Abstract: A ground fault sensing circuit system includes a current transformer having a first winding and a second winding on opposite halves of the current transformer, outputting first and second signals, each winding coupled to a processor that determines information about respective currents in conductors monitored by the current transformer, based on a combination of the first and second signals. In another embodiment, the current transformer has a third winding wrapped continuously around both halves of the current transformer, overlapped with the first and second windings, the third winding outputting a third signal coupled to the processor, which determines information about respective currents in conductors monitored by the current transformer, based on a combination of the first, second, and third signals.

Abstract: A diagnostic device includes electrical connectors, load, power supply, switching circuitry, sensors, and processor. The connectors include first and second sets of terminals for connecting to the conductors of a branch circuit in an upstream and downstream direction, respectively, at an outlet location along the circuit. The switching circuitry can isolate the upstream and downstream sections of the circuit from the outlet location, and selectively connect or disconnect the power supply or the load to the upstream or downstream section. The sensors measure electrical characteristics on the conductors of the circuit to monitor load currents, such as on power, neutral and ground lines, of the upstream and downstream circuit sections. The processor controls the switching circuitry, and obtains diagnostic information corresponding to the monitored load currents on the upstream and downstream sections of the branch circuit, from the measurements performed by the sensors.

Abstract: A ground fault sensing circuit system includes a current transformer having a first winding and a second winding on opposite halves of the current transformer, outputting first and second signals, each winding coupled to a processor that determines information about respective currents in conductors monitored by the current transformer, based on a combination of the first and second signals. In another embodiment, the current transformer has a third winding wrapped continuously around both halves of the current transformer, overlapped with the first and second windings, the third winding outputting a third signal coupled to the processor, which determines information about respective currents in conductors monitored by the current transformer, based on a combination of the first, second, and third signals.

Abstract: A diagnostic device includes electrical connectors, load, power supply, switching circuitry, sensors, and processor. The connectors include first and second sets of terminals for connecting to the conductors of a branch circuit in an upstream and downstream direction, respectively, at an outlet location along the circuit. The switching circuitry can isolate the upstream and downstream sections of the circuit from the outlet location, and selectively connect or disconnect the power supply or the load to the upstream or downstream section. The sensors measure electrical characteristics on the conductors of the circuit to monitor load currents, such as on power, neutral and ground lines, of the upstream and downstream circuit sections. The processor controls the switching circuitry, and obtains diagnostic information corresponding to the monitored load currents on the upstream and downstream sections of the branch circuit, from the measurements performed by the sensors.

Abstract: An autonomous adaptive arc fault detection device includes a memory for storing data of arc fault tripping events detected on a circuit over a period of time. The device also includes a processor, in communication with the memory, for determining whether a newly detected arc fault tripping event is an unwanted tripping event based on a number of times a same type of tripping event, as the newly detected arc fault tripping event, has occurred, and inhibiting interruption of the circuit if the newly detected arc fault tripping event is determined to be an unwanted tripping event. The memory can store data, such as sensed or calculated electrical characteristic parameters defining a signature of a detected arc fault tripping event as well as a number of times a stored tripping event has occurred over a period of time.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and systems employ a nonprobability-based detection scheme that measures conditions (e.g., voltage or current) at multiple locations on a circuit, such as a branch circuit, to detect for a presence of an arc fault condition. A centralized processing system, such as a controller (120), receives information corresponding to a branch origin voltage or current measurement sensed by a sensor (114, 116) at a branch origin upstream of the plurality of end-use devices (150) on the branch circuit (e.g. at a circuit breaker defining the branch), and receives information corresponding to a downstream voltage or current measurement at each of the end-use devices sensed by a corresponding downstream sensor (152, 154).

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method are provided for translating diagnostic information provided by a circuit protective device, such as a circuit breaker, to a graphic display format. The apparatus and method monitor through a sensor (120) a trip sequence implemented by the circuit protective device as a function of time during a read out operation to indicate a type of fault condition from a plurality of fault conditions for a prior occurrence of a trip event or diagnostic information. The apparatus and method then determine a time period of the monitored trip sequence, and determine the type of fault condition based on the determined time period. Information concerning the determined type of fault condition is outputted.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and systems employ a nonprobability-based detection scheme that measures conditions (e.g., voltage or current) at multiple locations on a circuit, such as a branch circuit, to detect for a presence of an arc fault condition. A centralized processing system, such as a controller (120), receives information corresponding to a branch origin voltage or current measurement sensed by a sensor (114, 116) at a branch origin upstream of the plurality of end-use devices (150) on the branch circuit (e.g. at a circuit breaker defining the branch), and receives information corresponding to a downstream voltage or current measurement at each of the end-use devices sensed by a corresponding downstream sensor (152, 154).

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method are provided for translating diagnostic information provided by a circuit protective device, such as a circuit breaker, to a graphic display format. The apparatus and method monitor through a sensor (120) a trip sequence implemented by the circuit protective device as a function of time during a read out operation to indicate a type of fault condition from a plurality of fault conditions for a prior occurrence of a trip event or diagnostic information. The apparatus and method then determine a time period of the monitored trip sequence, and determined time period. Information concerning the determined type of fault condition is outputted.

Abstract: An autonomous adaptive arc fault detection device includes a memory for storing data of arc fault tripping events detected on a circuit over a period of time. The device also includes a processor, in communication with the memory, for determining whether a newly detected arc fault tripping event is an unwanted tripping event based on a number of times a same type of tripping event, as the newly detected arc fault tripping event, has occurred, and inhibiting interruption of the circuit if the newly detected arc fault tripping event is determined to be an unwanted tripping event. The memory can store data, such as sensed or calculated electrical characteristic parameters defining a signature of a detected arc fault tripping event as well as a number of times a stored tripping event has occurred over a period of time.

Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker includes controllable mechanical contacts adapted to connect a primary power source to at least one load; and control circuitry for monitoring the flow of power from the primary power source to the load, detecting fault conditions and automatically opening the contacts in response to the detection of a fault condition. A primary power source supplies power to the control circuitry when the contacts are closed, and an auxiliary power source supplies power to the control circuitry when the contacts are open, whether by a trip or by manual opening.

Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker includes controllable contacts adapted to connect a power source to at least one load, and a microcontroller for monitoring the flow of power to the load, detecting different types of fault conditions and automatically opening the contacts in response to a fault. A primary power supply of the breaker receives power from the line source when the contacts are closed, and supplies power to the control circuitry. Fault indicators in the microcontroller indicate the type of fault that caused the contacts to open. A secondary power supply provides power to the control circuitry when the contacts are open and a switch is closed.

Abstract: An AC to DC power supply for small heat sensitive electronic device. The power supply being dynamically controlled to operate symmetrically about the lowest point of the AC source voltage waveform for minimum excess heat production.

Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker includes controllable contacts adapted to connect a power source to at least one load, and a microcontroller for monitoring the flow of power to the load, detecting different types of fault conditions and automatically opening the contacts in response to a fault. A primary power supply of the breaker receives power from the line source when the contacts are closed, and supplies power to the control circuitry. Fault indicators in the microcontroller indicate the type of fault that caused the contacts to open. A secondary power supply provides power to the control circuitry when the contacts are open and a switch is closed.

Abstract: An arc fault demonstrator device for testing the efficacy of an arc fault interrupter (AFI) circuit breaker. The device includes a motor that moves a movable electrode relative to a stationary electrode under microprocessor control. A relay switches the electrodes connection between an arc voltage measurement circuit and an electrode close circuit. When current is applied to the electrodes, the measurement circuit provides voltage measurements to the microprocessor, which instructs the motor to move the electrodes closer or apart. When the arc voltage is below a low threshold, the electrodes are moved apart until the arc voltage exceeds a medium threshold. When the arc voltage exceeds a high threshold, the electrodes are moved closer until the arc voltage falls below the medium threshold. A switch switches between the AFI circuit breaker or a conventional circuit breaker to confirm that the AFI breaker will trip upon detection of the arc whereas the conventional breaker will not.

Abstract: A multiple pole arc-fault circuit breaker includes a first pole assembly, a second pole assembly, a microprocessor, and a single test button. At least one of the first pole assembly and the second pole assembly has a trip mechanism. The microprocessor is electrically coupled to the first pole assembly and to the second pole assembly, and, in response to receiving a single test signal, is operative to perform electrical tests for both the first pole assembly and the second pole assembly. In response to successful completion of the electrical tests, the microprocessor is further operative to actuate the trip mechanism. The single test button is mounted to the housing and includes a single test position which causes the sending of the single test signal for initiating the electrical tests.

Abstract: An AC to DC power supply for small heat sensitive electronic device. The power supply being dynamically controlled to operate symmetrically about the lowest point of the AC source voltage waveform for minimum excess heat production.

Abstract: A multiple pole arc-fault circuit breaker includes a first pole assembly, a second pole assembly, a microprocessor, and a single test button. At least one of the first pole assembly and the second pole assembly has a trip mechanism. The microprocessor is electrically coupled to the first pole assembly and to the second pole assembly, and, in response to receiving a single test signal, is operative to perform electrical tests for both the first pole assembly and the second pole assembly. In response to successful completion of the electrical tests, the microprocessor is further operative to actuate the trip mechanism. The single test button is mounted to the housing and includes a single test position which causes the sending of the single test signal for initiating the electrical tests.

Abstract: An arc fault demonstrator device for testing the efficacy of an arc fault interrupter (AFI) circuit breaker. The device includes a motor that moves a movable electrode relative to a stationary electrode under microprocessor control. A relay switches the electrodes connection between an arc voltage measurement circuit and an electrode close circuit. When current is applied to the electrodes, the measurement circuit provides voltage measurements to the microprocessor, which instructs the motor to move the electrodes closer or apart. When the arc voltage is below a low threshold, the electrodes are moved apart until the arc voltage exceeds a medium threshold. When the arc voltage exceeds a high threshold, the electrodes are moved closer until the arc voltage falls below the medium threshold. A switch switches between the AFI circuit breaker or a conventional circuit breaker to confirm that the AFI breaker will trip upon detection of the arc whereas the conventional breaker will not.

Abstract: A system (10) is provided for communicating with a residential electronic circuit breaker (18, 20, 22, 24). The system (10) comprises a residential electrical wiring system (16) including a power line (28) and neutral line (32), a residential electronic circuit breaker (18) electrically connected to the residential electrical wiring system (16) and a programmer (34) configured to be selectively connected to the residential electrical wiring system (16) to communicate with the circuit breaker (18).