Abstract: A system may be configured to replace a manual service disconnect (MSD). Some embodiments may: provide a set of batteries that include an MSD; remove the MSD; and install a contactor at the MSD. The replacement may be performed via substantially similar housing previously used by the MSD.

Abstract: A switch device includes at least two bidirectional switches electrically connected in a cascode configuration. A first bidirectional switch and a second bidirectional switch of the at least two bidirectional switches each have a normally-on gate and a normally-off gate. Any remaining bidirectional switch of the at least two bidirectional switches cascoded between the first and second bidirectional switches has a first normally-on gate and a second normally-on gate. The switch device is actively controlled by the normally-off gate of the first bidirectional switch and the normally-off gate of the second bidirectional switch. Each normally-on gate of the at least two bidirectional switches is electrically connected to a source of another one of the at least two bidirectional switches by a voltage blocking device configured to block a portion of the voltage across the switch device when the switch device is off. Additional switch devices embodiments are described.

Abstract: A high speed arc suppressor and method include a first phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing across contacts of the power contactor in a positive domain and a second phase-specific arc suppressor configured to suppress arcing across the contacts in a negative domain. First and second high speed switches are configured to enable and disable operation of an associated one of the first and second phase-specific arc suppressors. First and second drivers are configured to drive the first and second high speed switches.

Abstract: A test switch assembly electrically coupled with an electronic module. The electronic module is designed with intelligent sophisticated circuitry that facilitates the transmission and/or the detection of currents and/or voltages between a protective relay and current or voltage transformers. In one embodiment, the electronic test switch senses, detects, monitors, analyzes and/or stores electrical signals and outputs this information to standalone displays, computers. RTU, or similar devices, through wired or wireless connections. The electronic module also allows the test switch to accept electrical connectors such as RJ45, USB, RCA, and/or BNC, among others.

Abstract: A monitor circuit that monitors power delivered by an electrical utility or other source to a consumer. The device may be located at or near an entry point, such as near an electrical meter. The device senses a material change in voltage, and terminates power to the consumer until normal voltage is restored. The device automatically resets when normal voltage is restored, without need for a service call.

Abstract: A detection apparatus that detects a state of power has a first current transformer that measures a first current on a side of a first power line with respect to a connecting point between the first power line extending from a commercial power supply and a second power line extending from a power generation means that supplies power having the same frequency as the commercial power supply, a second current transformer that measures a second current on a side of the second power line with respect to the connecting point, a first current direction detector that detects a direction of the first current, a second current direction detector that detects a direction of the second current, and an exclusive OR calculator that calculates an exclusive OR between a detected value of the direction of the first current and a detected value of the direction of the second current.

Abstract: Electrical fire risks and consumer safety are major concerns driving regulators worldwide to implement more stringent electrical code and enforcement. While there are many commercially available protective devices available, none affords total protection, and they are made and classified only to protect circuits from specific or limited number of faults. This invention is about an apparatus, system and method for protection of electrical circuits and consumers from literally all known electrical faults in Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) single and multi-phase systems such as and including Arc Faults, Ground and Leakage Faults, Surge, Overload, Short Circuit, Glowing Connections, Miswired Connections, overvoltage, undervoltage and Phase-Loss. Said apparatus, system and method come in the form of or in a housing as a Circuit Breaker, Receptacle, Convenience Outlet, Attachment Plug, Equipment Controller, a circuit, or a system integrated with another system, device or apparatus.

Abstract: A trip unit is provided for a circuit breaker that includes electrical contacts, a trip mechanism, a bimetallic strip, and an armature. The trip unit includes a first trip bar coupled to the trip mechanism and disposed about a pivot point, and a second trip bar coupled to the first trip bar and disposed about the pivot point. In a first operating condition, the first trip bar rotates about the pivot point substantially independently of the second trip bar, and activates the trip mechanism to open the electrical contacts. In a second operating condition, the second trip bar rotates about the pivot point, causing the first trip bar to rotate about the pivot point and activate the trip mechanism to open the electrical contacts. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit having a number of trip unit settings includes: a first input member; a second input member; a multi-position selector configured to select one of plurality of positions corresponding to values of the trip unit settings; a plurality of indicators each corresponding to one of the plurality of trip unit settings; and a processor having a routine, wherein the routine of the processor is structured to, in response to actuation of the first input member, increment a ring counter value and selectively activate one of the indicators corresponding to the ring counter value; and wherein the routine of the processor is further structured to, in response to actuation of the second input member, set a value of the trip unit setting corresponding to the activated indicator based on the selected position of the multi-position selector.

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.

Abstract: A switch system includes a brake pedal having a ferromagnetic target, a main housing that securely retains a brake circuit board and a magnet, a sensor connector subassembly, and a plug connector subassembly. The system also includes a connector circuit board secured within the sensor connector subassembly and in communication with the brake circuit board. The connector circuit board includes at least one positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device electrically connected between the brake circuit board and at least one brake lamp. The connector circuit board may also include at least one circuit to protect against over-voltage or over-current to the at least one brake lamp, detect a fault condition, and determine whether the plug connector subassembly is connected to the sensor connector subassembly.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter has a first contact, a second contact, and a trip arm which moves the second contact between a closed position where the second contact is touching the first contact and an open position in which the second contact is spaced apart from the first contact. A first trip mechanism has a first solenoid, a first overcurrent sensor, and a first arm. A second trip mechanism has a second solenoid, a second overcurrent sensor, and a second arm. The first trip mechanism activates the first arm after a first threshold amount of time which actuates the trip arm when the first overcurrent sensor detects a first threshold level. The second trip mechanism activates the second arm after a second threshold amount of time which actuates the trip arm when the second overcurrent sensor detects a second threshold level, the second threshold level being different than the first.

Abstract: There is disclosed a circuit interrupting device with symmetrical inputs comprising a first input configured for connection to a power source or a load circuit and a second input configured for connection to a power source. There are a plurality of electrical conductors extending from the first and second inputs and a third input configured for connection to a load provided by a user. There is also a first set of transformers comprising at least one differential transformer and at least one neutral transformer connected to detect leakage current in a load circuit coupled to the first set of terminals. There is also a second set of transformers comprising at least one additional differential transformer and at least one additional neutral transformer connected to detect leakage current in a load circuit coupled to the second set of terminals.

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: An apparatus supplies AC power to a load. The apparatus includes a set output terminals, a primary circuit, and a load sensing circuit. The primary circuit is electrically coupled to a source of AC power and to the output terminals for selectively providing power at a low voltage at the output terminals or electronically coupling the source of AC power directly to the output terminals. The load sensing circuit coupled to the primary circuit and the source of AC power for determining a resistance associated with the load at initial application of the load and controlling the primary circuit to electronically couple the source of AC power directly to the output terminals if a proper load is detected.

Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus may be used to interrupt overcurrent and ground fault in a circuit. The circuit breaker apparatus may include an overcurrent coil for tripping the circuit breaker apparatus, a voltage coil also for tripping the circuit breaker apparatus located proximate to the overcurrent coil, ground fault electronics connected to the voltage coil and structured to detect a ground fault in the circuit when the ground fault exceeds a threshold level, and a solid state switch. The ground fault electronics can be structured to send a trip signal to close the solid state switch when a ground fault is detected, the solid state switch is configured to force a current through the voltage coil when the solid state switch is closed, the current being of sufficient magnitude to trip the circuit breaker apparatus.

Abstract: A system comprising a magnetic actuator, a current transformer and operational electronics in a dual-coil circuit breaker. The system includes an inline implementation of the primary and secondary coils to maintain a narrow width suitable for retrofitting in currently designed industrial rack mounted enclosures. The system further comprises network connectivity allowing interrogation of the components for operational data associated with the component.

Abstract: A residual-current circuit breaker has a mains voltage-independent fault current breaking and includes at least one summation current converter, through which at least one first conductor and a second conductor of a network to be protected are run. Disposed on the summation current converter is at least one secondary winding. The secondary winding in terms of the circuit design is connected to a breaker, which is operatively connected via a switch latch to break contacts in the at least one first conductor and the at least one second conductor. Further disposed on the summation current converter is a tertiary winding, which in terms of the circuit design is connected to at least one voltage-dependent resistor. In order to use a test resistor having a small size, while foregoing a switch contact in the test current circuit, the tertiary winding is configured as part of the test current circuit which includes a test sensor and a test resistor.

Abstract: An anti-serial cascade circuit including two silicon carbide JFETs and two silicon MOSFETs is known. Disclosed is a combination of a JFET, a smart power MOSFET SPM and a thyristor with an associated trigger circuit, which is connected in parallel to the SPM. According to an embodiment of the invention, a logic circuit co-ordinates the functional sequence.

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: The disclosure relates to an electrical fault interrupter comprising at least one electrical fault sensor which is configured to detect an electrical fault condition, at least one miswiring circuit configured to detect the improper connection to the electrical fault sensor, and at least one circuit interrupter which is configured to open at least one circuit in the presence of an electrical fault or a miswiring condition. In at least one embodiment, one end of the miswiring circuit is coupled to a ground line.

Abstract: The electromagnetic relay of the present invention comprises a base (10), an electromagnet (20) disposed on the base, an armature (30) supported rotatably by the base, a movable spring (40) whose one end has a movable contact (41) and the opposite end is secured to the base, a fixed contact (51) disposed opposite to the movable contact, and a card (60). The card has a coupling part (61) to be coupled to the armature and an insertion hole (62) to which the one end of the movable spring is inserted, and it deforms the movable spring elastically in conjunction with a swing motion of the armature to selectively open or close a connection between the movable contact and the fixed contact. The movable spring has a U-shaped hook formed by bending the one end of the movable spring toward the opposite end side, and the hook can pass through the insertion hole while being pushed by an inner surface of the insertion hole and being deformed elastically, and an end of the hook is engaged with the card.

Abstract: A first varistor section includes a first face of an element body, and a third face facing the first face. The first varistor section has a first varistor element body, a first varistor electrode electrically connected to a first external electrode, and a second varistor electrode electrically connected to a second external electrode. A heat radiation section has a first heat radiation portion kept in contact with the third face of the first varistor section and electrically connected to the first and third external electrodes, a second heat radiation portion kept in contact with the third face of the first varistor section and electrically connected to the second and fourth external electrodes, and an insulating layer located between the first heat radiation portion and the second heat radiation portion and electrically insulating the first heat radiation portion and the second heat radiation portion from each other. The first heat radiation portion and the second heat radiation portion contain a metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a family of resettable circuit interrupting devices that eliminates the need to rewire a resettable circuit interrupting device after it is installed and powered up to correct for a reverse wiring conditions.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a housing, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism including a latch. The operating mechanism opens the contacts responsive to actuation of the latch. A trip mechanism cooperates with the latch to trip open the contacts. The trip mechanism includes a thermal overload mechanism actuating the latch responsive to a thermal fault caused by current flowing through the contacts, a solenoid cooperating with the thermal overload mechanism to actuate the latch responsive to the electromagnetic device being energized, and a processor repetitively determining a value of the current flowing through the contacts, determining if the value exceeds a predetermined value for a number of occurrences, and responsively energizing the solenoid, in order to actuate the latch contemporaneous with actuation of the latch by the thermal overload mechanism, in order to decrease the time to trip open the contacts.

Abstract: A current inductive timer socket comprises: a principle relay circuit 1, a reed relay circuit, a plurality of diodes, a reed relay and a resistance, a counter circuit, a holding circuit, a time switch circuit and amplification circuit. When the electric appliance is in use, a signal of voltage drop produced at both ends of the rated resistance will be amplified by the operational amplifier and then transmitted to the counter circuit and an overload detecting circuit, making the counter circuit start to count automatically, and thus time operation is carried out. further, when electric appliance is overloaded or in the case of short circuit, the power source can also be cut off automatically.

Abstract: HVAC systems implementing micro-electromechanical system based switching devices. Exemplary embodiments include a HVAC system, including a load motor, a main breaker micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch, and a variable frequency drive (VFD) disposed between and electrically coupled to the load motor and the main breaker MEMS switch.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for overcurrent protection and earth leakage protection includes a main housing, a circuit board, a zero-phase current transformer, an earth leakage detection circuit, a trip coil, a sensitivity current-switch, an action time switch, and an earth leakage test switch. The earth leakage detection circuit, the sensitivity current-switch, the action time switch, and the earth leakage test switch are mounted on the circuit board and installed in the main housing.

Abstract: A system that includes micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry is provided. The system may include a first over-current protection circuitry connected in a parallel circuit with the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry for suppressing a voltage level across contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry during a first switching event, such as a turn-on event. The system may further include a second over-current protection circuitry connected in a parallel circuit with the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry for suppressing a current flow through the contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry during a second switching event, such as a turn-off event.

Abstract: A battery disconnect includes a housing, battery and load terminals, separable contacts electrically connected between the battery and load terminals, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the contacts, and a manual operator cooperating with the operating mechanism to open and close the contacts. A current sensor is structured to sense current flowing between the battery and load terminals. A circuit cooperates with the current sensor and the operating mechanism to trip open the contacts responsive to arc fault, overload and short circuit conditions associated with the sensed current. The circuit includes a first input structured to receive a remote on/off signal and a second input structured to receive an inhibit signal. The circuit cooperates with the operating mechanism to open and close the contacts responsive to the on/off signal, and to inhibit detection of the arc fault, overload and short circuit conditions responsive to the inhibit signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical isolation apparatus having independently controllable contactors. The isolation apparatus includes a contactor for each phase or pole of an electrical device as well as each phase or pole of a load. Each contactor is constructed so that each includes multiple contact assemblies that may be independently controlled to open and close. Moreover, the contactors within a single contactor assembly or housing can be independently controlled so that the contacts of one contactor can be opened without opening the contacts of the other contactors in the contactor assembly. Additionally, the contactors are constructed and controlled such that a single line side contactor and a single load contactor open simultaneously when an open circuit condition is desired.

Abstract: An improved test button assembly for use in a circuit breaker includes a frame and a button member, with the button member being pivotably mounted on the frame. A pair of microswitches are mounted on a printed circuit board that is disposed on the frame. The button member is alternately engageable with the two microswitches, with one of the microswitches being connectable with a ground fault protection circuit, and the other microswitch being connectable with an arc fault protection circuit. In an alternate embodiment, a common electrical contact is mounted on the button member, and a pair of contacts are mounted on the frame, with the common contact being alternately engageable with each of the contacts mounted on the frame. The contacts mounted on the frame are connected with the ground fault and arc fault protection circuits.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and method for interrupting the flow of electric current in a line having a load and a source including a first switch connected in series with the line and a first actuating device coupled to the first switch and adapted to be actuated by at least one activating signal, to move the first switch from the closed position to the open position. A resistor having a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity is connected in series with the first switch and a voltage limiting device is connected in parallel with the resistor. A second actuating device is coupled to the first switch and is adapted to be actuated by at least one remote control activating signal, to move the first switch to the open position or to the closed position. The second actuating device further includes a coil and a second switch connected to the coil and to the line, the second switch adapted for activating the coil upon the receipt of the remote control activating signal.

Abstract: A molded-case multicircuit breaker which suffers insufficient contact pressure at no poles and which is free from damage. The molded-case multicircuit breaker having at least two circuits comprises a handle which performs on-off operation of the circuits simultaneously, a first finger having a movable contact for a first circuit, and another finger having a movable contact for a circuit other than the first circuit, wherein the first finger is designed to be switched on and off directly by the handle, and the finger for a circuit other than the first circuit is electrically insulated from the first finger and is attached resiliently to the first finger. The second finger may be pivotally attached or spring loaded to the first finger.

Abstract: A dc power supply circuit connects a plurality of dc circuit breakers to a semi-conductor converter, returning again to the semi-conductor converter through a dc driving part such as an electric railcar connected to each dc circuit breaker. A second dc circuit breaker of larger capacity than the above-mentioned dc circuit breakers is provided in a return circuit and opened when a short circuit current is detected. A current decreasing means opens the second dc circuit breaker to decrease the short circuit current and includes, for example, a series-circuit of a resistor R and a reactor L. The dc power supply circuit has a large interruption capacity with low resistance loss.

Abstract: A modified electronic trip unit actuator provides remote trip and undervoltage release function without impairing the actuator reliability. One embodiment replaces the permanent magnet of a flux shift trip unit actuator with an undervoltage release coil for undervoltage facility and a further embodiment uses the combination of a permanent magnet with a shunt trip coil for remote tripping function.

Abstract: A multipole circuit breaker including a trip release actuator having a single coil coaxially surrounding a plunger and mounted within a hollow cylindrical actuator support frame. The actuator is mounted in association with a latch mechanism and includes a spring biasing the plunger toward release of the latch mechanism. The coil is responsive to an electronic sensing and control circuit and serves, when energized, to oppose the action of the bias spring and maintain the plunger in a position to prevent release of the latch mechanism during normal conditions. Upon either undervoltage or overcurrent conditions the sensing and control circuit deenergizes the coil, allowing the bias spring to move the plunger into engagement with the latch mechanism, effecting release of the latch mechanism and separation of the circuit breaker contacts.

Abstract: A multipole circuit breaker including a latch release actuator having a trip coil and a hold-in coil coaxially surrounding a plunger and mounted within a hollow cylindrical actuator support frame. The actuator is mounted in association with a latch mechanism and includes a spring biasing the plunger toward release of the latch mechanism. The hold-in coil is responsive to voltage conditions on an external control line and serves to oppose the action of the bias spring and maintain the plunger in a position to prevent release of the latch mechanism when the voltage on the control line is above a predetermined level.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a multipole circuit breaker and a multipole current-limiting reactor device. The multipole current-limiting reactor device includes an insulating housing forming a plurality of compartments, each compartment having a double-wound solenoid connected in series with one pole of the circuit breaker. The current-limiting reactor device limits the current through the circuit interrupter during overcurrent conditions to a value which can be safely interrupted by the circuit breaker.