Abstract: A circuit breaker having a housing with an accessory cover includes an accessory cover interlock assembly that trips the circuit breaker upon removal of the accessory cover. The accessory cover interlock assembly includes a plunger rotatable from an initial install position to an engaged position that moves a trip lever into a de-energize position (tripping the circuit breaker) upon removal of the accessory cover. The accessory cover interlock assembly prevents the circuit breaker from being reset while the access cover is removed. The accessory cover interlock assembly automatically resets upon re-attachment of the accessory cover to the circuit breaker housing. Methods of forced safety tripping in a circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a housing with an accessory cover includes an accessory cover interlock assembly that trips the circuit breaker upon removal of the accessory cover. The accessory cover interlock assembly includes a plunger rotatable from an initial install position to an engaged position that moves a trip lever into a de-energize position (tripping the circuit breaker) upon removal of the accessory cover. The accessory cover interlock assembly prevents the circuit breaker from being reset while the access cover is removed. The accessory cover interlock assembly automatically resets upon re-attachment of the accessory cover to the circuit breaker housing. Methods of forced safety tripping in a circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an accessory pocket, an accessory cover and a locking device to lock the circuit breaker such that an unauthorized switching of the circuit breaker from OFF to ON or from ON to OFF states is prevented. The locking device includes a first subassembly including a pocket housing. The first subassembly is configured to be installed in the accessory pocket. The locking device further includes a second subassembly including a cylinder lock. The second subassembly is configured to be mounted to the accessory cover. The first subassembly and the second subassembly are configured to self align upon final assembly of the circuit breaker to perform a locking function of the circuit breaker. In this way, the locking device prevents circumvention of a locking feature and selectively provides an ability to lock in an ON state of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an accessory pocket, an accessory cover and a locking device to lock the circuit breaker such that an unauthorized switching of the circuit breaker from OFF to ON or from ON to OFF states is prevented. The locking device includes a first subassembly including a pocket housing. The first subassembly is configured to be installed in the accessory pocket. The locking device further includes a second subassembly including a cylinder lock. The second subassembly is configured to be mounted to the accessory cover. The first subassembly and the second subassembly are configured to self align upon final assembly of the circuit breaker to perform a locking function of the circuit breaker. In this way, the locking device prevents circumvention of a locking feature and selectively provides an ability to lock in an ON state of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station with a field upgradeable communications facility is provided. The invention includes a sealable housing including a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment including an access to an upgrade port; a partition within the housing that is adapted to insulate the first compartment from the second compartment, the partition including an opening providing access the upgrade port; and an EVSE charging station control circuit configured to recognize a communication module when coupled to the upgrade port and to use the communication module for communications if the communication module is connected. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing body that is configurable to provide a number of electrical connection options, such as bottom and rear corded options as well as direct wired options. In another aspect, a mounting installation of the electric vehicle charging apparatus is provided. In yet another aspect, a housing body having a first front cavity and a second front cavity is provided. An inner cover covers the second front cavity, and a maximum amperage set switch is operable to set a maximum charge amperage for the electric vehicle charging apparatus. Methods of configuring the electric vehicle charging apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Embodiments provide tripping unit of a circuit breaker. The tripping unit includes a magnet, a bimetal member extending alongside of the magnet, and an armature pivotable on the magnet, wherein the armature having an engagement portion engageable with the bimetal member at a moveable end of the bimetal member. Circuit breakers including triggering mechanisms and tripping units are also disclosed, as are low-profile, electronic circuit breakers including a maximum transverse width (Wt) limited to occupy only a single standard breaker panelboard location. System and methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing having a body, and a light guide assembly adapted to display a status of the electric vehicle charging apparatus. The light guide assembly generates and displays one or more colors, flashing lights, or combinations thereof on a light exit region of the light guide. In another aspect, a locking hinged lid configuration of the electric vehicle charging apparatus is provided. In yet another aspect, a mechanical control panel including lighted status indicators on the lid is provided. In another aspect, the electric vehicle charging apparatus has one or more low voltage terminals contained in a first front cavity under the lid, whereas high voltage components are provided in a separate second front cavity. Methods of operating the electric vehicle charging apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing having a body, and a light guide assembly adapted to display a status of the electric vehicle charging apparatus as a halo. The light guide assembly generates and displays one or more colors, flashing lights, or combinations thereof on a light exit region having a tilted side facing surface. In another aspect, a hinged lid configuration of the electric vehicle charging apparatus is provided having a mechanical control panel including lighted status indicators on the lid. Methods of operating the electric vehicle charging apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An electric vehicle recharging station that can be readily incorporated into existing building electrical distribution systems during retrofit or new construction. The system has at least one enclosure and a vehicle charging connector. A circuit interrupter has line terminals for connection to respective first and second phases of the distribution system. A contactor relay has first and second phases coupled to the respective circuit interrupter and electric vehicle charging connector phases and separable contacts for each phase, for selective connection of electric power to the charging connector. A recharger controller is coupled to the contactor, for causing selective separation and closing of the separable contacts, so that electrical power is transferred to the electric vehicle. The recharging station system may also incorporate electric rate metering functions as well as communication capability from the controller to a remote controller. A human machine interface may be coupled to the controller.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a low-profile, electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker includes a housing containing first and second electrical branches coupled to respective first and second load terminals, and an electronic processing circuit within the housing adapted to monitor an electrical condition of the first and second electrical branches, wherein a maximum transverse width (Wt) of the housing is limited to occupy only a single standard breaker panelboard location. Circuit breakers including triggering mechanisms and tripping units are also disclosed. System and method aspects are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Embodiments provide tripping unit of a circuit breaker. The tripping unit includes a magnet, a bimetal member extending alongside of the magnet, and an armature pivotable on the magnet, wherein the armature having an engagement portion engageable with the bimetal member at a moveable end of the bimetal member. Circuit breakers including triggering mechanisms and tripping units are also disclosed, as are low-profile, electronic circuit breakers including a maximum transverse width (Wt) limited to occupy only a single standard breaker panelboard location. System and methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station with a field upgradeable communications facility is provided. The invention includes a sealable housing including a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment including an access to an upgrade port; a partition within the housing that is adapted to insulate the first compartment from the second compartment, the partition including an opening providing access the upgrade port; and an EVSE charging station control circuit configured to recognize a communication module when coupled to the upgrade port and to use the communication module for communications if the communication module is connected. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station with a field upgradeable communications facility is provided. The invention includes a sealable housing including a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment including an access to an upgrade port; a partition within the housing that is adapted to insulate the first compartment from the second compartment, the partition including an opening providing access the upgrade port; and an EVSE charging station control circuit configured to recognize a communication module when coupled to the upgrade port and to use the communication module for communications if the communication module is connected. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing having a body, and a light guide assembly adapted to display a status of the electric vehicle charging apparatus as a halo. The light guide assembly generates and displays one or more colors, flashing lights, or combinations thereof on a light exit region having a tilted side facing surface. In another aspect, a hinged lid configuration of the electric vehicle charging apparatus is provided having a mechanical control panel including lighted status indicators on the lid. Methods of operating the electric vehicle charging apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing body that is configurable to provide a number of electrical connection options, such as bottom and rear corded options as well as direct wired options. In another aspect, a mounting installation of the electric vehicle charging apparatus is provided. In yet another aspect, a housing body having a first front cavity and a second front cavity is provided. An inner cover covers the second front cavity, and a maximum amperage set switch is operable to set a maximum charge amperage for the electric vehicle charging apparatus. Methods of configuring the electric vehicle charging apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing having a body, and a light guide assembly adapted to display a status of the electric vehicle charging apparatus. The light guide assembly generates and displays one or more colors, flashing lights, or combinations thereof on a light exit region of the light guide. In another aspect, a locking hinged lid configuration of the electric vehicle charging apparatus is provided. In yet another aspect, a mechanical control panel including lighted status indicators on the lid is provided. In another aspect, the electric vehicle charging apparatus has one or more low voltage terminals contained in a first front cavity under the lid, whereas high voltage components are provided in a separate second front cavity. Methods of operating the electric vehicle charging apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station with a field upgradeable communications facility is provided. The invention includes a sealable housing including a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment including an access to an upgrade port; a partition within the housing that is adapted to insulate the first compartment from the second compartment, the partition including an opening providing access the upgrade port; and an EVSE charging station control circuit configured to recognize a communication module when coupled to the upgrade port and to use the communication module for communications if the communication module is connected. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a trip unit and an electronic fault detection unit sharing a common trip latch for causing the circuit breaker to trip upon detection of a fault by either unit. The circuit breaker has an electromagnet for causing the circuit breaker to trip upon detection of a fault by an electronic fault detection unit. The electromagnet is oriented in the housing proximal the trip latch without any components interposed between them, and directly attracts the latch. Advantageously the electromagnet orientation does not impact operation or the range of motion of the latch or other trip unit components. Advantageously the circuit breaker of the present invention does not increase the trip latch mass, its bulk swept volume through its range of motion or require additional linkage components that potentially might increase trip cycle time. In some embodiments the electromagnet core is reciprocable.

Abstract: An electric vehicle recharging station that can be readily incorporated into existing building electrical distribution systems during retrofit or new construction. The system has at least one enclosure and a vehicle charging connector. A circuit interrupter has line terminals for connection to respective first and second phases of the distribution system. A contactor relay has first and second phases coupled to the respective circuit interrupter and electric vehicle charging connector phases and separable contacts for each phase, for selective connection of electric power to the charging connector. A recharger controller is coupled to the contactor, for causing selective separation and closing of the separable contacts, so that electrical power is transferred to the electric vehicle. The recharging station system may also incorporate electric rate metering functions as well as communication capability from the controller to a remote controller. A human machine interface may be coupled to the controller.