Abstract: Disclosed is an air circuit breaker including a safety cover. According to embodiments disclosed herein, a setting unit of an overcurrent trip relay exposed to the outside through an opening is covered by the safety cover, and thus manipulation of the setting unit is not allowed before opening the safety cover. Accordingly, an accident due to malfunction or manipulation of the overcurrent trip relay by an unauthorized person may be prevented.

Abstract: A delay time generation apparatus for an air circuit breaker according to the present invention can provide an effect of ensuring a delay time as long as possible even in a narrow space upon outputting a signal related to a conductive state, by virtue of interaction of a main shaft, a pin portion, a first rotating unit, a second rotating unit and a spring member.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a switching mechanism that including a linkage with a drive joint that is mounted to be rotatable around a rotation axis by a driving force, wherein, during the ON operation, an axis formed by the rotation axis and the point of action of the driving force makes an acute angle with the line of action of the driving force, so that the drive joint causes the tangential force of the driving force to act as input load, at least one hinge part of the linkage is configured in a way that the connecting pin is movably hinged to the long hole-shaped hinge hole, and at least one hinge part of the linkage causes the tangential force to increase by changes in the acute angle as the connecting pin moves from a first side of the long hole-shaped hinge hole to a second side.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a switching mechanism that including a linkage with a drive joint that is mounted to be rotatable around a rotation axis by a driving force, wherein, during the ON operation, an axis formed by the rotation axis and the point of action of the driving force makes an acute angle with the line of action of the driving force, so that the drive joint causes the tangential force of the driving force to act as input load, at least one hinge part of the linkage is configured in a way that the connecting pin is movably hinged to the long hole-shaped hinge hole, and at least one hinge part of the linkage causes the tangential force to increase by changes in the acute angle as the connecting pin moves from a first side of the long hole-shaped hinge hole to a second side.

Abstract: An overcurrent relay and a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) including the same are provided. The MCCB includes: a switching mechanism unit; an overcurrent relay; a trip mechanism, wherein the overcurrent relay includes: a case body; a case cover coupled to the case body; a control unit installed within the case body and having an electronic circuit board; and a plurality of setting knobs disposed to be spaced apart from one another on the electronic circuit board, having an indication unit exposed to the outside to indicate a current reference value and a trip operation time marked on the case cover, respectively, and configured to be rotatable, respectively.

Abstract: A vacuum interrupter includes a fixed contact and a movable contact; a driving unit including a main shaft and a plurality of links interlocked with the main shaft, to supply a driving force to open and close the vacuum interrupter; a power transmission unit to transmit a driving force of the driving unit to the movable contact; an over-current relay to detect a fault current and to output a trip signal to break a large-scaled current conduction; a trip unit to generate and transmit a mechanical operation force to the driving unit when a trip signal is output from the over-current relay; and a Thomson drive including a Thomson coil and a repulsive plate, to rotate the main shaft to an opening position or to transmit the trip signal to the trip unit, to promptly breaking a fault current.

Abstract: A hinged armature arrangement, for a magnetic tripping device of an electrical switching device, includes a yoke, a hinged armature and a hinged armature spring for embodying a spring force on the hinged armature. The hinged armature is mounted at a first end in a hinged armature bearing. The hinged armature bearing includes a contact surface and a stop surface. The hinged armature spring is arranged on the hinged armature such that at least one first part of the spring force acts against a magnetic force, which is exerted on the hinged armature when a current path is energized. In a particular embodiment, the contact surface and the stop surface are arranged at an angle ? of less than 90° relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a contact structure of a low-voltage electrical apparatus. The contact structure is in a dual-breakpoint form, and comprises: two U-shaped static contacts, the U-shaped static contact enabling the current direction in the static contact to be opposite to the current direction in a movable contact; a contact bridge; two movable contacts, disposed on the contact bridge, and respectively corresponding to the two static contacts; a contact support member, disposed on the movable contacts and connected to the movable contacts; two main contact springs, symmetrically disposed under the movable contacts and forming an angle with the contact bridge; and a spring support member, disposed under the two movable contacts and connected to the two main contact springs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved double break contact system for use in moulded case circuit breakers. The system comprises shaft means (8), fixed contact means (1 and 2) and moving contact means (3) mounted on shaft means (8), spring means (4) operatively mounted on the shaft means (8), holder means (5) securing said spring means (4) wherein holder means being rotatably mounted on the shaft means in a manner that rotation of the shaft means in operation rotates said holder means.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a movable contact arm for opening and closing the circuit which is controlled separately by a circuit breaker mechanism for circuit protection and by a switch lever mechanism which does not require actuation of the circuit breaker mechanism to function. The switch lever may also be activated remotely by a remote actuator, for example, a solenoid. A manual reset mechanism is provided so that, actuation of which, when power has been lost to the remote actuator when the remote actuator is in the off position, moves the remote actuator to the on position, thereby resetting the circuit to the closed state.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a trip blocking apparatus of a circuit breaker exhibiting no trip at OFF functionality. The trip blocking apparatus effectively blocks tripping of a trip bar when the circuit breaker is in the OFF configuration. The trip blocking apparatus has a trip blocking arm and a blocking lever. A first projection of the blocking lever is configured to contact a handle arm, and a second projection is configured to interfere with the trip blocking arm to block tripping of the trip bar responsive to handle arm motion. Actuator resetting and blocking apparatus and trip blocking assemblies and methods of operating the trip blocking assembly are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: The trip unit (10) according to the invention is capable of being connected to a circuit breaker and includes a first block (12) and a second block (14). The first block (12) comprises a first case (16) and a circuit breaker trip member (20) accessible from outside the first case (16). The second block (14) comprises a second case (26) and at least one member (28) for detecting an electric fault. The first block (12) and the second block (14) are two distinct blocks relative to one another and the first case (16) and the second case (26) are capable of being mechanically assembled to one another in an assembled configuration of the trip unit (10). Each contact end (62) is capable of mechanically cooperating with the trip member (20), when the corresponding detecting member (28) detects an electric fault.

Abstract: A power circuit breaker is disclosed wherein an electric current is monitored by an electronic trip unit in order to detect an electrical fault. In an embodiment, a first magnetic device of the power circuit breaker, in the event of a fault being detected, is configured to be excited which, when it is excited, trips a trip mechanism via a plunger. As a result of tripping, the trip mechanism disconnects two contacts via which the current flows. The power circuit breaker of an embodiment includes a second magnetic device which is likewise able to be excited by the ETU and by which the trip mechanism is likewise able to be tripped.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, which includes a hinged armature and a yoke. In at least one embodiment, the hinged armature is supported in a cutout in the yoke and can pivot between at least two positions, the cutout in the yoke having an edge, on which the hinged armature is supported.

Abstract: An overcurrent switching device for an electric circuit to be monitored, which has interrupter contact means (14) constructed in such a manner that an interruption of the electric circuit is effected as a reaction to the exceeding of a predetermined current threshold, wherein the interrupter contact means have an expansion unit (16) realized by means of a magnetically active shape memory alloy material, which is loaded by a magnetic field (18) of a current flowing in the electric circuit, characterized in that the expansion unit (16; 30; 32; 34) mechanically driving a contact, particularly an interrupter contact (14), is provided adjacently to a coil-free current-carrying conductor section (10) of the electric circuit for magnetic interaction in such a manner that above the predetermined current threshold, a current flow in the current carrying conductor section generates a magnetic field which effects an expansion movement of the expansion unit which interrupts the electric circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for tripping an electrical switch is disclosed, which includes a selective tripping device and a power-storing mechanism. The electrical switch can be tripped by the selective tripping device by way of the power-storing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic protection device, in particular for an automatic circuit breaker or a disconnecting switch, preferably for use in low voltage systems. The invention also relates to an automatic circuit breaker comprising this device. The protection device (1) according to the invention comprises a low voltage circuit breaker comprising an air gap magnetic circuit (T), provided with a first portion (10) forming a first surface (11) of said air gap (T) and a second portion (20) forming a second surface (21) of the air gap (T). The first portion (10) constitutes a fixed section of the magnetic circuit, while the second portion (20) constitutes a moving section of the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit also comprises a flexible portion (30) that connects the first portion (10) to the second portion (20) with continuity, forming an intermediate section of magnetic circuit interposed between the fixed section and the moving section.

Abstract: A disconnect mechanism for a power receptacle, which includes a disconnect block, a locking member slidably coupled to the disconnect block, and an electromagnetic device moveably coupled to the locking member. The disconnect block includes two side arms extending outwards. A pressing plate is disposed above the disconnect block, and a disconnect spring is disposed above the pressing plate. The moveable contact arms of the main switch of the receptacle are disposed between the pressing plate and the disconnect block, and the pressing plate pushes the moveable contact arms when the main switch is being opened when a current leakage is detected. The receptacle also includes an auxiliary switch disposed because the disconnect block and the circuit board.

Abstract: An auxiliary tripping device is configured to interrupt a flow of current in the event of an undervoltage and/or a current pulse in a subordinate power circuit. The tripping device includes a spring element, a storage element which can be moved between a tensioned and a detensioned position, a trip element for tripping a trip mechanism of the electrical switching device and an activation element, the storage element being embodied in the tensioned position, when activated by way of the activation element, to emit the stored mechanical energy to the trip element. In an embodiment, a movably supported blocking element is provided, which is connected functionally in a first position to the storage element when the storage element is in the tensioned position, so that the storage element is held by the blocking element and in a second position the blocking element releases the storage element to perform a movement.

Abstract: A release mechanism for a circuit interrupting device includes a ferromagnetic main frame through which can flow a current and a ferromagnetic movable core designed to be translated in an opening of the main frame between a first position where the circuit interrupting device remains closed and a second position where the circuit interrupting device is opened. The release mechanism is designed to use the flux generated inside the main frame by the current flowing through it to displace the movable core between its first and second positions. The release mechanism further includes at least two permanent magnets mounted on the main frame on each side of the opening and relatively oriented so as to generate a unidirectional unique magnet flux inside the main frame and the movable core, the magnet flux creating a first force on the movable core that tends to maintain it in its first position.

Abstract: A flux shifter for a circuit protection device including a trip mechanism includes a trip arm and a pin assembly. The pin assembly includes a pin, a biasing member positioned proximate to the pin, and a latch coupled to the pin and to the biasing member. The pin assembly is configured to enable the trip arm to rotate into an engagement with the trip mechanism when the flux shifter enters a trip state and to prevent the trip arm from rotating into the engagement with the trip mechanism when the flux shifter is in one of an operational state and a reset state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switching mechanism for a mold cased circuit breaker, capable of indicating a contacts status by a position of a handle.

Abstract: A device can be installed inside a circuit breaker assembly to reduce friction between an armature and a cradle, which in turn, allows the circuit breaker to trip without requiring significant force. Such device can be a collapsible mechanism configured to swivel about its hinged connection to the armature.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a power plug providing leakage protection comprising a casing, reset button and test button provided to the surface of the top of the casing; wherein movable springs respectively connected to power supply live wire and neutral wire pins are fixedly provided to the bottom part of a circuit board, movable contact points have separate electrical connections with free ends of the movable springs, stationary contact points corresponding to the movable contact points are provided to the circuit board and connected to a loading power supply cable; and a tripping device capable of contacting or disconnecting the movable and stationary contact points is provided inside the casing. The present invention is safe; has strong protective performance, simple structure, and reasonable design, and is safe, suited for mass production, and able to detect a power cable leakage failure and promptly sever the loaded connection with the power supply.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a latching plate rotatably coupled to a moveable plate, and tensile type latching springs, each latching spring having two ends fixed to the latching plate and the moveable plate, respectively. Time taken for a moveable contact to be lifted up from a contact time point between the moveable contact and a fixed contact may be shortened, and thus a time duration for which an accident current flows may be reduced. Accordingly, the amount of energy applied to the circuit breaker may be reduced, and a breaking function of the circuit breaker may be enhanced. Furthermore, since a contact pressure between the moveable contact and the fixed contact has a constant change, a reliability on a conductive state of the moveable contact and the fixed contact may be enhanced.

Abstract: Electric Solenoid Actuators are used in a wide range of industries that require the combination of electrical, electromagnetic and mechanical apparatus and systems to activate or de-activate a device, automatically, or semi-automatically. Solenoid actuators are used in a variety of applications ranging from valve controls, electrical switch controls or contactors, or other electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical systems and/or combinations thereof. Electric solenoid actuators are preferred from pneumatic and hydraulic actuators for many practical reasons. There are disadvantages with the use of electrical solenoids and this may include the limitation of motion as well as the limited force which is dictated by the strength of the electromagnet developed by the armature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trip mechanism for a circuit breaker, capable of maintaining a constant characteristic of a normal trip operation in spite of changes in installation angles of the circuit breaker including a horizontal installation, a perpendicular installation and an inclination installation, the trip mechanism including, a coil configured to generate a magnetic absorption force due to a fault current on a circuit, a stationary core fixed to a lower portion of the coil within the coil, a movable core movable down to the stationary core within the coil by the magnetic absorption force generated from the coil, and a trip lever rotatably to connected to the movable core so as to be pulled by the movable core when the movable core is downwardly moved and configured to trigger the switching mechanism such that the movable contactor is moved to an open circuit position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel circuit interrupting device, preferably a ground fault circuit interrupter, which contains a reset button that is capable of interacting with a test button to perform an end-of-life-component test on the circuit interrupting device. The circuit interrupting device also contains a reset switch coupled to the reset button which is capable of disallowing reset if the device is miswired and/or fails the end-of-life-component test. Only when the circuit interrupting device is properly wired, in a tripped state, and all of the key components in the circuit interrupting device are working properly, the depression of the reset button allows the device to be reset.

Abstract: A switching device unit is disclosed for switching at least two operating states of at least one consumer to an at least two-phase electrical supply system by way of switching elements. At least one embodiment of the invention specifies a switching device unit which has as simple a construction as possible and is as cost-effective and compact as possible. For this purpose, the switching device unit contains circuits for operational switching of the consumer, for implementing the tripping function for protection against overload and short circuits, wherein these circuits are integrated in such a way that the switching device unit, in particular in terms of its function as a compact reversing starter, can have a standardized width in order to be installed in a space-saving manner on a top-hat rail in a switchgear cabinet and in order to be operated.

Abstract: A leakage protective plug comprises a case and electric contacts. A protective cap is fixed on the top of the case and includes a reset button protective cap and a test button protective cap. The reset button protective cap is interiorly provided with a reset button connected with a push rod which in order penetrates an electric contact upper panel, an upper spring, an electric contact lower panel and a lower spring. The electric contact upper panel is provided at a right side thereof with a locking member linked with a brake connecting rod which is linked with a brake plate. The brake plate is located at a lower right side of the locking member. Below the brake plate are disposed an electromagnet pole shoe, an electromagnet coil, and an electromagnet core. The test button protective cap is provided with a test button having a test electric contact.

Abstract: A disconnect mechanism for a power receptacle, which includes a disconnect block, a locking member slidably coupled to the disconnect block, and an electromagnetic device moveably coupled to the locking member. The disconnect block includes two side arms extending outwards. A pressing plate is disposed above the disconnect block, and a disconnect spring is disposed above the pressing plate. The moveable contact arms of the main switch of the receptacle are disposed between the pressing plate and the disconnect block, and the pressing plate pushes the moveable contact arms when the main switch is being opened when a current leakage is detected. The receptacle also includes an auxiliary switch disposed because the disconnect block and the circuit board.

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: The present invention relates generally to a plastic cradle. More particularly, the invention encompasses a plastic cradle utilized inside a molded circuit breaker (MCB). The present invention is also directed to a novel nonconductive nonmagnetic cradle that engages a contact arm between a first terminal conductor and a second terminal conductor inside a molded circuit breaker (MCB) in an ON state, and disengages same in an OFF or Neutral state.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and method includes a mechanical pole moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position to open an electrical connection between a pair of electrical contacts. An electronic tripping device is configured to respond to a sensor signal. The sensor signal is output from a condition sensor wherein upon receiving the sensor signal the electronic tripping device trips the mechanical pole into the unlatched position.

Abstract: A switching device having a magnetic release includes a yoke having a U-shaped first section that includes a first limb having an opening in the form of a slot open towards a free end of the first limb, a second limb disposed parallel to the first limb, and a web connecting the first and second limbs. The switching device also includes a coil including a coil former, a coil winding and an armature disposed between the first and second limbs, wherein the coil is insertable into the slot towards the web and the armature extends through the slot. A restraint spring is connected at a free end of the armature and disposed outside the first limb.

Abstract: A bimetal in a circuit breaker can deflect in a first direction or a second direction depending upon conditions. If the bimetal deflects in the second direction it can increase the force necessary to operate a trip mechanism of the circuit breaker. A yoke stop helps to control bimetal deflection forces and thus, the amount of force necessary to operate the trip mechanism. This allows better control, size, and selection of operating parts for the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker and method include at least two breaker modules including circuit breakers therein. The circuit breakers include a moveable arm configured to connect and disconnect contacts therein. The at least two modules including armatures connectable to the moveable arms of each of the at least two modules. A center module connects the at least two modules. The center module includes an actuator and a beam connected to the actuator at a mid-portion. The beam connects to each armature of the at least two modules wherein under a trip condition the actuator displaces the beam to simultaneously trip the at least two modules using the armatures.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for protecting a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) from being faultily reset. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism has a blocking member secured onto a lateral side of the movable assembly, a resilient member, and a locking member having a first end portion positioned against the resilient member, a second end portion positioned in relation to the blocking member, and a body portion defined between the first end portion and the second end portion. When the movable assembly is in a first (tripping) position, the expanding force of the resilient member applied to the first end portion of the locking member causes the second end portion of the locking member to be positioned against the blocking member so that no movement of the movable assembly from the first position to a second (resetting) position is allowed.

Abstract: Electric Solenoid Actuators are used in a wide range of industries that require the combination of electrical, electromagnetic and mechanical apparatus and systems to activate or de-activate a device, automatically, or semi-automatically. Solenoid actuators are used in a variety of applications ranging from valve controls, electrical switch controls or contactors, or other electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical systems and/or combinations thereof. Electric solenoid actuators are preferred from pneumatic and hydraulic actuators for many practical reasons. There are disadvantages with the use of electrical solenoids and this may include the limitation of motion as well as the limited force which is dictated by the strength of the electromagnet developed by the armature.

Abstract: A fault interrupter and load break switch includes a trip assembly configured to automatically open a transformer circuit electrically coupled to stationary contacts of the switch upon the occurrence of a fault condition. The fault condition causes a Curie metal element electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts to release a magnetic latch. The release causes a trip rotor of the trip assembly to rotate a rotor assembly. This rotation causes ends of a movable contact of the rotor assembly to electrically disengage the stationary contacts, thereby opening the circuit. The switch also includes a handle for manually opening and closing the electrical circuit in fault and non-fault conditions. Actuation of the handle coupled to the rotor assembly via a spring-loaded rotor causes the movable contact ends to selectively engage or disengage the stationary contacts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a housing having a plurality of line terminals, a plurality of load terminals, and a plurality of user-accessible terminals accessible via apertures disposed in a front major surface of the housing. A fault detection assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals, the fault detection circuit being configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled to the fault detection assembly. The circuit interrupter includes a first set of interrupting contacts configured to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals, and the plurality of user-accessible terminals in a reset state.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having a contact on mechanism which can perform a trip operation and automatically rotates the handle to the on position or a position toward the on position if the handle is manipulated to move to the off (or reset) position in a state that the contacts are melt-adhered to each other, the contact on mechanism, including: a contact on plate which is vertically movable by being guided according to the operation of the switching mechanism, a trip bar that drives the restricting unit to a releasing position, a lever connected to the handle and that provides a pivot point of the handle, a lever pin fixed to the lever, for driving the restricting unit to the releasing position by pressing the trip bar, and thereby operating the switching mechanism to the trip position, and a trip spring providing an elastic driving force for enabling the switching mechanism to operate to the trip position when the restricting unit is moved to the releasing position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the contacts, and a trip unit cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the contacts. The trip unit includes a sensor structured to sense current flowing through the contacts, a processor structured to output a trip signal responsive to the sensed current, and a trip actuator. The trip actuator includes a housing including a recess, a coil within the recess, the coil having an opening therethrough, a magnet within the recess, a thermoplastic bushing including a conduit therethrough, the thermoplastic bushing being coupled to the housing, and an armature disposable within the opening of the coil and slidably disposed within the conduit of the thermoplastic bushing. The magnet attracts the armature toward the housing. A spring biases the armature away from the housing, in order to cause the operating mechanism to trip open the contacts.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device configured to cause electrical discontinuity along a conductive path upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition is disclosed. The device includes a fault sensing circuit detecting the predetermined condition and generating a circuit interrupting actuation signal, and a coil and plunger assembly actuatable by the circuit interrupting actuation signal so that, upon detecting the predetermined condition, the plunger will move in a fault direction from a non-actuated to an actuated configuration a distance sufficient to cause disengagement of at least one set of contacts from each other to cause electrical discontinuity along the conductive path; and a test assembly causing the plunger to move in a test direction, from a pre-test configuration to a post-test configuration, a distance insufficient to disengage the at least one set of contacts from each other. Analogous methods of testing the circuit interrupting device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An arc flash system for a circuit breaker and a method of operation is provided. The arc flash system includes a first sensor such as a photo-detector and a second sensor that detects a circuit breaker parameter. The arc flash system is responsive to signals from the first sensor and second sensor to determine if an arc flash event is occurring to avoid nuisance tripping of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trip mechanism for a circuit breaker, capable of maintaining a constant characteristic of a normal trip operation in spite of changes in installation angles of the circuit breaker including a horizontal installation, a perpendicular installation and an inclination installation, the trip mechanism including, a coil configured to generate a magnetic absorption force due to a fault current on a circuit, a stationary core fixed to a lower portion of the coil within the coil, a movable core movable down to the stationary core within the coil by the magnetic absorption force generated from the coil, and a trip lever rotatably to connected to the movable core so as to be pulled by the movable core when the movable core is downwardly moved and configured to trigger the switching mechanism such that the movable contactor is moved to an open circuit position.

Abstract: An actuating unit or actuating mechanism and release for a circuit breaker. The magnetic mechanism of the release includes a magnet armature, which can move linearly in a magnet coil, is in the form of a tripping plunger and can be moved towards a permanent magnet counter to the force of a storage compression spring and is held fixedly by said permanent magnet in the case of a magnet coil through which no current is flowing. The tripping unit is in the form of a mechanical force store. After a tripping action, the mechanical force store needs to be reset manually again. For this purpose, a rotary movement of the drive shaft with an angular displacement of from 20 to 30 degrees takes place in the opposite direction to the ON switching rotary movement.

Abstract: A switching device unit is disclosed for switching at least two operating states of at least one consumer to an at least two-phase electrical supply system by way of switching elements. At least one embodiment of the invention specifies a switching device unit which has as simple a construction as possible and is as cost-effective and compact as possible. For this purpose, the switching device unit contains circuits for operational switching of the consumer, for implementing the tripping function for protection against overload and short circuits, wherein these circuits are integrated in such a way that the switching device unit, in particular in terms of its function as a compact reversing starter, can have a standardized width in order to be installed in a space-saving manner on a top-hat rail in a switchgear cabinet and in order to be operated.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.