Abstract: Provided is a system, a tool and a method for communicating with a faulted circuit indicator (FCI), the faulted circuit indicator including a detection circuit for monitoring an electrical conductor of a power system. The system includes a display and a first light emitting diode associated with the display. The first light emitting diode generates an optical FCI status signal in response to an occurrence of a fault in the electrical conductor. The system also includes a first microcontroller operatively coupled to the display and the detection circuit, and a handheld user command tool adapted to optically couple with the display. The handheld user command tool is also adapted to generate an optical serial communication. The optical serial communication provides data and commands for operation of the faulted circuit indicator. The display may be remote or integrated into the FCI.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a plurality of electrical assets comprise an electricity distribution infrastructure, including a plurality of electrical asset sensors coupled to the electrical assets for monitoring an operating condition of the electrical assets as well as any fault conditions. The sensors may include a current transformer for obtaining a current waveform, a GPS receiver for applying a synchronized time-stamp to the waveform data, and a mesh network radio for transmitting the time-stamped waveform data. Data from the plurality of sensors may be encrypted and transmitted over a mesh network to one or more gateways that are in communication with a central command processor. In response to an abnormal operating condition of any electrical asset, the central command processor may determine a probable fault location, a probable fault type, and a fault response.

Abstract: A power supply device for supplying power to a communication device includes a power source, a first fuse, a second fuse, a voltage converter, a photo coupler, and a central processing unit (CPU). The voltage converter is configured for receiving first power signals from the power source via the first fuse and the second fuse, and converting the first power signals to second power signals. The photo coupler connected in parallel to the third resistor, configured for outputting a first electrical signal upon the condition that the first fuse and the second fuse are operational, and outputting a second electrical signal upon the condition that at least one of the first fuse and the second fuse is blown. The CPU is connected to the photo coupler, configured for generating an alarm message upon receiving the second electrical signal from the photo coupler.

Abstract: Media and apparatus for managing usage of utilities are disclosed. Generally, each involves receiving representation of utility service usage at a load, receiving and storing in a storage device a usage range representation comprising at least one expected value of utility input to the load and/or at least one expected value of output from the load, and producing a control signal for use by a utility service controller when usage is outside of usage range representation. Control signal is operable to cause the utility service controller to regulate or interrupt the supply of the utility service to the load.

Abstract: An alarm circuit and method of monitoring a circuit protection device are disclosed. The alarm circuit includes a circuit protection device connected in series at an input voltage of a load. The alarm circuit also includes a programmable circuit connected in parallel to the circuit protection device and including an alarm signal. The programmable circuit is programmed to include a plurality of functional states, and at least one functional state corresponds to activation of the alarm signal. The at least one functional state activating the alarm signal corresponds with an interruption condition in the circuit protection device.

Abstract: A protection device for an oscillating power circuit, namely for a demining coil, such device incorporating circuit breaking means positioned between an alternating current supply network and the power circuit, such device wherein it comprises at least one means to measure and analyze the current supplying the power circuit, means able to detect the appearance of a direct current and connected to triggering means ensuring the opening of the circuit breaking means when the alternating current ceases.

Abstract: A user interface for a wireless device used to monitor multiple groups of faulted circuit indicators. Each group of faulted circuit indicators includes a radio interface unit, which is coupled to each of the faulted circuit indicators in the group. The user interface includes an identification indicator, which includes a plurality of radio interface unit status indicators, each of which corresponds to a particular radio interface unit, and which indicates a selected radio interface unit. The user interface also includes a way indicator comprising a plurality of faulted circuit indicator status indicators, each of which corresponds to a particular faulted circuit indicator coupled to the selected radio interface unit. In addition, each radio interface unit status indicator indicates whether a particular radio interface unit coupled to a faulted circuit indicator is asserting a fault condition.

Abstract: A method for detecting operations of a power storage device is disclosed. The power storage device includes an electricity storage unit for storing power output from an electronic device or outputting power to the electronic device. The method includes detecting current between the electricity storage unit and the electronic device to determine whether the electricity storage unit is malfunctioned and causes short circuit, and generating an alarm signal when the electricity storage unit is malfunctioned and causes short circuit.

Abstract: A protection setting determiner (118) adaptively updates settings of protection functions in memory of a protection device (106) that protects a machine (102) that provides power to a power system (104), wherein the settings are updated based at least in part upon sensed data acquired during operation of the machine (102). A physical parameter determiner (110) receives the sensed data, which includes three-phase voltage and three-phase current values at the terminals of the machine (102), and uses any suitable real-time or off-line parameter estimation technique (such as Kalman Filtering for an augmented state) to determine physical parameters of the machine (102) and the power system (104). The protection setting determiner (118) uses the physical parameters to update the protection settings.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip circuit including a trip coil and a fault detector. The fault detector energizes the trip coil to cause the operating mechanism to open the separable contacts. A test circuit is structured to test the trip coil and determine an open circuit condition thereof. An annunciation circuit is structured to annunciate the open circuit condition of the trip coil.

Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices using a center latch are provided. The circuit interrupting devices include those with a reset lockout, reverse wiring protection, and/or an independent trip portion.

Abstract: A circuit protection system includes: a fuse holder configured to hold at least one fuse; electronics programmed to: (i) monitor current across the fuse and (ii) determine a short circuit failure mode or a current overload failure mode when the fuse opens; and an indicator in communication with the electronics, the indicator configured to indicate whether the fuse opened due to the short circuit failure mode or the current overload failure mode.

Abstract: Apparatus includes an arc wave generator for testing an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) for use in a test system for testing whether or not an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is operating normally, in which a false arc is generated for use in testing the arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). The arc wave generator includes a rectifier which receives a commercial power source as an input source and rectifies alternating-current voltage of the commercial power source to generate a rectified signal. A drop resistor drops the voltage of the rectified signal to generate a voltage-dropped signal. A mono-stable multivibrator adjusts a voltage level and a pulse width of the voltage-dropped signal and generates a pulse signal which is used to generate a false arc for testing the arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). Thus, a false arc is generated with a simple circuit to accurately test the actions of the arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI).

Abstract: A residual-current circuit breaker includes at least one summation current transformer through which at least one first lead and one second lead of a network to be protected are guided. At least one secondary winding is arranged on the summation current transformer and operatively connected at least indirectly with at least one energy storage element. At least one discharging resistor is switched in parallel with the energy storage element. The residual-current circuit breaker has a trip element which is operatively connected with break contacts in the at least one first lead and the at least one second lead. In order to reduce unexpected cut-offs of a network to be protected, the at least one discharging resistor includes a first partial resistor, and a second partial resistor switched in series with respect to the first partial resistor, with a least one electric signaling device operatively connected, at least indirectly, with the first partial resistor.

Abstract: A residual-current circuit breaker includes at least one summation current transformer through which a first lead and a second lead of a network to be protected are guided. At least one secondary winding is arranged on the summation current transformer and operatively connected, at least indirectly, with an energy storage element. A trip element is operatively connected with break contacts in the first and second leads. In order to reduce expected cut-offs of a network to be protected, an electric signaling device is operatively connected, at least indirectly, with the energy storage element.

Abstract: An alarm circuit and method of monitoring a circuit protection device are disclosed. The alarm circuit includes a circuit protection device connected in series at an input voltage of a load. The alarm circuit also includes a programmable circuit connected in parallel to the circuit protection device and including an alarm signal. The programmable circuit is programmed to include a plurality of functional states, and at least one functional state corresponds to activation of the alarm signal. The at least one functional state activating the alarm signal corresponds with an interruption condition in the circuit protection device.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of illuminating indicator lights. For example, one embodiment includes an apparatus for indicating status of an electrical device. The apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to an electrical device, an electrical input disposed on the housing and configured to receive an electrical signal, a lighting element disposed in the housing and configured to output light in response to the electrical signal, and a first optical element disposed in the housing. The apparatus further includes a second optical element configured to be attached to a panel. The first optical element and the second optical element are positioned so that the first optical element is configured to transmit at least a portion of the output light to the second optical element and the second optical element is configured to output light received from the first optical element.

Abstract: A system and method for circuit protector monitoring and management includes at least one circuit protector defining an interruptible current path therethrough upon an occurrence of specified operating condition in a circuit; a status element associated with the circuit protector and adapted to monitor an operating state of the current path; and an electronic management system in communication with the status element, wherein the management system is adapted to automatically alert and summon responsible personnel when the circuit protector has operated to open the circuit path, and identify the location of the operated circuit protector.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a fuse having opened-fuse indication, which places two or more coils or conductors in parallel and in thermal contact with an indicating material. The multiple conductors allow a lower level of current to produce sufficient heat or sufficient electrical resistance to transform the indicating material. The multiple conductors can also be made of a reduced diameter, resulting in surge protection at a lower device temperature. The multiple conductor indicator in an embodiment includes a base material. First and second conductors contact the base material. An indicating material thermally couples to the first and second conductors. The indicating material can be on the inside or outside of the fuse body. If on the outside, the body can define a recess, wherein the indicator resides within the recess. The indicator can operate with fuses and other types of circuit protection devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the life of a leakage current protection device having a leakage current detection circuit and a trip mechanism having a switch device. In one embodiment, the apparatus a ground fault simulation unit, a fault detector of the leakage current detection circuit and the trip mechanism, and a life testing detection control unit having an MCU for controlling operation of the fault detector. In operation, a first signal (pulse signal) is sent to the gate of the switching device to generate a first voltage at the cathode of the switching device, a second signal is sent to the ground fault simulation unit to generate a simulated ground fault for the leakage current detection circuit to generate a second voltage at the gate of the switching device, and the first and second voltages are measured to determine whether a fault exists in the leakage current detection circuit and the trip mechanism.

Abstract: A capacitor bank monitor apparatus for monitoring a state of a common ground connected to a capacitor bank comprises a sensor that that can be coupled to the common ground for collecting measurements relating to the state of the common ground. The monitor also comprises a controller that is logically coupled to the sensor for receiving the measurements and determining whether a fuse on the capacitor bank has opened. The ground monitor also comprises a communications facility that is logically coupled to the controller for communicating a notification that the fuse has opened. The communications facility may comprise a cellular communications device. The ground monitor also may comprise a filter that is electrically connected to the sensor and the controller. The ground monitor also may comprise memory that is logically coupled to the controller for storing at least one state of the common ground.

Abstract: A control system includes an enclosure, a control panel, and a plurality of controls, indicators, or both mounted on the control panel or in the enclosure. At least some of the plurality of controls, indicators, or both are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other inside the enclosure, and at least some controls including wirelessly controlled relays are configured to control devices outside the enclosure. Also, the wirelessly configured controls, indicators, or both are further configured to communicate with a plurality of other controls, indicators, or both in the control system.

Abstract: A circuit protector signal transmission system, kit and method involves at least one circuit protector defining an interruptible current path therethrough upon an occurrence of specified operating conditions in a circuit, a status element associated with the circuit protector and adapted to monitor an operating state of the current path, an electronic gateway device in communication with the status element and adapted to receive a data signal from the status element corresponding to the operating condition of the current path. The data signal includes location information and identification information for circuit protectors as they operate to interrupt the current paths in an electrical system.

Abstract: A circuit that employs an anti-tamper sensor includes a circuit element that is responsive to a first input and to a second input. A selective coupling element couples the circuit element to the first input and is responsive to the anti-tamper sensor. The selective coupling element has a first state that allows the circuit element to operate normally when the anti-tamper sensor does not detect a tamper condition and is configured to enter a second state that causes the circuit element to become inoperable when the anti-tamper sensor detects a tamper condition. A decoy coupling element is disposed between the second input and the circuit element and has an appearance corresponding to the selective coupling element. The decoy coupling element will cause the circuit element not to operate normally if the decoy coupling element has a selected physical property of the selective coupling element in the first state.

Abstract: A device for detecting a fault current in an electronic apparatus has a first and at least one second electric conductor, the first electric conductor carrying a first electric potential and the at least one second electric conductor carrying a second electric potential. The device is characterized by the fact that an electric sensing conductor having a fixed electric rest potential whose value lies between the first and the at least second electric potential is situated between the electric conductors.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the power state of a circuit breaker switch is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a detector circuit, a processor and an indicator. The processor is coupled to the detector circuit. The indicator is coupled to the processor. In operation, the detector circuit senses an electronic signal at the circuit breaker switch and transmits a signal to the processor. The processor then transmits a signal to the indicator indicating the power state and location of the circuit breaker switch.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a fault detection system, which can comprise a circuit breaker that is adapted to protect an electrical circuit. The circuit breaker can comprise a screen adapted to render a user interface. The user interface can comprise an arc fault detection circuit status indicator indicative of an automatic detection of an electrical circuit arc fault by the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter with end-of-life protection has four components: 1) a control circuit to activate an electromagnetic unit upon detecting a predetermined condition; 2) a fuse coupled between the control circuit and the power supply; 3) an end life sensing circuit coupled to the control circuit; and 4) an end life indicating circuit coupled to the end life sensing circuit and the power supply. The end life sensing circuit includes a light emitting device and a light sensitive device controlled by the light emitting device. The end life indicating circuit includes a visual indicator to indicate that the circuit interrupter reaches the end of its life. Another circuit interrupter with end-of-life protection has three components: 1) a control circuit to activate an electromagnetic unit upon detecting a predetermined condition; 2) a fuse coupled between the control circuit and the power supply; and 3) an end life sensing and indicating circuit coupled to the control circuit.

Abstract: A non-contact auxiliary switch for a circuit breaker includes a target having first and second positions corresponding to open and closed positions of separable contacts. A non-contact sensor is responsive to the first and second positions of the target to generate first and second output signals. A movable slider member carries the target and is structured to slide within a holder inside the housing of the circuit breaker and to be coupled to and moved by an operating mechanism responsive to the open and closed positions of the separable contacts. This effects one of the first and second positions of the target when the separable contacts are closed and the other of the first and second positions of the target when the separable contacts are open.

Abstract: A fire alarm device and method capable of informing people with visual and hearing difficulties of occurrence of fire. A fire detection means (1) detecting the occurrence of fire is connected to an emission control means (4). A smell emitting means (9) activated by the emission control means 4 is also connected to the emission control means (4). The fire detection means (1) activates the emission control means (4) when detecting the occurrence of fire. The emission control means (4) is provided with a smell condition-setting means so as to set starting time for continuously-emitted smell, and to set emission periods, emission intervals and emission concentrations for intermittently-emitted smell. The smell emitting means (9) will be activated in accordance with the conditions set by the smell condition-setting means.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the life of a leakage current protection device having a leakage current detection circuit and a trip mechanism. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a ground fault simulation circuit for generating a simulated ground fault during every negative half-wave of an AC power, a signature signal generating circuit for generating a signature signal reflecting the characteristic of the leakage current detection circuit and the trip mechanism, when the simulated ground fault is generated, and a life testing detection control circuit having a microcontroller and an alarm circuit. In operation, the life testing detection control circuit receives the signature signal from the signature signal generating circuit, analyzes the received signature signal to determine whether at least one fault exists in the leakage current detection circuit and the trip mechanism, and activates the alarm circuit if the at least one fault exists.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the life of a leakage current protection device, comprising a microcontroller unit, at least one of a first fault detector and a second fault detector, at least one of an audio alarm and a visual alarm, a power supply circuit. In operation, the first fault detector and/or the second fault detector receive at least one signal from the leakage current protection device, and generate at least one DC voltage corresponding to the at least one signal to be received by the MCU. The MCU compares the at least one DC voltage with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether a fault exists in the leakage current protection device, and activates the alarm circuit if at least one fault exists.

Abstract: A centralized connector module, a refrigeration unit and a method of assembling a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, the centralized connector module includes (1) a dielectric body having interconnected terminal sets corresponding to components connectable thereacross and (2) continuity indicator circuits associated with at least some of the terminal sets and configured to indicate continuity faults with respect to connected ones of the components.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling and monitoring an electrical system includes an electrical system controlling device connected to the electrical system for monitoring and controlling the electrical system and electronic controls for monitoring and controlling the electrical system controlling device. A wireless communications interface enables remote wireless access to the electronic controls.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device is disclosed in one embodiment in accordance with the invention as including an input line to conduct electrical current from a source of electricity, a first output line to conduct electrical current to a load, and a second output line to conduct electrical current to a receptacle. A movable bridge is provided to electrically connect and disconnect the input line, first output line, and second output line, to and from one another. A circuit interrupting mechanism is provided to disconnect the input line, first output line, and second output line from one another by moving the bridge into an open position upon detection of a predetermined condition. Similarly, a reset mechanism is provided to electrically connect the input line, first output line, and second output line to one another by moving the bridge into a closed position.

Abstract: Electrical fuse indicators used to detect when fuses enter an open state. Each fuse in an electrical system may be connected to a wireless identification element, which alerts a communication unit that the fuse has entered an open state. The wireless identification device may include an antenna. The antenna may be in contact with a fuse element, such that opening of the fuse element renders the antenna inoperable. Alternatively the antenna may be connected to the fuse element in such a manner that opening of the fuse element alters the frequency on which the antenna transmits. A logic port may also be used to detect the operational state of a fuse. Use of such indicators is compatible with existing infrastructure.

Abstract: A system displays information from and controls electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers. The system includes a plurality of circuit breakers having separable contacts and a plurality of conditions, such as bus temperature and contact wear. A plurality of sensors are structured to sense the conditions of the circuit breakers and to communicate the sensed conditions over corresponding wireless signals. A display and control unit is operatively associated with the circuit breakers and is structured to receive the corresponding wireless signals and display information corresponding to the sensed conditions or to control the circuit breakers based upon one or more of the sensed conditions.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling at least two power switches that are series connected between a source of electrical power and an electrical load, for energizing the load in response to a signal at a control input. The circuit includes a programmed controller having an input as the control input and a voltage sensor circuit connected to sense the voltage between the power switches and apply a voltage signal to a controller input. It may also have a sensor for sensing the current through the switches and applying a current signal to the controller. The controller inputs the voltage between the switches or the current through the switches to provide a sensed first value. It compares the sensed first value to an expected first value that exists if both switches are turned off. One of the two switches is turned on if the sensed first value is equal to the expected first value.

Abstract: A power failure alarm for use in sounding a warning in the occasion of a power failure, with built in electrical connectors, and a temporary source of light. The device is housed in a molded plastic enclosure in a rectangular shape and includes an emergency light, night-light, flashlight, and power failure alarm. All unit functions are completely automatic once the unit has been plugged into a standard 120 volt receptacle. The device has a three prong male plug on the back of the body and is designed to occupy one receptacle of a duplex receptacle thus leaving one receptacle still available for use. Alternate embodiments of the device are specifically intended to alert and notify the user of a power failure. The device utilized logic circuitry to determine if a power failure or improper setup has occurred. The battery charging and monitoring circuits ensure the batteries are always charged and ready for use.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a first lug and second and third acoustic lugs electrically connected to a power circuit. Separable contacts are electrically connected in series between the first lug and the second acoustic lug. An operating mechanism opens and closes the separable contacts. A first acoustic sensor is coupled to the second acoustic lug and senses a first acoustic signal from the second acoustic lug. A second acoustic sensor is coupled to the third acoustic lug and senses a second acoustic signal from the third acoustic lug. The first and second acoustic signals are operatively associated with a power circuit fault. A current sensor senses a current flowing between the first and second lugs. A circuit inputs the sensed acoustic signals and the sensed current and detects and distinguishes a parallel arc fault or a series arc fault from the sensed acoustic signals and the sensed current.

Abstract: A current limiting system in accordance with the present invention comprises an accessory or canopy mount device that is permanently installed between a source of electrical power 1 and a track lighting system 2. The system may be installed integrally with a track lighting system to supply power to a plurality of lighting tracks from a plurality of power sources or circuits, as desired by a user or lighting designer. The system may also be configured to be compatible with a wide variety of track lighting system power tracks and is difficult to remove once properly installed, thereby making it tamper-proof.

Abstract: A user interface, method system and program for circuit protector management in an electrical system.

Abstract: A fused disconnect switch assembly includes a pull out fuse assembly and a switch housing assembly. The fuse assembly includes a line side conducting portion, a load side conducting portion, and a fuse element therebetween. The switch housing assembly includes a fuse receptacle for receiving the fuse, a first contact assembly coupled to the line side conducting portion of the fuse and a second contact assembly coupled to the load side conducting portion of the fuse when the fuse is inserted into the receptacle. An open fuse indication device is in communication with conducting portions of the fuse, and an alarm terminal output extends from the switch assembly housing and is in communication with the open fuse indication device. The open fuse indication device provides local fuse state indication and the alarm terminal output facilitates remote fuse state indication when coupled to external circuitry.

Abstract: An electrical fuse and method therefor includes a protective body, terminal elements extending from said protective body, and a primary fuse element extending within said protective body and electrically connected between the terminal elements, and an identification element configured to transmit a wireless signal to a remote device for determining an operational state of said primary fuse element.

Abstract: A fuse state indicator includes an extension member, a secondary fuse link coupled to the extension member, and a contact pin configured to engage a first terminal element of a fuse. An end of the secondary fuse link is wrapped around the pin and establishes an electrical connection thereto.

Abstract: An insertion type fuse with breakage indication comprises a seat having a long receiving chamber for receiving a metal fuse; an rectangular bi-directional SMD form LED set being located on the buckle portions; the LED set being a coating device and being high temperature tolerant; the LED set being connected to a circuit; the LED including two LEDs and being serially connected with a voltage divided resistor; a fuse wire being connected between the LED set and a load; the LED set being buckled to the buckle portions; when the fuse wire breaks, light will emit out so as to show that the fuse wire breaks; thereby a break fuse can be fined rapidly. In assembly, the seat and the cover are integrally formed. The LED set is adhered to the metal fuse and then the metal fuse is assembled into the long receiving chamber.

Abstract: A power protection system for protection against an electrical transient surge and/or interference. Such a system can be useful in the dispensing of fuel at gas stations, convenience stores, truck stops, and other such locations, for protection of the low voltage signal wires that go from the dispenser to the store. Broadly contemplated are modular arrangements where removal of a corrupted module in a cabinet containing several modules will still keep the general communications circuit intact. Particularly contemplated are modules which include integral fuses and indicator lights.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter with end-of-life protection has four components: 1) a control circuit to activate an electromagnetic unit upon detecting a predetermined condition; 2) a fuse coupled between the control circuit and the power supply; 3) an end life sensing circuit coupled to the control circuit; and 4) an end life indicating circuit coupled to the end life sensing circuit and the power supply. The end life sensing circuit includes a light emitting device and a light sensitive device controlled by the light emitting device. The end life indicating circuit includes a visual indicator to indicate that the circuit interrupter reaches the end of its life. Another circuit interrupter with end-of-life protection has three components: 1) a control circuit to activate an electromagnetic unit upon detecting a predetermined condition; 2) a fuse coupled between the control circuit and the power supply; and 3) an end life sensing and indicating circuit coupled to the control circuit.

Abstract: A system for evaluating at least one tripping stimulus for a ground-fault circuit interrupter includes: a sensing circuit configured to measure a leakage current from a voltage line to ground, wherein the sensing circuit is capable of generating a leakage signal including a voltage representative of the leakage current; and an evaluating circuit configured to evaluate the leakage signal to generate an indication signal, wherein the indication signal includes information corresponding to the at least one tripping stimulus. The sensing circuit may include a circuit substantially similar to at least a portion of a ground-fault circuit interrupter, and the evaluating circuit may include a peak hold circuit. The system may further include an indicator circuit for receiving the indication signal and displaying a status of the tripping conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a communication network is provided. The network includes a plurality of node electronics units communicatively coupled to at least one central control processing unit through at least one network wherein each network includes a network switch. The method includes coupling a monitoring domain to the network, and receiving at least one of network traffic transmitted on at least one of the monitored links, and network traffic received on at least one of the monitored links through at least one monitoring link. The apparatus includes a plurality of node electronics units communicatively coupled to at least one central control processing unit through at least one network wherein each network includes a network switch, and wherein the apparatus comprises a monitoring domain.