Abstract: A system for locating a circuit interrupter associated with a selected branch circuit. The system includes a passive transmitter that creates a current spike at a predetermined frequency and a receiver broadly tuned about that predetermined frequency. The current spike signal has a sufficiently short spike duration and a sufficient amplitude so as to substantially minimize development of a sympathetic signal on other branch circuits adjacent to the selected branch circuit. The passive transmitter includes a voltage controlled switch in series with a charge storage device. The receiver drives a user-perceivable signaling device upon sensing the current spike. Related subsystems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power line testing device has a signal generator that is adapted to be connected to one of a plurality of AC branch circuits, and generates an identification signal. This identification signal will be strongest in the branch circuit of origin. A receiver of the testing device senses the strength of the identification signal, compares that strength to a stored identification signal, and is therefore able to identify to which AC branch circuit the transmitter is connected.

Abstract: A power line testing device with signal generator and signal detector incorporates a DC power supply that is capable of generating DC power from a miswired outlet, as long as there is a hot conductor and a return path. The device includes a signal generator which generates a signal that is easily distinguishable from noise. The transmitter further includes a spark gap for creating an arc used to test the function of an ACFI device connected to the branch under test. The transmitter further detects the integrity of circuit ground by measuring its impedance. A receiver of the device measures the elapsed time of the testing signals, permitting a more sophisticated test of interrupter device function.

Abstract: A system for locating a circuit interrupter associated with a selected branch circuit. The system includes a passive transmitter that creates a current spike at a predetermined frequency and a receiver broadly tuned about that predetermined frequency. The current spike signal has a sufficiently short spike duration and a sufficient amplitude so as to substantially minimize development of a sympathetic signal on other branch circuits adjacent to the selected branch circuit. The passive transmitter includes a voltage controlled switch in series with a charge storage device. The receiver drives a user-perceivable signaling device upon sensing the current spike. Related subsystems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic system for identifying a single power line from a plurality of power lines having transmitting means for transmitting an identification signal on the single power line to produce a magnetic field with a strength around the single power line, sensing means for sensing the strength of a magnetic field around each of the plurality of power lines wherein the strengths of the magnetic fields range from a smallest value to a largest value, storing means for storing the largest value, and alert means for alerting a user when the sensing means senses the largest value. Also disclosed is a method of using the device.

Abstract: A test system for distinguishing a particular AC distribution circuit interrupting device from among a plurality of AC distribution circuits interrupting devices. The test system comprises a transmitter for placing an identification signal on an AC power distribution circuit and a receiver for detecting the identification signal. The transmitter comprises means for generating an FM modulated identification signal, and means for coupling the identification signal to the AC power distribution circuit. The receiver comprises preselector means for selecting a predetermined band of frequencies for further processing, first detector means for detecting a signal within the predetermined band of frequencies, second detector means for detecting a modulating signal, and processor means for processing indications from the first and second detectors, and for activating a discernible indication of receiver operation.

Abstract: A system for locating the particular circuit breaker associated with a branch circuit. The system includes a transmitter is connected to the hot lead of the branch circuit to inject a signal having a predetermined frequency. The system further includes identification circuits permanently associated with each circuit breaker. The identification circuit includes an indicator powered by a rectifier connected to the hot lead of the associated branch circuit. A band pass filter within the identification circuit passes the predetermined frequency, which when present biases the gate of a controlled switch which is placed in series with the indicator lamp such that when the predetermined frequency is present on the hot lead the indicator lamp is turned on.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic system incorporated into a circuit interrupter device to identify the circuit interrupter device associated with a particular power outlet receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic system for identifying the circuit interrupter device associated with a particular power outlet receptacle on a power line, and to a method or means for identifying the circuit interrupter device.