Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to verifying the completion of a circuit around a vehicle. A location of an individual can be detected in relation to a vehicle within a time period to determine whether a circuit around the vehicle was properly completed by the individual. Upon determining completion of a proper circuit, the vehicle can be qualified.

Abstract: Transformers (14) inject test voltage signals of know frequency to each phase of the load side of an electrical distribution circuit (15). Processor (32) waits for a delay period to allow transient effects of the injected signals to settle, and then accepts the sampled test current signals provided by current transformers (12) through conditioning circuit (16). This process is repeated by injecting test voltages at different frequencies, which are selected by processor (32) based on stored instructions. Processor (32) uses the sampled signals to determine a representative current for the load side of the distribution circuit (15) and then compares the representative current with a predetermined current threshold value stored in non-volatile memory (40). If the current is above this threshold, processor (32) provides a lockout signal to the fault lockout device (48) and fault lockout flag (50).

Abstract: A residential load center includes an electronic trip unit as the main circuit breaker for overcurrent and arcing fault protection while connecting with thermal magnetic circuit breakers in each of the branch circuits for overcurrent protection within the individual branch circuits.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter of the type including an electronic trip unit for overcurrent determination includes a separate circuit to power the trip unit along with a Hall Effect or GMR Device to sense the current flow within the protected circuit. A removable option plug electrically interconnects with the trip unit to enable ground fault and arcing fault protection.

Abstract: An air circuit breaker closing spring charging mechanism includes a ratchet and pawl whereby the closing spring charging gear is protected from damage due to reverse rotation of the ratchet when the charged closing springs are later released. A locking latch prevents damage to the charging mechanism components and a latch release lever allows the charging mechanism to return to an operative position when the closing springs are later charged by a manually operated charging handle.

Abstract: A circuit breaker operating mechanism interacts with the circuit breaker movable contact arm by means of an electrically-insulative linkage. Tolerance adjustments are made within the linkage without requiring an additional electrically-insulative shield.

Abstract: An arc gas controller-insert is used with molded case circuit breaker covers to direct the flow of arc gases that occur during intense overcurrent circuit interruption. The gas controller-insert provides access to the line and load terminal lugs for connection with and disconnection from an associated electrical power distribution system while controlling the egress of the arc gases.

Abstract: An arc gas controller-insert is used with molded case circuit breaker covers to direct the flow of arc gases that occur during intense overcurrent circuit interruption. The gas controller-insert provides access to the line and load terminal lugs for connection with and disconnection from an associated electrical power distribution system while controlling the egress of the arc gases.

Abstract: A combination panelboard-switchboard housing accepts plug-on connection with a plurality of modular electric switch-circuit breaker enclosures. The modular enclosure accepts circuit breakers or electric switches which can be field-installed with minor alteration to the enclosure. The modular switch enclosure further accepts a wide range of ampere ratings within a standard enclosure size. A mechanical latch arrangement on the bottom of the modular enclosure prevents the modular enclosure from being removed from the panelboard-switchboard housing. Controlled temperatures are achieved within the housing by optimized circulating air flow.

Abstract: A combined arc gas controller-line terminal plug is used within molded case circuit breaker covers to direct the flow of arc gases that occur during intense overcurrent circuit interruption. The plugs simultaneously prevent access to the line terminal lugs while controlling the egress of the arc gases. Moreover, the plugs are removable for connection with and disconnection from an associated electrical power distribution system.

Abstract: An integrated protection unit is a circuit breaker which includes basic overcurrent protection facility along with selective electrical accessories. A molded plastic accessory access cover secured to the integrated protection unit cover protects the accessory components from the environment. The accessory cover includes means for cooperating with a load center or panelboard circuit breaker enclosure to prevent access to the accessory components within the load center or panelboard interior.

Abstract: A three-piece molded plastic enclosure for disconnect switches consisting of a base, cover, and door individually fabricated by means of an injection molding process. The base has integrally molded extension tabs cooperating with an integrally molded hasp on the door for allowing the enclosure to be padlocked. A two-part hinge wherein part of the hinge is integrally formed with the cover and the remaining part is integrally formed with the door allowing the door to be assembled to the cover in a hinge-like fashion. Electrical components are attached to the interior of the base and the base is secured to the cover by means of a screw. The screw is only accessible from behind the door when the compartment is unlocked. Besides providing a disconnect switch that is tamper-proof behind a locked door, the molded plastic enclosure is water-tight and environmentally secure.

Abstract: A selectable rating plug allows a standard molded case circuit breaker design to be used over a wide range of ampere ratings. The rating plug is used to control the thermal load on the thermally responsive trip element within the breaker. Movement of the thermally responsive element articulates the breaker trip mechanism in response to predetermined overload conditions to interrupt circuit current.

Abstract: A ratchet wheel is advanced by an oscillating driving pawl in conjunction with a holding pawl to charge circuit breaker mechanism closing springs. A latch operates in response to the initial lifting of the holding pawl as the ratchet wheel is rapidly advanced by the closing springs to detain the holding pawl in an inoperative position while the closing springs discharge. Lifting of the driving pawl by the advancing ratchet wheel leaves the driving pawl in an inoperative position by virtue of a unique slip clutch coupling between it and its driving motor. The latch releases the holding pawl for return to its operative position automatically during the initial oscillation of the driving pawl to start a new charging cycle.