open a contactor switch removing power from an electrical circuit. The constant force generated by the compressed or stretched spring on the plunger inhibits the circuit interrupting device from resetting.

Abstract: A circuit breaker distribution system is configured to provide selective coordination. The system comprises a solid-state switch disposed as a main or upstream breaker and a switch with an over current protection disposed as a branch or downstream breaker. The microcontroller to: allow repeated pulses of current through to the branch or downstream breaker in an event of an overload or short circuit, choose a maximum current limit for the solid-state switch as a “chop level” such that the chop level is chosen higher than a rated current of the solid-state circuit breaker but low enough that the solid-state switch is not damaged from repeated pulses over a period of time needed to switch OFF the branch or downstream breaker and add a pulse interval after the current chops to zero but before the solid-state circuit breaker returns to an ON state for a next pulse to begin.

Abstract: A circuit breaker distribution system is configured to provide selective coordination. The system comprises a solid-state switch disposed as a main or upstream breaker and a switch with an over current protection disposed as a branch or downstream breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker distribution system is configured to provide selective coordination. The system comprises a solid-state switch disposed as a main or upstream breaker and a switch with an over current protection disposed as a branch or downstream breaker. The microcontroller to: allow repeated pulses of current through to the branch or downstream breaker in an event of an overload or short circuit, choose a maximum current limit for the solid-state switch as a “chop level” such that the chop level is chosen higher than a rated current of the solid-state circuit breaker but low enough that the solid-state switch is not damaged from repeated pulses over a period of time needed to switch OFF the branch or downstream breaker and add a pulse interval after the current chops to zero but before the solid-state circuit breaker returns to an ON state for a next pulse to begin.

Abstract: A circuit breaker distribution system is configured to provide selective coordination. The system comprises a solid-state switch disposed as a main or upstream breaker and a switch with an over current protection disposed as a branch or downstream breaker. The solid-state switch comprises a microcontroller including a processor and a memory, and computer-readable logic code stored in the memory which, when executed by the processor, causes the microcontroller to: allow repeated pulses of current through to the branch or downstream breaker in an event of an overload or short circuit, and choose a maximum current limit for the solid-state switch as a “chop level” such that the chop level is chosen higher than a rated current of the solid-state circuit breaker but low enough that the solid-state switch is not damaged from repeated pulses over a period of time needed to switch OFF the branch or downstream breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker distribution system is configured to provide selective coordination. The system comprises a solid-state switch disposed as a main or upstream breaker and a switch with an over current protection disposed as a branch or downstream breaker. The solid-state switch comprises a microcontroller including a processor and a memory, and computer-readable logic code stored in the memory which, when executed by the processor, causes the microcontroller to: allow repeated pulses of current through to the branch or downstream breaker in an event of an overload or short circuit, and choose a maximum current limit for the solid-state switch as a “chop level” such that the chop level is chosen higher than a rated current of the solid-state circuit breaker but low enough that the solid-state switch is not damaged from repeated pulses over a period of time needed to switch OFF the branch or downstream breaker.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device with overload current detection is provided. It comprises a hot conductor, a main contactor and a first electromagnetic device configured to remove power from an electrical circuit when overload current exceeds a predetermined % of a rated load current. It further comprises a section of conductor that generates heat and a thermal overload current detection mechanism including a temperature sensing switch having contacts. The temperature sensing switch closes the contacts when a temperature reaches a predefined temperature threshold corresponding to an overload current, in which case the temperature sensing switch electrically couples power to a second electromagnet which is disposed across the hot conductor and a connection to a neutral conductor. The energized second electromagnet generates a magnetic force capable of moving an armature that unlatches the latch releasing the spring to open the main contactor removing power from the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device with a temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism is provided. The temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism is located in close proximity to a section of conductor that generates heat. An energized first solenoid generates a magnetic force capable of moving an armature that unlatches a latch releasing a spring to open a main contactor removing power from an electrical circuit. The temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism upon reaching a predetermined temperature which is higher than the predetermined temperature threshold of the temperature sensing switch also generates a mechanical force capable of moving the armature that unlatches the latch releasing the spring to open the main contactor removing power from the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device with a temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism is provided. The temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism is located in close proximity to a section of conductor that generates heat. An energized first solenoid generates a magnetic force capable of moving an armature that unlatches a latch releasing a spring to open a main contactor removing power from an electrical circuit. The temperature activated permanent lockout trip mechanism upon reaching a predetermined temperature which is higher than the predetermined temperature threshold of the temperature sensing switch also generates a mechanical force capable of moving the armature that unlatches the latch releasing the spring to open the main contactor removing power from the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device with overload current detection is provided. It comprises a hot conductor, a main contactor and a first electromagnetic device configured to remove power from an electrical circuit when overload current exceeds a predetermined % of a rated load current. It further comprises a section of conductor that generates heat and a thermal overload current detection mechanism including a temperature sensing switch having contacts. The temperature sensing switch closes the contacts when a temperature reaches a predefined temperature threshold corresponding to an overload current, in which case the temperature sensing switch electrically couples power to a second electromagnet which is disposed across the hot conductor and a connection to a neutral conductor. The energized second electromagnet generates a magnetic force capable of moving an armature that unlatches the latch releasing the spring to open the main contactor removing power from the electrical circuit.

Abstract: An arc fault detection circuit interruption (AFCI) device includes a high frequency arc noise sensor and an arc fault detection circuit for sensing a high frequency arc noise. The high frequency arc noise sensor is disposed across a hot conductor and a neutral conductor and includes a surge protection device and a surge protection circuit such that the surge protection device protects against a first voltage surge in a first range of thousands to hundreds volts and the surge protection circuit protects against a second voltage surge in a second range of hundreds to few volts. The arc fault detection circuit is coupled in series with the high frequency arc noise sensor. The arc fault detection circuit is coupled to a series combination of a trip solenoid or electromagnet and a silicone-controlled rectifier disposed across the hot conductor and the neutral conductor.

Abstract: An arc fault detection circuit interruption (AFCI) device includes a high frequency arc noise sensor and an arc fault detection circuit for sensing a high frequency arc noise. The high frequency arc noise sensor is disposed across a hot conductor and a neutral conductor and includes a surge protection device and a surge protection circuit such that the surge protection device protects against a first voltage surge in a first range of thousands to hundreds volts and the surge protection circuit protects against a second voltage surge in a second range of hundreds to few volts. The arc fault detection circuit is coupled in series with the high frequency arc noise sensor. The arc fault detection circuit is coupled to a series combination of a trip solenoid or electromagnet and a silicone-controlled rectifier disposed across the hot conductor and the neutral conductor.

Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker may include a monitoring circuit configured to monitor and respond to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure within the electronic circuit breaker. In some embodiments, the monitoring circuit may monitor a DC current received from a detection circuit within the electronic circuit breaker. A response to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure may include interrupting current flow between an electrical power source and an electrical circuit protected by the electronic circuit breaker. Methods of monitoring and responding to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure within an electronic circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) having an automatic self-test feature is configured to disable a trip circuit therein during a self test, yet still allow the trip circuit to respond during the self test to detection of a large ground fault by tripping a main contact switch of the GFCI. The GFCI includes circuitry that overrides the disablement of the trip circuit during a self test in response to detection of a ground fault that exceeds a predetermined threshold. Methods of disabling a trip circuit of a GFCI during a self test while still allowing the trip circuit to respond during the self test to detection of a large ground fault are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) having an automatic self-test feature is configured to disable a trip circuit therein during a self test, yet still allow the trip circuit to respond during the self test to detection of a large ground fault by tripping a main contact switch of the GFCI. The GFCI includes circuitry that overrides the disablement of the trip circuit during a self test in response to detection of a ground fault that exceeds a predetermined threshold. Methods of disabling a trip circuit of a GFCI during a self test while still allowing the trip circuit to respond during the self test to detection of a large ground fault are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A multi-pole circuit interrupter configured to be coupled between an AC source and an electric load electronically detects a hazardous condition associated with energizing of poles and responds to overcome the hazardous condition using a solenoid. The multi-pole circuit interrupter comprises a first switch to energize a first pole on a phase A conductor of the multi-pole circuit interrupter and a second switch to energize a second pole on a phase B conductor of the multi-pole circuit interrupter. The multi-pole circuit interrupter further comprises an electronic solid-state circuit coupled to the phase A conductor and the phase B conductor to detect a line voltage variation and control a current to a device in response to trip an energized pole among the first pole and the second pole if only one of the first pole and the second pole is energized when a user controls a tie bar to turn ON or turn OFF the multi-pole circuit interrupter or when a trip bar fails to trip one of the first pole and the second pole.

Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker may include a monitoring circuit configured to monitor and respond to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure within the electronic circuit breaker. In some embodiments, the monitoring circuit may monitor a DC current received from a detection circuit within the electronic circuit breaker. A response to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure may include interrupting current flow between an electrical power source and an electrical circuit protected by the electronic circuit breaker. Methods of monitoring and responding to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure within an electronic circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A multi-pole circuit interrupter configured to be coupled between an AC source and an electric load electronically detects a hazardous condition associated with energizing of poles and responds to overcome the hazardous condition using a solenoid. The multi-pole circuit interrupter comprises a first switch to energize a first pole on a phase A conductor of the multi-pole circuit interrupter and a second switch to energize a second pole on a phase B conductor of the multi-pole circuit interrupter. The multi-pole circuit interrupter further comprises an electronic solid-state circuit coupled to the phase A conductor and the phase B conductor to detect a line voltage variation and control a current to a device in response to trip an energized pole among the first pole and the second pole if only one of the first pole and the second pole is energized when a user controls a tie bar to turn ON or turn OFF the multi-pole circuit interrupter or when a trip bar fails to trip one of the first pole and the second pole.

Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker may include a monitoring circuit configured to monitor and respond to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure within the electronic circuit breaker. In some embodiments, the monitoring circuit may monitor a regulated DC voltage provided by the detection circuit within the electronic circuit breaker. A response to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure may include interrupting current flow between an electrical power source and an electrical circuit protected by the electronic circuit breaker. Methods of monitoring and responding to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure within an electronic circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker may include a monitoring circuit configured to monitor and respond to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure within the electronic circuit breaker. In some embodiments, the monitoring circuit may monitor a regulated DC voltage provided by the detection circuit within the electronic circuit breaker. A response to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure may include interrupting current flow between an electrical power source and an electrical circuit protected by the electronic circuit breaker. Methods of monitoring and responding to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure within an electronic circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.