Abstract: An intelligent circuit breaker or switching device system comprises three separate microprocessor-based units, including a condition monitoring unit (CMU) 40, a breaker control unit (BCU) 50, and a synchronous control unit (SCU) 60. The CMU 40 provides detailed diagnostic information by monitoring key quantities associated with circuit breaker or switching device reliability. On-line analysis performed by the CMU provides information facilitating the performance of maintenance as needed and the identification of impending failures. The BCU 50 is a programmable system having self-diagnostic and remote communications. The BCU replaces the conventional electromechanical control circuits typically employed to control a circuit breaker or switching device. The SCU 60 provides synchronous switching control for both closing and opening the circuit interrupters. The control processes carried out by the SCU reduce system switching transients and interrupter wear.

Abstract: An intelligent circuit breaker or switching device system comprises three separate microprocessor-based units, including a condition monitoring unit (CMU) 40, a breaker control unit (BCU) 50, and a synchronous control unit (SCU) 60. The CMU 40 provides detailed diagnostic information by monitoring key quantities associated with circuit breaker or switching device reliability. On-line analysis performed by the CMU provides information facilitating the performance of maintenance as needed and the identification of impending failures. The BCU 50 is a programmable system having self-diagnostic and remote communications. The BCU replaces the conventional electromechanical control circuits typically employed to control a circuit breaker or switching device. The SCU 60 provides synchronous switching control for both closing and opening the circuit interrupters. The control processes carried out by the SCU reduce system switching transients and interrupter wear.

Abstract: An intelligent circuit breaker or switching device system comprises three separate microprocessor-based units, including a condition monitoring unit (CMU) 40, a breaker control unit (BCU) 50, and a synchronous control unit (SCU) 60. The CMU 40 provides detailed diagnostic information by monitoring key quantities associated with circuit breaker or switching device reliability. On-line analysis performed by the CMU provides information facilitating the performance of maintenance as needed and the identification of impending failures. The BCU 50 is a programmable system having self-diagnostic and remote communications. The BCU replaces the conventional electromechanical control circuits typically employed to control a circuit breaker or switching device. The SCU 60 provides synchronous switching control for both closing and opening the circuit interrupters. The control processes carried out by the SCU reduce system switching transients and interrupter wear.

Abstract: A covered distribution wire is provided with a clamp device having sufficient mass to provide conductor protection against damage from fault current arcs over a section of the conductor where the insulation cover is removed for interconnection or insulator support purposes. The clamp comprises two members which are bolted together to surround the conductor section such that an enlarged disc-like end clamp portion is positioned about the conductor within one and a half centimeters of an end face of the adjacent wire cover. The two members are secured together such that a pair of slots exists between them along opposite sides of the conductor section with splatter barriers located on one end thereof. The slots are tapered with increasing width in the radially outward direction with the minimum width being great enough to avoid weldment and the maximum width being less than that which allows fault arc travel through the slot to the conductor section.

Abstract: An insulated distribution conductor separated from the substation by one or more fuses is protected from arc damage by a clamp device having sufficient mass to absorb the arc energy and thereby prevent burndown and diameter reduction of the conductor at a point where the insulation covering has been removed. The clamp comprises two members which are bolted together to surround the bare section of the conductor and provide additional heat-absorbing mass at the point where the arc tends to dwell, i.e. at the end face of the insulation covering farthest from the power source.