Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker for providing short circuit and overload protection is disclosed herein. The miniature circuit breaker features a field effect transistor (FET), which may be a depletion mode metal oxide semiconductor FET (D MOSFET), a junction field-effect transistor (JFET), or a silicon carbide JFET, the FET being connected to a bi-metallic switch, where the bi-metallic switch acts as a temperature sensing circuit breaker. In combination, the D MOSFET and bi-metallic switch are able to limit current to downstream circuit components, thus protecting the components from damage.

Abstract: A method for preventing damage in a bearing of a generator of an electrical power system includes monitoring one or more electrical signals of a power conversion assembly of the electrical power system. The method also includes estimating an impedance path of common mode current from a terminal to ground using the operating parameter(s) of the power conversion assembly. Further, the method includes determining a one or more magnitudes and/or a one or more phase angles of the impedance path at different frequencies, such a switching frequency and/or harmonics. Moreover, the method includes determining whether the impedance path is indicative of degradation in at least one of bearing insulation or a ground brush of the generator based on a change in the one or more magnitudes and/or the one or more phase angles. In addition, the method includes implementing a control action when the impedance path is indicative of degradation in the bearing insulation and/or the ground brush of the generator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power strip with a night light function. An LED light group is arranged based on a traditional power strip, powered by a power supply unit led out between a live wire and a neutral wire in a plug/socket, and controlled by a control unit for work. As arranged on the plug and/or socket, the LED light group can be controlled to be turned on when light is dark. The power strip is convenient to find, plug and use, and can serve as a night light for lighting at night. The control unit respectively has automatic, normally open and normally closed control modes which can be switched by a user toggling a mode switching switch as required. The design of the power strip facilitates use in dark environments and adds a new function, thereby having the advantages of simple structure, reasonable design, convenient use and diversified functions.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to ensure grounding between vehicles during a vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operation are described herein. An example vehicle described herein is to receive fuel from a refueling vehicle via a vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operation. The example vehicle includes a fuel door to cover an inlet nozzle of a fuel tank, a lock to lock or unlock the fuel door, and a controller to cause the lock to unlock the fuel door if the vehicle and the refueling vehicle are electrically coupled.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and a system where a processor(s), in a computing environment comprised of multiple containers comprising modules, includes a processor(s) continuously obtaining pressure data from pressure sensors embedded in electrostatic dissipative (ESD) footwear. The processor(s) determines that the obtained pressure data indicates a pressure level of a pre-determined threshold and the given threshold is sustained for a pre-determined interval of time in some of the items. The processor(s) accesses one or more voltage sensors embedded in each item of the items and obtains voltage data by utilizing an ESD floor that the items are in contact with as a ground reference. The processor(s) validates functionality of some of the items and functionality of the ESD floor, based on monitoring the voltage data from the one or more voltage sensors.

Abstract: Safety device for an electrical apparatus powered by an AC mains power supply, the safety device comprising: an electric circuit having inputs for connecting to an active, neutral and earth conductors of the electrical apparatus which are in turn coupled to the AC mains power supply, the circuit being operable to: produce and apply a stepped down voltage and current to the earth conductor from the main supply; and electrically isolate the active and neutral conductors from the earth conductor in response to detecting that either: the active conductor is incorrectly wired to the neutral circuit of the AC mains power supply; the neutral conductor is incorrectly wired to the active circuit of the AC mains power supply; or the neutral conductor is switched; wherein one or more solid state relays are employed by the circuit for both producing the stepped down voltage and electrically isolating the conductors from earth.

Abstract: A workbench for mounting an electrical function test unit includes: a mounting surface for mounting the electrical function test unit, wherein the mounting surface is provided with a connecting area, and a number of mounting through holes are arranged in the connecting area; and connectors detachably connected with the mounting through holes and configured to match with mounting screws of the electrical function test unit when the electrical function test unit is mounted on the workbench. The workbench has long service life, reduces the replacement difficulty of the electrical function test unit and shortens the downtime, thereby improving the detection efficiency of the display screen.

Abstract: This disclosure is focused upon electrostatic discharge (ESD) control programs and more particularly an ESD testing device that performs electrostatic discharge (ESD) device efficacy verification in real time as it is being used. The results in some embodiments can be recorded for an ESD auditing program. The real time verification of the calibration of the unit includes circuitry for verification of the accuracy of the ESD device. The unit also includes a conically shaped guide to assist a user in plugging their wrist strap band connector into the device and also prevents a user from bypassing the testing unit by inserting digits into the ESD testing device rather than the wrist strap band connector.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to monitoring systems and methods. A first aspect relates to a monitoring system for use when loading fluid from a source tank to a destination tank via a loader apparatus, the monitoring system having: a first input for coupling to the source tank in order to receive a source tank input signal; a second input for coupling to the destination tank in order to receive a destination tank input signal; a sensor input for receiving a sensor signal from a fill level sensor in the destination tank; circuitry configured to determine: a first status of an electrical continuity between the loader apparatus and the source tank in accordance with the source tank input signal, a second status of an electrical continuity between the loader apparatus and the destination tank in accordance with the destination tank input signal, and a fill level status in accordance with the sensor signal; and a single user interface for displaying the first status, second status and fill level status.

Abstract: An inner static electricity eliminating control valve for organic solvent delivery pipelines is disclosed. The inner static electricity eliminating control valve is to be installed on and connected to an organic solvent delivery pipeline, to eliminate the inner static electricity generated by the organic solvent inside the organic solvent delivery pipeline. The inner static electricity eliminating control valve includes a valve casing, a main valve chamber, a pneumatic valve, a subsidiary valve chamber, a check valve, a static electricity export mechanism and a solvent export portion, wherein, the pneumatic valve can periodically apply pressure toward the organic solvent inside the main valve chamber, so that the organic solvent inside the main valve chamber can be delivered periodically through the check valve to the subsidiary valve chamber, and during this process, the static electricity export mechanism will export and eliminate the static electricity existing in the organic solvent.

Abstract: A grounding monitoring device is disclosed herein. In a described embodiment, the grounding monitoring device comprises a wrist strap comprising a first conductive portion for providing a first discharge path between a human arm and a ground; and a second conductive portion electrically isolated from the first conductive portion for providing a different second discharge path between the human arm and the ground. The grounding monitoring device further comprises a bipolar control voltage generator for applying a first voltage at a frequency f0 to the first conductive portion and an opposite second voltage at the frequency f0 to the second conductive portion; and an electrical circuit for: receiving a first total signal from the first conductive portion; receiving a second total signal from the second conductive portion; and forming an output signal based on a differential and common mode gains of the electrical circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric shock warning distribution system. The electric shock warning distribution system of the present invention may include: a distribution board; and a wearable device configured to monitor bioelectric currents flowing through the body of an operator that operates the distribution board, classify degrees of hazard of the operator according to values of the monitored bioelectric currents, and to warn the operator of levels of electric shock hazard situations according to the classified degrees of hazard, wherein the wearable device is worn by each operator, each wearable device transmits, to other wearable devices located nearby, a warning message that warns other operators of an electric shock hazard situation when the operator is in the hazard situation, and the distribution board receives information on an electric shock hazard situation from each wearable device to warn the hazard situation of the operator.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are a method of electricity leakage detection and prevention of electrical equipment's outer surface and system thereof. The method and system are used for detecting and preventing electricity leakage of the electrical equipment's outer surface caused by defective insulation and power supply connection faults. Without in touch with the electrical equipment's outer surface, the electricity leakage of the outer surface can be detected and the connection between the electrical equipment and the power supply can be cut and an alarm is made by means of the current channel (2) formed between the electrical equipment neutral line (N?) and the electrical equipment's outer surface (G?) and the monitoring of the current value. A power supply channel (5) is set up to make sure that the electrical equipment can be normally operated via the system even in the condition of the power supply connection faults.

Abstract: A device for diagnosing the loss of a connection to a ground (M) of an electronic control module (BCM) of a motor vehicle, noteworthy in that a first branch (B1) for connecting to the ground (M) includes: elements of unidirectional current conduction (Dd) mounted in parallel with a two-position switch (INT), the two-position switch (INT) being configured to toggle between a closed short-circuit position of the elements of unidirectional current conduction (Dd) and an open position of diagnostic of the loss of connection to the ground (M) of the electronic control module (BCM) on the first connecting branch (B1), and, elements for generating a current (Idiag) on the first connecting branch (B1).

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a device for diagnosing the loss of a connection to a ground (M) of an electronic control module (BCM) of a motor vehicle. This device (1) comprises a first branch (B1) connecting the electronic control module (BCM) to the ground(M), a second branch (B2) connecting the electronic control module (BCM) to the ground (M) adapted to receive power currents (I(power)) originating from power equipments (EQP) and comprising unidirectional current-conducting means (D), a diagnostic circuit (CD) connected to the second connecting branch (B2) at the level of a measurement point (PM) situated between the unidirectional current-conducting means (D) and the ground (M) and defining a voltage (Vdiag) for diagnosing a loss of connection to the ground (M) of the electronic control module (BCM) on the first branch connecting (B1).

Abstract: An apparatus including a test device for assessing the quality of a safety ground is provided. The test device is configured to receive an energy signal from a power source for charging a vehicle and to generate a first output signal in response to the first energy signal. The test device is further configured to measure a characteristic of the first output signal and to provide a test signal. The test device is further configured to generate a second output signal in response to providing the test signal and to measure a characteristic of the second output signal. The test device is further configured to assess the quality of a safety ground in at least one of the power source and the vehicle based on a difference between the characteristic of the first output signal and the characteristic of the second output signal.

Abstract: An active transient voltage suppression device is disclosed which may utilize an activation network to turn on a semiconductor switch. The activation network may be triggered based on the rate of change of voltage on the protected input of the device. More than one such device may be cascaded in parallel to increase energy dissipation without device screening and may provide a stable voltage limit over a wide range of operating currents. The device may be tested for open and short failure modes in circuit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an overfill prevention system for preventing the overfilling of tanks when filling up large tanks from a fuel distribution truck. The system operates by monitoring and automatically controlling the filling process by use of a power take off switch assembly that is connected electronically to a secondary overfill prevention system that is also connected to a signal probe located in the tank that is being filled. In operation, once fuel contacts the signal probe, a communicator signal is sent from the signal probe to a secondary overfill prevention system, which interrupts a looping electrical current through a fuel shut off sensor assembly to a power take off switch assembly along a connecting cable.

Abstract: A monitoring circuit and a monitoring system for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protective device are disclosed herein. The monitoring circuit includes an oscillating unit, a signal processing unit and a comparator. The oscillating unit includes a first monitoring end and a second monitoring end. The first monitoring end is configured to be electrically connected to an ESD protective device. The second monitoring end is configured to be electrically connected to ground. When the first monitoring end is not electrically contacted to a user's body or the second monitoring end is not connected to ground, the oscillating unit is configured to output an oscillating signal. The signal processing unit is electrically connected to the oscillating unit, and is configured to output a first voltage according to the oscillating signal. The comparator is configured to compare the first voltage and a reference voltage, and correspondingly output an alarm signal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a terminal assembly of a subsea motor-compressor. The terminal assembly may include a plurality of terminal ports extending through a hollow spherical body to a cavity defined therein. The terminal assembly may also include a penetrator detachably coupled with the spherical body about each of the plurality of terminal ports. The terminal assembly may further include a mounting port extending through the spherical body to the cavity defined therein. The mounting port may be configured to couple the terminal assembly with a housing of the motor-compressor.

Abstract: Implementations of a static discharge station are provided. In some implementations, the static discharge station may be employed by a user to discharge a build-up of static electricity prior to pumping gas. In some implementations, the static discharge station may have advertising thereon. In this way, a user or a passerby may be exposed to the displayed advertisement(s). In some implementations, the static discharge station may be comprised of a body portion having a button thereon, a support pole, a base, a wire, and a grounding rod. In some implementations, the button may be configured to selectively make contact with the support pole of the static discharge station. In some implementation, a user may discharge a static electricity build-up by touching the button. In this way, the static build-up may travel through the button, support pole, base, and wire into the grounding rod.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for diagnosing an abnormality in a cell balancing circuit. The apparatus may include a plurality of cell balancing circuits respectively connected to a plurality of battery cells included in a battery pack for balancing the voltages of the battery cells, a diagnosis resistor respectively installed between the cell balancing circuit and a cathode terminal and an anode terminal of the corresponding battery cell, a voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage difference of the balancing circuit corresponding to each of the battery cells, and a control unit for turning on or off a cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed and for determining whether there is an abnormality in the cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed, based on a variation pattern of a voltage difference of a cell balancing circuit adjacent to the cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed that is measured by the voltage measuring unit.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computer system for monitoring for electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. An ESD monitor for potential of electrostatic discharge events in a sensed area through a plurality of ESD sensors coupled to the ESD monitor. The monitor senses for a charge level which could cause ESD event and entry of an operator into a sensed area. If an ESD event is detected, issue an ESD event alert to the operator and recording data to a tangible storage device; determine environmental factors at time and date of the ESD event; compare the ESD event and associated environmental factors to other ESD events with associated environmental factors; and determine if a correlation exists between the ESD event and associated environmental factors and the other ESD events with associated environmental factors.

Abstract: Various systems, methods and apparatus are described for detecting an excessive or faulty ground current in a conductive wire or electronic device. A ground current detector is coupled to a known earth ground to determine whether other ground lines are carrying excessive, faulty and/or leaking currents. If these types of unsafe conditions are detected, then a user can take appropriate action to locate and correct these problems.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system, which may include a faceplate and an electrical receptacle or switch. The faceplate may include a panel having a first surface, a second surface, and an opening defined in the panel providing communication between the first and second surfaces. The faceplate may also include an interrupter extending from the first surface of the panel having at least two interrupter contacts thereon and a first electrical circuit operatively coupled to the interrupter contacts. The electrical receptacle or switch may include a housing and a second electrical circuit, wherein the second electrical circuit is in communication with the first electrical circuit when the faceplate is mounted on the electrical receptacle or switch and the interrupter is configured to interrupt the second electrical circuit.

Abstract: An indication circuit is used on a motherboard. First and second pins on the motherboard output different signals corresponding to different power-on self-test errors. The indication circuit includes first to third electronic switches, first and second light-emitting diodes, and first to fifth resistors. When different errors occurred during power-on self-test, different signals are output from the first and second pins on the motherboard, such that to make the first and second light-emitting diodes activated or deactivated. As a result, the indication circuit can indicate different errors when the motherboard is performing power-on self-test.

Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.

Abstract: A floating roof monitoring system is disclosed. According to embodiments, the floating roof monitoring system includes a monitoring device and a floating roof tank. The monitoring device can generate a current for a monitoring loop that includes one or more electrical connections between the monitoring device and the floating roof tank. A resistance value for one or more points within or along the monitoring loop can be determined and monitored. The monitoring device can determine, based upon the resistance value, if an action is to be taken.

Abstract: An automatic fault detector momentarily interrupts a provision of operating power to a load having a minimal forward-bias voltage requirement to thereby provide a testing window and then applies a test voltage during this window that is less than the minimal forward-bias voltage requirement to the load and monitors for a power-to-ground fault. By one approach the aforementioned momentarily interruption of power is neither frequent enough nor long enough in duration to substantially impair the provision of power to the load. Accordingly, load performance is not noticeably diminished. One can then responsively prohibit subsequent provision of the operating power to the load. One can then continue to monitor for the power-to-ground fault while continuing to prohibit provision of operating power to the load. If and when the fault disappears, these teachings will then accommodate automatically resuming an ordinary provision of power to the load.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for configurable ground monitoring of a workbench, and the method comprises the steps as follows. The step of detecting if each of monitored objects of a monitor device is enable should be performed first. A digital value of each of the monitored objects according to detecting result is then calculated and accumulated. The step of detecting if each of the monitored objects reaches a predetermined number of samples is performed, and the step of calculating an average value of each of the monitored objects according to detecting result is followed. The average measured value is compared with a predetermined digital limit-value of each of the monitored objects; furthermore, a corresponding alarm will be sounded when the average measured value exceeds the predetermined digital limit-value. The digital value and a compared result are then sent, and then the step of detecting if the operator ground connection is enabled is performed.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for providing comprehensive control and monitoring of an electrical system are presented. The envisioned invention according to at least one aspect provides for control and monitoring functions that include main circuit level functions and sub-circuit level functions. The control and monitoring function further provides for communication with a remote central control center to send commands to and receive data from the main circuit control and/or sub-circuit(s). Information from the monitoring function may be used to alter the operation of the system, aid in diagnostic response, and ultimately, improve the safety and reliability of the electrical system.

Abstract: A thin film deposition apparatus to remove static electricity generated between a substrate and a mask, and a method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display device using the thin film deposition apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a GFCI that trips and provides indication at the end of its life. It comprises a leakage signal detection circuit (LSDC) and a failure alarm for providing indication in case of failure. The LSDC includes a leakage signal amplification circuit (LSAC) which amplifies the signal from test and neutral toroidal coils and controls a mechanical tripping mechanism through a silicon control unit and an igniter. The mechanical tripping mechanism is controlled by the LSDC through the silicon control unit by a forcible tripping coil connected thereto. This LSDC is powered by a power unit. Additionally, a failure alarm circuit which triggers and supplies visual indication through an optical display element in the event of failure is connected to the power unit of the LSDC. This alarm circuit also includes a forcible tripping coil to control the mechanical tripping mechanism at the end of the device life.

Abstract: A method for electrostatic prevention in an electrostatic discharge protection area applicable to an electrostatic conducting device including a main body, an alert unit, a sensing unit and a grounding unit is disclosed. The electrostatic conducting device is used for sensing an external signal and externally coupling to a ground line, and the main body is used for being worn by a user. The sensing unit is coupled to the alert unit for sensing the external signal so as to enable the alert unit. The grounding unit and the alert unit form a loop when being in contact with the skin of the user and coupled to the ground line. The loop is opened when the ground line is coupled to the grounding unit, and the alert unit is thus disabled. Effective ESD protection is achieved.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods are directed to monitoring a ground connection at a fueling facility. The system being configured to perform the method that includes measuring a vehicle ground quality. The method also includes determining a dispenser ground quality, evaluating the vehicle ground quality based on the dispenser ground quality and a threshold value, and controlling the dispensing of fuel based on the evaluation.

Abstract: An automatic fault detector momentarily interrupts a provision of operating power to a load having a minimal forward-bias voltage requirement to thereby provide a testing window and then applies a test voltage during this window that is less than the minimal forward-bias voltage requirement to the load and monitors for a power-to-ground fault. By one approach the aforementioned momentarily interruption of power is neither frequent enough nor long enough in duration to substantially impair the provision of power to the load. Accordingly, load performance is not noticeably diminished. One can then responsively prohibit subsequent provision of the operating power to the load. One can then continue to monitor for the power-to-ground fault while continuing to prohibit provision of operating power to the load. If and when the fault disappears, these teachings will then accommodate automatically resuming an ordinary provision of power to the load.

Abstract: A faulted circuit indicator (FCI) for providing an indication of a fault on a monitored conductor, determining whether the FCI is near the end of its useful life (or entered into an end-of-life mode) and altering an operation of the FCI if the useful life of the FCI has reached a select threshold. The operation alteration may include an alteration of the display and/or deactivation of certain features and/or functions of the FCI. Thus, the useful life of the FCI will be increased. Further, utility personnel will be more likely to notice that the FCI is in end-of-life mode. The FCI may also include a battery discharge module and a thyristor for discharging the battery for disposal upon decommissioning of the FCI.

Abstract: The invention comprises a set of methods to detect the resistance of a connection to safety ground and to detect the presence of voltage hazardous to people in systems where an unknown amount of current intermittently flows in the safety ground circuit. Samples of voltage between two points in the safety ground circuit are taken repeatedly. When the voltage caused by the unknown currents in the safety ground circuit is below a preset threshold, a known current is applied and another voltage sample is taken to detect the electrical resistance of the safety ground circuit. If an excessive resistance or voltage is detected, one or more outputs are activated or deactivated to indicate the problem and remove power from the system. The invention requires no current sensor for its operation.

Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device to monitor whether a work station operator has properly worn a grounding mechanism, and a novel cascading means to chain multiple devices into a chain for sharing electricity and ground. The present invention could achieve the following functions: (1) capable of monitoring both single-wire and two-wire grounding mechanisms; (2) providing backup grounding through the chain so that the static electricity discharging capability is maintained as long as a single device in the chain remains connected to the ground; (3) extending the ground through the chain so that grounding is not required to be previously prepared at every work station; (4) sustaining all devices on the chain by a single external power supply; and (5) providing networking connectivity through the chain's cascading cables so that the network cabling cost and effort is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A method for testing personnel ESD grounding devices with a function of near-fail alert is disclosed. A near-fail range is set. When the measurement of the resistance for a wrist strap or a footwear is within the near-fail range; an alarm is actuated to alert the user that the static electricity prevention device worn by the user will fail soon. The near-fail range is provided so that the user can receive an alert when the wrist strap or the footwear being worn on will fail soon in the near future and thus to remind the user to adopt proper reactions to change or fix the personnel ESD grounding device to prevent its sudden failure during actual use. Furthermore, the test provides digital readouts and has higher precision to avoid faulty results. Moreover, the wrist strap and footwear are tested simultaneously and individual results can be derived so as to avoid errors in test. A device for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a GFCI that trips and provides indication at the end of its life. It comprises a leakage signal detection circuit (LSDC) and a failure alarm for providing indication in case of failure. The LSDC includes a leakage signal amplification circuit (LSAC) which amplifies the signal from test and neutral toroidal coils and controls a mechanical tripping mechanism through a silicon control unit and an igniter. The mechanical tripping mechanism is controlled by the LSDC through the silicon control unit by a forcible tripping coil connected thereto. This LSDC is powered by a power unit. Additionally, a failure alarm circuit which triggers and supplies visual indication through an optical display element in the event of failure is connected to the power unit of the LSDC. This alarm circuit also includes a forcible tripping coil to control the mechanical tripping mechanism at the end of the device life.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for configurable ground monitoring of a workbench, and the method comprises the steps as follows. The step of detecting if each of monitored objects of a monitor device is enable should be performed first. A digital value of each of the monitored objects according to detecting result is then calculated and accumulated. The step of detecting if each of the monitored objects reaches a predetermined number of samples is performed, and the step of calculating an average value of each of the monitored objects according to detecting result is followed. The average measured value is compared with a predetermined digital limit-value of each of the monitored objects; furthermore, a corresponding alarm will be sounded when the average measured value exceeds the predetermined digital limit-value. The digital value and a compared result are then sent, and then the step of detecting if the operator ground connection is enabled is performed.

Abstract: An ungrounded electrical power distribution system may experience a single line to ground fault. Such a fault may not disrupt operation of the system, but its presence may raise a risk of additional problems if left uncorrected. A system for progressively grounding the ungrounded system may be initiated when a line to ground fault is suspected. As grounding through successively lower impedance proceeds, fault current may increase and detection of severity of the line to ground fault may be more readily achieved, thus facilitating localization of the fault.

Abstract: A detection and alarm circuit includes a transformer, a rectifier, and an alarm. A first input terminal of the transformer is connected to a ground terminal of an electronic device, and a second terminal of the transformer is grounded. A first output terminal of the transformer is connected to a first input terminal of the rectifier, and a second output terminal of the transformer is connected to a second input terminal of the rectifier. A first output terminal of the rectifier is connected to a first terminal of the alarm. A second output terminal of the rectifier is connected to a second terminal of the alarm.

Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a power supply control apparatus which can connect a ground to a suitable electric potential when the ground is disconnected. The power supply control apparatus includes a control circuit having a switch element and a switch control unit, and a load. One terminal of load is connected to a direct-current power supply through the switch element, and the other terminal is connected to a ground electric potential. The switch control unit has a ground terminal connected to the ground electric potential and outputting a ground current flowing toward the ground electric potential. The control circuit includes a bypass device having a load side bypass system for passing the ground current to the ground electric potential through the load when connection between the ground terminal and the ground electric potential is disconnected.

Abstract: A home control protection system includes at least one surge protection strip having a plurality of power outlet receptacles, and a wall mountable central control unit that is in electrical communication with the at least one surge protection strip. The surge protection strip includes a replaceable surge protector module. The surge protection strip includes a circuit for detecting and counting the number of power surges which are shunted by the surge protector module, and compares the number of power surges with a predetermined threshold power surge number that corresponds to a predicted maximum number of power surges before failure of the surge protector module will occur.

Abstract: A lightning protection circuit for electric fence energizers used with electric fencing systems is provided. The circuit includes a protective combination having at least two electrical components connected in series. The protective combination allows induced voltage from lightning strikes to be effectively spread across a first of the electrical components and a switch of the fence energizer, so as to limit peak levels of current drawn to a second of the electrical components.

Abstract: A ground return path is determined to be impaired when no zero-sequence current is measured in the neutral return path, but zero-sequence current is detected in other suitable measuring points that include the windings of an autotransformer, or in a magnetically coupled delta-configured tertiary winding, or potential transformer.