Abstract: An alternating current (AC) charging device for a motor vehicle may include: a neutral conductor; a phase conductor; a rectifier; a smoothing capacitor electrically connected to the rectifier; a mains connection; a precharge circuit arranged between the mains connection and the smoothing capacitor, the precharge circuit precharging the smoothing capacitor; and a second phase conductor electrically connected to the phase conductor by a cross-connection line. The neutral conductor and the phase conductor are connected to the rectifier. The precharge circuit is disposed in the neutral conductor.

Abstract: A power conditioner includes an inverter circuit that converts a DC voltage into an AC voltage, a voltage dividing circuit having one end connected to the positive electrode input terminal and the other end connected to the negative electrode input terminal, and a ground fault detector configured to receive a voltage divided by the voltage dividing circuit as an input voltage signal and to detect an occurrence of a ground fault based on the magnitude of the voltage of the input voltage signal. the ground fault detector emits an AC ground fault detection signal when the input voltage signal includes a first voltage signal having a frequency equal to or higher than a predetermined first frequency and a deviation of the first voltage signal with respect to an AC ground reference potential is equal to or larger than an AC ground fault detection voltage.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a solid-state switch, a sense resistor, a current detection circuit, and a switch control circuit. The solid-state switch and sense resistor are connected in series in an electrical path between a line input terminal and a load output terminal of the circuit breaker. The current detection circuit is configured to (i) sample a sense voltage that is generated across the sense resistor in response to load current flowing through the sense resistor, (ii) detect an over-current fault condition based on the sampled sense voltage, and (iii) output a fault detection signal in response to detecting the over-current fault condition. The switch control circuit is configured to control the solid-state switch, wherein the switch control circuit is configured to switch off the solid-state switch in response to the fault detection signal output from the current detection circuit.

Abstract: The DC interrupting device includes a main current conduction unit including a main interrupting switch, which is a mechanical switch, a reverse current power supply unit connected to an input terminal of the main current conduction unit and configured to generate a predetermined reverse current, and a reverse current conduction unit configured to supply the reverse current to an output terminal of the main current conduction unit. The reverse current power supply unit includes a first reverse current dedicated capacitor charged by a voltage applied to an input terminal of the main current conduction unit, a polarity reversing inductor configured to reverse a polarity of the first reverse current dedicated capacitor, and a reverse current power supply unit switch configured to perform circuit connection such that the polarity reversing inductor reverses the polarity of the first reverse current dedicated capacitor.

Abstract: A power cord leakage current detection and protection device, including a switch unit configured to control an electrical connection between an input end and an output end of the device; a leakage current protection unit, which includes a switch drive module and a leakage current detection module, the switch drive module configured to control the switch unit based on a leakage current signal detected by the leakage current detection module, wherein the leakage current detection module includes a leakage current detection line configured to detect whether a leakage current is present on a first power supply line and/or a second power supply line, and a signal feedback line configured to detect whether the leakage current detection line has an open circuit; and a test unit, including a test switch, coupled to the a leakage current protection unit, wherein when the test switch is closed, the switch drive module controls the switch unit based on a signal on the signal feedback line.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for monitoring a circuit breaker, comprising the following steps: obtaining a characteristic force associated with an actuating mechanism of the circuit breaker over the time; and determining the time point when the closing and/or opening of the circuit breaker occurs by identifying a variation of the force. The step of determining further comprises determining the moment when a variation increase of the characteristic force occurs as the time point of the closing of the circuit breaker; and determining the moment when a variation decrease of the characteristic force occurs as the time point of the opening of the circuit breaker. The method can be used to accurately on-line monitor the closing and opening time point of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electronic fuse system, and to a method for an electronic fuse system. The method comprises determining (201) if the number of engaged electronic circuit breaker modules (108) has changed compared to the stored configuration. Upon determining that the number of engaged electronic circuit breaker modules (108) has changed, determining (202) if the configuration of the electronic fuse system has changed by means of comparing a stored configuration in the power distribution controller (105) and a stored configuration in the electronic circuit breaker module (108). Upon determining that the configuration of the electronic fuse system has changed, determining (203) if a stored configuration is available from the bus (101). Upon determining (203) that a stored configuration is available from the bus, fetch (204) the stored configuration from the bus and start operation of the electronic fuse system according to the fetched configuration.

Abstract: A metering apparatus includes a support; a connection apparatus disposed on the support and structured to be electrically connected with a circuit interrupter; a detection apparatus disposed on the support and structured to detect a first operational aspect of the circuit interrupter; a communication apparatus in communication with the detection apparatus, the communication apparatus being disposed on the support; a first bidirectional communications port disposed on a first side of the support and in communication with the communication apparatus; and a second bidirectional communications port disposed on a second side, opposite the first side, of the support and in communication with the communication apparatus. The communication apparatus is structured to communicate to another device via at least one of the first communications port or the second communications port at least a first parameter of the circuit interrupter based at least in part upon the first operational aspect.

Abstract: An intelligent electric grid management system and method includes at least one feeder line controller, which is arranged between a secondary power transforming station and at least one power supply feeder line to receive high voltage power and a control instruction from the secondary power transforming station and to store and set, in advance, digital code data of each power supply feeder line, a smart meter of a user end, appliance loads, and priority cutoff levels, a plurality of smart meters, which are each connected between the distribution line of each user end and at least one power feeder line, wherein the smart meter and the feeder line controller transmit therebetween a user end load ON/OFF control signal and a load state detection feedback signal through the power supply feeder line by means of the power line communication protocol; and a plurality of intelligent load receptacles, which are connected to the receptacle power line of the distribution line of the user end and the household appliance l

Abstract: A sensing assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a base having a pocket portion, and a bus bar coupled to the base. The sensing assembly includes a housing structured to be coupled to the pocket portion, a power harvester coupled to the housing, a current sensor coupled to the housing, and a voltage sensing circuit located internal with respect to the housing and being structured to be electrically connected to the bus bar.

Abstract: A power system is for a facility. The power system includes a load panel powered from a split phase electrical distribution configuration having a first line, a second line and a neutral. A two-pole circuit interrupter in the load panel receives power from the first line, the second line and the neutral, and protects an unbalanced load. The two-pole circuit interrupter is structured to trip open or open responsive to an input. A circuit in the load panel is structured to determine that the neutral is broken or missing and responsively output to the input to cause the two-pole circuit interrupter to trip open or open.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an integrated circuit having a magnetic sensing element, a fault detection module including circuitry to detect a fault condition and to self-test operation of the circuitry to detect the fault. The integrated circuit includes a fault pin to indicate the fault condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control and protection device for a low-voltage electrical apparatus, comprising a pedestal and a control and protection module. The control and protection module may be plugged into the pedestal and is replaceable. The pedestal comprises a base and a housing, and is further provided with a moving contact, a static contact, and a current conductor connected to a main circuit current; a control electromagnet operation mechanism for controlling close and open of the moving contact and the static contact according to a control signal, and maintaining a close or open status of the moving contact and the static contact; a manual operation knob providing a control signal for controlling the close and open of the moving contact and the static contact; a control contact connected to the manual operation knob; and a current sensor for detecting a current that flows through the main circuit current conductor and generating a sensing signal.

Abstract: A switching apparatus for an electrical switching device is disclosed, in particular an electrical circuit breaker, for safeguarding at least two poles. A tripping element is included for each pole, supported moveably between a rest position and a tripping position. A common switching frame, movable between a pre-tension position and a switching position, is actively connected for force transmission to frame sections of the at least two tripping elements for the movement of the switching frame into the switching position upon movement of the tripping element into the tripping position. At least one spring element is embodied to apply force to the frame sections of the at least two tripping elements in the direction of the rest position of the at least two tripping elements.

Abstract: A breaker failure protection system for a high voltage direct current, HVDC, circuit breaker is provided. The circuit breaker is arranged for interrupting a DC circuit upon reception of a trip signal. The protection system includes a current sensor, at least one inductor, and a breaker failure detection unit. The current sensor is arranged for measuring a current I(t) through the DC circuit. The at least one inductor is connected in series with the DC circuit. The breaker failure detection unit is arranged for assessing, whether the circuit breaker has failed, and sending, if the circuit breaker has failed, a trip signal to an adjacent circuit breaker. The assessment is based on the measured current. The stability of HVDC grids may be improved by sending, in case of a breaker failure, a trip signal to adjacent circuit breakers. Further, a method of breaker failure protection for an HVDC circuit breaker is provided.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for saving power and electricity in a charging device such for external power supplies and battery chargers having a primary circuit and a secondary circuit where a switch is located in the primary circuit and a current sensing device in the secondary circuit to sense when there is a drop in current in the secondary circuit or no current in the secondary circuit because the load or a cell phone is charged and when this occurs the switch in the primary circuit is opened and the primary circuit no longer draws power from the source of power until the switch in the primary circuit is closed by activation of a user of the charging device.

Abstract: A two-pole circuit breaker is provided that includes a first mechanical pole, a second mechanical pole and an electronic pole. The first mechanical pole includes a first armature having a first armature extension, and the second mechanical pole includes a second armature having a second armature extension. The electronic pole includes a first solenoid and a second solenoid, the first armature extension is disposed adjacent the first solenoid, and the second armature is disposed adjacent the second solenoid. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a defect indicator for an electronic device, in particular a surge arrester, comprising at least two thermal overcurrent protection devices which respond to different fault or overload states and each have a mechanical actuating device for triggering the fault signalling, wherein the mechanical actuating device is in the form of a bolt or pin which acts on a fault signalling element. According to the invention, the at least two overcurrent protection devices are arranged relative to one another in such a manner that the direction vectors of the bolts or pins intersect in an imaginary extension of the movement path thereof, wherein the particular bolt or pin acts on a respectively provided surface side of a displaceable armature and the armature occupies a variable position in the movement path.

Abstract: A selective release with a moving element is disclosed. The moving element is here mounted such that the moving element, in addition to the motion about its swivel axis, is guided in its motion by way of a brace. As a result of this, the moving element is mounted such that the trajectory of the blocking element essentially runs in a plane which extends transversely to the direction of flow of the flow channel.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit breaker for interrupting a fault current in an electrical circuit line having a line impedance, the hybrid circuit breaker including a mechanical circuit breaker adapted to interrupt the line upon detecting the fault current, a semiconductor device arranged in parallel with the mechanical circuit breaker to conduct the fault current when the mechanical circuit breaker is disconnected, a branch connected between the electrical circuit line and ground, the branch including an impedance unit and a control unit configured, upon detecting the fault current, to connect the impedance unit in parallel with the line impedance.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a first electrical conductor, a second electrical conductor, separable contacts, an operating mechanism configured to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip circuit including a trip actuator configured to cooperate with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The circuit interrupter also includes a ground fault detection circuit configured to sense a difference between currents through the first and second electrical conductors and to output an output signal based on the sensed difference, a power supply configured to convert alternating current power from the first and second electrical conductors to a direct current power, and a processor configured to receive the direct current power and the output signal. The processor is also configured to determine whether a characteristic of the power supply is present in the output signal and to control the trip circuit based on the determination.

Abstract: A generator protection device is provided. The generator protection device includes a safety factor estimation module configured to estimate a safety factor as a function of a terminal voltage (VS) of a source-end generator, and a swing center voltage (SCV) between the source-end generator and a receiving-end generator. The system further includes a comparison module configured to compare the estimated safety factor with a defined safety threshold limit, and a decision module configured to trigger an alarm or a generator circuit breaker trip action or both, based on the comparison between the estimated safety factor and the defined safety threshold limit.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a novel technique for limiting transmission of fault current are disclosed. Current power distribution systems typically have an impedance, or reactor, on the output of the network equipment to limit current in the case of a fault condition. A low resistance switch, which changes its resistance in the presence of high current, is connected in parallel with this reactor. Thus, in normal operation, the current from the power generator bypasses the reactor, thereby minimizing power loss. However, in the presence of a fault, the resistance of the switch increases, forcing the current to pass through the reactor, thereby limiting the fault current.

Abstract: A communications system includes a communications device having a plurality of access modules each having a port and connected to a communications line and a plurality of transmitters with the respective transmitter associated in one-to-one correspondence with the communications line of an access module. Each transmitter has a line driver and is configured to couple communications signals to a respective communications line. A voltage source is connected to the line drivers and configured to provide a bias voltage to the line drivers that varies depending on a selected minimum power level. A controller is connected to the voltage source and has logic configured to change the bias voltage to the line drivers. The controller is responsive to a minimum data rate for each bias voltage.

Abstract: Aspects of the innovations herein relate to surge protection devices. Such surge protection devices may have an arrester. The arrester may produce an equalization between different potentials and arrest a surge current during use. A sensor may be provided on the arrester, said sensor generating an electric switch-off signal. A switching device may receive the switch-off signal and separate the arrester from an electric circuit, the switching device and arrester being arranged in a physically separate manner from each other.

Abstract: A neutral point clamped (NPC) power converter fault protection system is provided, and include a DC bus, a switching network, and a control module. The switching network is connected to the DC bus. The switching network includes at least two leg circuits. Each of the at least two leg circuits includes at least two switches connected in series and two NPC diodes. Each of the two NPC diodes corresponds to one of the at least two switches. Each of the at least two switches has an open position. The two NPC diodes are connected between a corresponding one of the at least two leg circuits and the DC bus. The control module is in communication with the switching network. The control module includes control logic for monitoring the switching network to detect a fault condition.

Abstract: A circuit breaker (such as a miniature circuit breaker) that wirelessly communicates state and fault information to a main energy monitoring module. The wireless circuit breaker includes a transceiver and a power supply that harvests energy inductively from the line current conductor without the need for a connection to a neutral conductor. The wireless circuit breaker can be implemented in the same package as existing circuit breakers, eliminating the need to replace the panel when upgrading to a system that employs a main energy monitoring module. The wireless circuit breaker can also include an energy storage device for supplying power to the circuit breaker after it has tripped, allowing the circuit breaker to transmit information after a trip. The main energy monitoring module includes a processor and a gateway for evaluating and transmitting information received from the circuit breaker to other applications, such as webpages and smartphones.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a telecommunications device having “n” line card slots for receiving “n” line cards powered from a power supply. The device includes at least one installed line card. A smart breaker is connected to the telecommunications device and includes a current detector configured to detect current flow from the power supply through the smart breaker to any installed line cards. A controller has logic and is configured to select a trip value in response to the detected current flow and stored configuration information relating to any installed line cards within the telecommunications device.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for implementing and controlling local power line communication (PLC) networks. Some embodiments include a central controller communicationally coupled with a PLC power line, a sensor adaptor coupled between the PLC power line and a consumer product, with the sensor adaptor comprising a current detector that detects a current usage level passed through the sensor adaptor, a PLC interface through which the current usage level is communicated over the PLC power line to the central controller, and an adaptor switch that interrupts current flow to the consumer product in response to a command received over the PLC power line from the central controller when the current usage through the sensor adaptor has a predetermined relationship to a first threshold.

Abstract: A release for an electrical switching arrangement includes at least two switching contacts, which are arranged in a housing and are isolated if the current flowing via the switching contacts has exceeded a predetermined threshold value. The release includes an actuating element, which responds, counter to the force of a restraining apparatus, to a pressure which is generated by an arc occurring in an isolating zone of the switching contacts. The isolating zone is surrounded by the housing, and actuates a shutdown mechanism which brings about automatic interruption of the current path. The actuating element has a movable element, which forms a blocking element in a flow channel, which is connected to the isolating zone. The blocking element performs a predetermined control movement at the pressure which is intended to result in shutdown.

Abstract: In an undervoltage tripping unit of at least one embodiment, an armature acts on a tripping slide via a drum. During tripping, an auxiliary switch is closed. In order to reset the under-voltage tripping unit after tripping, a latching mechanism of an associated circuit breaker acts on the drum via a driver bolt. At the same time, a projecting element is formed on the drum and closes the auxiliary switch when the drum is rotated back. The auxiliary switch therefore need not itself be directly coupled to the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for mechanically breaking a circuit in a battery charging device when the charger is determined to be in a standby or idle mode of operation, after which the circuit must be manually reset in order to further use the device.

Abstract: A modular pegboard electrical board comprising an expandable grid of electrical leads to allow connection of various electronic implements, including light fixtures, fluorescent lamp ballasts and heating lamps. A rectangular pegboard having internal circuitry provides columns of electrical leads, whereby every four consecutive columns form a hot-ground-neutral-ground combination of vertical leads in parallel. The combination allows for connection of a two or three-wire interface to attach anywhere on the board surface, including electrical socket adapters and specific light fixture wiring. The pegboard-style board allows a latch mechanism from a light fixture or electrical device to affect an electrical connection at a specific lead.

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 breaker failure protection system for a high voltage direct current, HVDC, circuit breaker is provided. The circuit breaker is arranged for interrupting a DC circuit upon reception of a trip signal. The protection system includes a current sensor, at least one inductor, and a breaker failure detection unit. The current sensor is arranged for measuring a current I(t) through the DC circuit. The at least one inductor is connected in series with the DC circuit. The breaker failure detection unit is arranged for assessing, whether the circuit breaker has failed, and sending, if the circuit breaker has failed, a trip signal to an adjacent circuit breaker. The assessment is based on the measured current. The stability of HVDC grids may be improved by sending, in case of a breaker failure, a trip signal to adjacent circuit breakers. Further, a method of breaker failure protection for an HVDC circuit breaker is provided.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit breaker for interrupting a fault current in an electrical circuit line having a line impedance, the hybrid circuit breaker including a mechanical circuit breaker adapted to interrupt the line upon detecting the fault current, a semiconductor device arranged in parallel with the mechanical circuit breaker to conduct the fault current when the mechanical circuit breaker is disconnected, a branch connected between the electrical circuit line and ground, the branch including an impedance unit and a control unit configured, upon detecting the fault current, to connect the impedance unit in parallel with the line impedance.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter apparatus includes circuit interrupter and a device. The circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes a zone selective interlocking input and a zone selective interlocking output. The device includes a first input electrically interconnected with the zone selective interlocking input, a second input electrically interconnected with the zone selective interlocking output, and an indicator circuit structured to indicate that the zone selective interlocking input occurred at the first input or that the zone selective interlocking output occurred at the second input.

Abstract: A selective release with a moving element is disclosed. The moving element is here mounted such that the moving element, in addition to the motion about its swivel axis, is guided in its motion by way of a brace. As a result of this, the moving element is mounted such that the trajectory of the blocking element essentially runs in a plane which extends transversely to the direction of flow of the flow channel.

Abstract: A self-adaptive surge-proof circuit is used in a switching power supply device. The switching power supply device includes an AC input, a filter-rectifier circuit connected to the AC input, and a power converter circuit connected to the filter-rectifier circuit. The self-adaptive surge-proof circuit includes a surge suppression unit connected between the filter-rectifier circuit and the power converter circuit, a switching unit connected in parallel with the surge suppression unit for adjusting an input impedance of the switching power supply device, a sampling unit connected to the filter-rectifier circuit for collecting a surge signal from the filter-rectifier circuit, and a drive-controlling circuit connected to the sampling unit for generating a driving signal for controlling on and off of the switching unit according to the surge signal.

Abstract: A single-module circuit breaker includes a first longitudinal portion, a second longitudinal portion, and a third longitudinal portion proximate the first and second longitudinal portions. The first longitudinal portion includes overcurrent detection componentry configured to detect an overcurrent condition. The second longitudinal portion includes leakage current detection componentry configured to detect a leakage current condition. The third longitudinal portion includes a contact mechanism, a first conduction path, and a second conduction path, and the contact mechanism is configured to disrupt the first and second conduction paths in response to at least one of the overcurrent condition and the leakage current condition.

Abstract: A power supply is disclosed for an electronic tripping unit and, in particular a circuit breaker for low voltages, which is connected on the outgoer side to a load via whose load resistance a direct current or alternating current flows. An electronic tripping unit initiates the disconnection of the associated contact elements in the event of an overcurrent and/or short-circuit current, and a voltage tap taps off a voltage on the conductor in order to supply power to the tripping unit. In order to ensure that power is always supplied to the tripping unit, the power supply includes, in at least one embodiment, an inductance between the load and the voltage tap, which inductance is connected in the conductor and is of such a magnitude that, when the current changes over time during the course of a short circuit, the voltage which is tapped off as the voltage drop across the inductance ensures the supply of electrical power to the tripping unit at least for a minimum time.

Abstract: A release for an electrical switching arrangement is disclosed, which is arranged over the course of a first current path. In at least one embodiment, it includes at least two switching contacts, which are arranged in a housing and are isolated if the current flowing via the switching contacts has exceeded a predetermined threshold value, with an actuating element, which responds, counter to the force of a restraining apparatus, to a pressure which is generated by an arc drawn in the event of electrodynamic recoil of the switching contacts in an isolating zone of the switching contacts, which isolating zone is surrounded by the housing, and which actuates a shutdown mechanism which brings about automatic interruption of the current path, wherein the actuating element has a movable element, which forms a blocking element in a flow channel, which is connected to the isolating zone, which blocking element performs a predetermined control movement at the pressure which is intended to result in shutdown.

Abstract: An electric protective switching device is configured as a modular system and includes a switching device base module including first mechanical guide elements and an installation space with electric contacts. A control module including control electronics, first mechanical elements and electric counter-contact elements is installable into the installation space. A communication module including second mechanical elements is configured as an interface between the control electronics and an electronic bus system. The control module and the communication module are connectable mechanically and electrically to the switching device base module.

Abstract: A module for a high voltage electronic circuit breaker that includes a power supply and related circuitry for suppressing high voltage transients. The power supply receives a range of voltages, such as up to 600V, and is powered from the line current instead of through a transformer, exposing the module electronics to potential voltage transients. A large capacitor is connected to the high voltage input for absorbing the energy of a voltage transient. Transient voltage suppressors are connected in parallel to the capacitor to absorb any further energy in the transient not absorbed by the capacitor. Inductors are series-connected with the high voltage input to present an impedance and inductance to the voltage transient, reducing the transient before it reaches the power supply. Inductors in the trip coil and the indicator coils also present an impedance and inductance to the transient, further enhancing protection against transients.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring power consumption. The system includes at least one circuit breaker having a sensor for measuring current flowing through the circuit breaker and for sending a sensor signal commensurate with the current. The system also includes a controller spaced apart from the circuit breaker and adapted to receive the sensor signal from the circuit breaker, and an external device for communicating an electrical signal with the controller to control the controller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device configured to be disposed in an electrical distribution system between a source of electrical power and an electrical load. The electrical distribution system includes at least one line hot conductor, a line neutral conductor, and a line ground conductor. The line neutral conductor is connected to the line ground conductor at a termination point in the electrical distribution system. The electrical load includes at least one load hot conductor, a load neutral conductor, and a load ground conductor, the device comprises a conditioning circuit configured to monitor a differential current flowing through the plurality of line termination elements and configured to generate a conditioning signal in response thereto. The conditioning signal propagates in a path formed by the line neutral conductor and the line ground conductor to thereby reduce a differential current propagating in the at least one line hot conductor and the line neutral conductor.

Abstract: A circuit breaker electronic trip unit includes a controller, and a memory that stores a threshold tripping duration. The memory is readable by the controller. The trip unit includes a trip signal output, and an input section that receives at least one of a phase current level signal, a phase or line voltage level signal, and a contact state change signal. The trip unit activates the trip signal output and monitors the input section for a predetermined signal change. The trip unit determines a tripping duration from a timing of the activation of the trip signal output and a timing of the predetermined signal change. The trip unit compares the tripping duration to the threshold tripping duration to determine a sluggish circuit breaker operation.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter apparatus includes circuit interrupter and a device. The circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes a zone selective interlocking input and a zone selective interlocking output. The device includes a first input electrically interconnected with the zone selective interlocking input, a second input electrically interconnected with the zone selective interlocking output, and an indicator circuit structured to indicate that the zone selective interlocking input occurred at the first input or that the zone selective interlocking output occurred at the second input.

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

Abstract: A system that includes micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry, such as may be made up of a plurality of micro-electromechanical switches, is provided. The plurality of micro-electromechanical switches may generally operate in a closed switching condition during system operation. A controller is coupled to the electromechanical switching circuitry. The controller may be configured to actuate at least one of the micro-electromechanical switches to a temporary open switching condition while a remainder of micro-electromechanical switches remains in the closed switching condition to conduct a load current and avoid interrupting system operation. The temporary open switching condition of the switch is useful to avoid a tendency of switch contacts to stick to one another.