Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker includes a programmed microprocessor and a module plug in removable signal communication with the microprocessor. The module plug includes a program identifier. The microprocessor recognizes the program identifier and accesses a program of a plurality of programs external to the module plug based on the program identifier. The microprocessor responds to the program to perform a function identified by the module plug. The function identifiable by the module plug includes a communications function, a load monitoring function, a non-tripping ground fault alarm function, a flag function, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Improvements to a rating plug for an electronic trip unit of a circuit breaker are disclosed. The rating plug includes a non-volatile memory which has access to current and frame rating information. A microcomputer in the electronic trip unit may receive new current rating information over the World Wide Web from a vendor system to update the current rating information of the rating plug. A program within the circuit breaker may detect errors in the new current rating information and may reject such and revert to a safe mode of operation. A billing system may be connected to the vendor system for calculating charges based on the transmission of the new current rating information. Preferably, the non-volatile memory of the rating plug is programmed at the factory site and a label adhered to the outer case of the rating plug for indicating the current rating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rejection of an inappropriate rating plug in an electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker including: a microprocessor programmed to determine an overcurrent condition of the circuit breaker; a nonvolatile memory in operable communication with the microprocessor; the rating plug releasably engaged with the microprocessor, the rating plug includes an identification register; wherein the microprocessor reads the identification register, the identification register includes an identification number; wherein the microprocessor accesses one of a plurality of programs in the nonvolatile memory based on the identification number; and wherein the one of a plurality of programs instructs said microprocessor to perform a validation of said rating plug for operation with said microprocessor.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker includes a programmed microprocessor and a module plug in removable signal communication with the microprocessor. The module plug includes a program identifier. The microprocessor recognizes the program identifier and accesses a program of a plurality of programs external to the module plug based on the program identifier. The microprocessor responds to the program to perform a function identified by the module plug. The function identifiable by the module plug includes a communications function, a load monitoring function, a non-tripping ground fault alarm function, a flag function, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker includes: a microprocessor, the microprocessor programmed to determine an overcurrent condition of the circuit breaker; a nonvolatile memory in electronic communication with the microprocessor; a module plug releasably engaged with the microprocessor, the module plug includes an identification register; wherein the microprocessor reads the identification register, the identification register including an identification number; wherein the microprocessor accesses one of a plurality of programs in the nonvolatile memory based the identification number; and wherein the one of a plurality of programs instructs the microprocessor to perform steps necessary to operate one or more functions of the module plug.

Abstract: A verifying trip unit includes a microcontroller providing a plurality of input signals to a logic device for controlling a trip unit actuator. The logic device produces an output signal for controlling a trip unit actuator. In response to the plurality of input signals, the logic device provides an output signal indicative of a function performed on the signals for opening the circuit breaker contacts in an overcurrent condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rejection of an inappropriate rating plug in an electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker including: a microprocessor programmed to determine an overcurrent condition of the circuit breaker; a nonvolatile memory in operable communication with the microprocessor; the rating plug releasably engaged with the microprocessor, the rating plug includes an identification register; wherein the microprocessor reads the identification register, the identification register includes an identification number; wherein the microprocessor accesses one of a plurality of programs in the nonvolatile memory based on the identification number; and wherein the one of a plurality of programs instructs said microprocessor to perform a validation of said rating plug for operation with said microprocessor.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker includes: a microprocessor, the microprocessor programmed to determine an overcurrent condition of the circuit breaker; a nonvolatile memory in electronic communication with the microprocessor; a module plug releasably engaged with the microprocessor, the module plug includes an identification register; wherein the microprocessor reads the identification register, the identification register including an identification number; wherein the microprocessor accesses one of a plurality of programs in the nonvolatile memory based the identification number; and wherein the one of a plurality of programs instructs the microprocessor to perform steps necessary to operate one or more functions of the module plug.

Abstract: A verifying trip unit includes a microcontroller providing a plurality of input signals to a logic device for controlling a trip unit actuator. The logic device produces an output signal for controlling a trip unit actuator. In response to the plurality of input signals, the logic device provides an output signal indicative of a function performed on the signals for opening the circuit breaker contacts in an overcurrent condition.