Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The electronic trip unit has a processing circuit, and a real time clock circuit that is operational in the absence of current in the circuit breaker. The processing circuit is responsive to input signals representative of a current in the circuit breaker, and the real time clock circuit is in signal communication with the processing circuit. In response to an off event at the circuit breaker following a current flow condition thereat, the real time clock circuit is configured to generate time information relating to the circuit breaker being off as a result of the off event for use by the processing circuit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a protection system for a power distribution system. The system has a processor, a breaker; a network coupled to the processor, a first module coupled to the network and the breaker, a second module coupled to the network, and an algorithm. The algorithm monitors for a permission to trip request. If a plurality of permission to trip requests are received during a given time period, the algorithm issues a permission granted command to the first module and a hold command to the second module.

Abstract: There is disclosed a protection system for a power distribution system having a plurality of breakers arranged in a hierarchy. The protection system has a network and a breaker coupled to the power distribution system. A module is coupled to the network and the breaker is at a first level in the hierarchy. The module samples an electrical condition of the power distribution system at the breaker and monitors the electrical condition for a predetermined trip condition. The module, upon detection of the predetermined trip condition, trips said breaker if the first level is a lowest level of the hierarchy, but monitors the network for a notification message if the first level is not the lowest level of the hierarchy.

Abstract: A method for recording and having analyzed waveform data associated with an electronic circuit breaker having an electronic trip unit is disclosed. The electronic trip unit has a communication port and is capable of providing to the communication port a first signal representative of a phase current passing through the circuit breaker, and a second signal representative of a conditional event at the circuit breaker. The method includes facilitating the connection of a waveform recorder device to the communication port of the electronic trip unit; facilitating recording in a first memory of the waveform recorder device in a circular queue fashion information relating to the first signal received from the electronic trip unit; and, in response to the second signal received from the electronic trip unit, facilitating the stopping of the recording in the first memory.

Abstract: A waveform recorder device for mounting to an electronic circuit breaker having an electronic trip unit and a communication port is disclosed. The device includes a connector configured to connect with the communication port, and a processing circuit in signal communication with the connector. The processing circuit is responsive to instructions which, when executed by the processing circuit, facilitate responding to a conditional signal received from the circuit breaker, and in response thereto recording waveform information arising from an additional signal received from the circuit breaker.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The electronic trip unit has a processing circuit, and a real time clock circuit that is operational in the absence of current in the circuit breaker. The processing circuit is responsive to input signals representative of a current in the circuit breaker, and the real time clock circuit is in signal communication with the processing circuit. In response to an off event at the circuit breaker following a current flow condition thereat, the real time clock circuit is configured to generate time information relating to the circuit breaker being off as a result of the off event for use by the processing circuit.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The electronic trip unit has a processing circuit, a real time clock chip, and a power source for powering the real time clock chip in the absence of current in the circuit breaker. The processing circuit is responsive to input signals representative of a current in the circuit breaker, and productive of a trip signal for tripping the circuit breaker. The real time clock chip is in signal communication with the processing circuit. In response to an off event at the circuit breaker following a current flow condition thereat, the real time clock chip is configured to generate time information for use by the processing circuit, which is configured to apply the time information to calculate a cooling effect arising from the circuit breaker being off, thereby providing for thermal memory.

Abstract: A data sample and transmission module for a power distribution system is provided. The module has a microprocessor and a network interface. The microprocessor samples first signals indicative of a condition of power in the power distribution system. The network interface places the microprocessor in communication with a data network. The microprocessor samples the first signals based in part upon a synchronization signal transmitted on the data network.

Abstract: An algorithmic system for an electronic trip unit is provided whereby reliable instantaneous protection is provided. A multi-algorithmic approach uses an algorithm to detect bolted faults based on a direct comparison of the current and a threshold value, and an additional algorithm to detect current overloads based on a comparison of a peak-to-peak current and an additional current threshold.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and automating a home using a network-based system is provided. The system employs a server system coupled to a centralized database, at least one client system, and a plurality of sensors positioned throughout the home. The method includes receiving monitoring and automation (M&A) information from the client system, storing M&A information into the centralized database, cross-referencing M&A information, updating the centralized database periodically to maintain M&A information, monitoring M&A information within the home through the plurality of sensors, performing M&A tasks in the home using the plurality of sensors based on M&A information inputted into the client system and monitored M&A data, and notifying a home owner of the monitored M&A data and the M&A tasks performed within the home.

Abstract: A data sample and transmission module for a power distribution system is provided. The module has a microprocessor and a network interface. The microprocessor samples first signals indicative of a condition of power in the power distribution system. The network interface places the microprocessor in communication with a data network. The microprocessor samples the first signals based in part upon a synchronization signal transmitted on the data network.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and automating a home using a network-based system is provided. The system employs a server system coupled to a centralized database, at least one client system, and a plurality of sensors positioned throughout the home. The method includes receiving monitoring and automation (M&A) information from the client system, storing M&A information into the centralized database, cross-referencing M&A information, updating the centralized database periodically to maintain M&A information, monitoring M&A information within the home through the plurality of sensors, performing M&A tasks in the home using the plurality of sensors based on M&A information inputted into the client system and monitored M&A data, and notifying a home owner of the monitored M&A data and the M&A tasks performed within the home.

Abstract: An algorithmic system for an electronic trip unit is provided whereby reliable instantaneous protection is provided. A multi-algorithmic approach uses an algorithm to detect bolted faults based on a direct comparison of the current and a threshold value, and an additional algorithm to detect current overloads based on a comparison of a peak-to-peak current and an additional current threshold.

Abstract: An algorithmic system for an electronic trip unit is provided whereby reliable instantaneous protection is provided. A multi-algorithmic approach uses an algorithm to detect bolted faults based on a direct comparison of the current and a threshold value, and an additional algorithm to detect current overloads based on a comparison of a peak-to-peak current and an additional current threshold.

Abstract: A procedure and method for eliciting expert information on process capability and thereafter manipulating the elicited information in such a manner that it can effectively be used in a process capability database that is operating in a six sigma regime. The manipulation preferably includes converting the expert elicited information from a tolerance-type metric to a short term standard deviation (or sigma) metric, whereby the result of the manipulation is used to populate directly a process capability database and, as appropriate, thereby augment, replace or modulate the data already stored therein.

Abstract: A method of determining contact wear in a trip unit of a circuit breaker and a circuit breaker employing such a method are presented. The trip unit includes a microcontroller and associated memories. An algorithm (program) stored in a memory of the trip unit calculates cumulative energy dissipated in the breaker contacts using the current signal detected at the time of separation. Measurement of cumulative energy dissipated in the breaker contacts is proportional to contact wear. Maintenance setpoints are determined based on industry standard endurance tests and alarm threshold and trip thresholds further based on industry standards are provided within the algorithm for notifying local or remote personnel of a necessary maintenance procedure.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a residential circuit breaker is presented. The residential circuit breaker comprises an electronic residential circuit breaker having a selectable current rating which permits the user to easily set and reset the current rating depending upon the desired use and environment in which the current breaker is to be used. In another aspect, common power line carrier (PLC) communications are used to provide an effective signaling system for load control. In yet another aspect of the present invention, an interface between the electrical infrastructure and a home automation system for the purpose of load control is provided.

Abstract: A method of determining contact wear in a trip unit of a circuit breaker and a circuit breaker employing such a method are presented. The trip unit includes a microcontroller and associated memories. An algorithm (program) stored in a memory of the trip unit calculates cumulative energy dissipated in the breaker contacts using the current signal detected at the time of separation. Measurement of cumulative energy dissipated in the breaker contacts is proportional to contact wear. Maintenance setpoints are determined based on industry standard endurance tests and alarm threshold and trip thresholds further based on industry standards are provided within the algorithm for notifying local or remote personnel of a necessary maintenance procedure.

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.