Abstract: Switching device comprising: a switching unit comprising, for each electric pole, a first disconnection contact, a second disconnection contact and one or more solid state switches; a supporting frame comprising, for each electric pole, a third disconnection contact and a fourth disconnection contact, which are coupled/separated respectively with/from the first and second disconnection contacts, when the switching unit is in an insertion/withdrawn position with respect to the supporting frame; actuating means for moving the switching unit between the insertion position and said the withdrawn position, and viceversa; a control unit comprising control means that are configured to coordinate the operation of the actuating means and the solid state switches, when an insertion/withdrawn operation of the switching unit has to be performed, so that the actuating means move the switching unit only when the solid state switches are in an off-state.

Abstract: A fast acting unidirectional or bidirectional electronic circuit breaker for isolating a load from a power-supply unit is described. The described control method for an electronic circuit breaker is capable of instantaneous trip during a short circuit event by improved means of current sensing. The improved control method eliminates the need for additional series components in the conduction path which can add to the circuit breaker's insertion losses. Also, any delay or bandwidth limitations commonly associated with magnetic or hall-effect current sensing methods are eliminated. Circuit breakers with automatic or manual reset options are also described.

Abstract: A residual current circuit breaker having a core-balance current transformer for detecting a residual current, wherein a secondary winding is arranged on a core of the core-balance element transformer, wherein the residual current circuit breaker has an AC measurement arrangement and a DC measurement arrangement, wherein the AC and DC measurement arrangements are designed to operate simultaneously and in parallel.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for monitoring a state of a switch element connecting a DC power supply to a load. A system includes a transformer having first and second windings, where a first end of the second winding electrically coupled to a first switch node of the switch element. The system also includes a transmit circuit configured for providing a waveform at the first winding and a sensor element having galvanically isolated input and output nodes for inducing a monitor signal at the output nodes in response to a signal at the input nodes. The system further includes a receive circuit coupled to the output nodes and configured for generating one or more output signals in response to the monitor signal. The system also includes capacitor elements for providing DC isolation for the second winding with respect to the first switch node and the sensor element.

Abstract: A digging-into portion 91 formed in a fixed part 42 of a movable piece 4 digs into and fits with a protrusion 74a of a resin casing 71, and the movable piece 4 is firmly fixed to the resin casing 71. Thereby, the posture of the movable piece 4 relative to the resin casing 71 is stabilized, and the positional relation between the fixed contact and the movable contact is stabilized.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an enclosure; a connector structured to mechanically and electrically engage a power circuit; a transmitter structured to transmit a signal having a frequency substantially greater than a power line frequency to the connector; and a user interface structured to cause the transmitter to transmit the signal to the connector.

Abstract: A rotary breaker that interrupts a transmission of a driving force from a motor to a drive mechanism unit is provided between the motor having a permanent magnet incorporated therein and the drive mechanism unit of an electric vehicle. A second controller controls the rotary breaker based on operation states of a power converting unit that has a power converter that drives the motor by converting a direct-current voltage or an alternate-current voltage into an alternate-current voltage with an arbitrary frequency and a first controller that controls the power converter, operation states of the motor and the rotary breaker, and an operation state of the second controller itself.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is a fault interrupter device comprising at least one sensor comprising at least one first transformer having at least one outer region forming an outer periphery and at least one inner hollow region. There is also at least one second transformer that is disposed in the inner hollow region of the at least one first transformer. The transformers can be substantially circular in configuration, and more particularly, ring shaped. In another embodiment there is a rotatable latch which is used to selectively connect and disconnect a set of separable contacts to selectively disconnect power from the line side to the load side. The rotatable latch is in one embodiment coupled to a reset button. In at least one embodiment there is a slider which is configured to selectively prevent the manual tripping of the device.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for activation of a protection system and dynamic labeling are described. An example system for use with a plurality of circuit protection devices coupled to a switchgear unit includes a first sensor for detecting a body located within a first zone associated with a threshold distance from the switchgear unit, and a controller coupled to the first sensor. The controller is configured to selectively enable the plurality of circuit protection devices. The controller is configured to enable a first circuit protection device of the plurality of circuit protection devices in response to detecting, via the first sensor, a body within the first zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum switch assembly for interrupting and isolating fault current. The vacuum switch assembly includes first and second dc lines that, in use, are electrically connected to the dc output terminals of a primary dc power source and a dc network. Each dc line includes at least one vacuum switch having contacts that are opened and closed under the control of a vacuum switch controller. A passive dc power supply unit is electrically connected to the first and second dc lines and includes a secondary dc power source that provides a substantially ripple-free sensing voltage. The vacuum switch controller is adapted to open the vacuum switch contacts when a fault condition (e.g. a fault current or other fault) or an operator request has been identified and when the current flowing between the vacuum switch contacts is below a chopping current associated with the vacuum switches.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a circuit interrupting device including an actuator that provides an actuator stimulus upon the occurrence of the fault actuation signal. A circuit interrupter is positioned to electrically disconnect the first, second and third electrical conductors from each other upon the occurrence of the actuator stimulus. An automated test circuit is coupled to the circuit interrupting assembly. The automated test circuit is configured to automatically produce the simulated fault condition during a predetermined portion of an AC line cycle to determine whether the fault detection assembly is operational such that the fault detection assembly provides a fault detection signal without the circuit interrupter electrically disconnecting the first, second and third electrical conductors from each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems and methods are described herein that provide a controlled circuit breaker that selectively interrupts a flow current associated with a first electrical phase and an uncontrolled circuit breaker that selectively interrupts current associated with a second electrical phase. The controlled circuit breaker and uncontrolled circuit breaker are coupled to one another and configured to be installed in adjacent slots in a circuit breaker panel.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a circuit breaker frame having an accessory compartment, a trip unit providing a zone selective interlocking function, and an accessory module. The accessory module includes a housing received by the accessory compartment of the circuit breaker frame, and a circuit housed by the housing. The circuit cooperates with the zone selective interlocking function of the trip unit to provide a zone selective interlocking interface external to the trip unit.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus, such as a subminiature circuit breaker, includes a housing assembly, separable contacts, an operating mechanism having an actuator device and a latching assembly, a first trip device for tripping open the separable contacts in response to an overcurrent condition, and a second trip device for tripping open the separable contacts in response to an arc fault, a ground fault or a remotely transmitted signal. The subminiature circuit breaker includes a reset solenoid and a trip solenoid. The resent solenoid is coupled to the actuator device, and includes a coil operable to electrically reset the separable contacts. The trip solenoid is coupled to the latching assembly, and includes a coil operable to move the catch lever, thereby electrically tripping open the separable contacts.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for remotely actuating a subunit disconnect in a motor control center subunit. A motor control center subunit includes a subunit housing configured to fit within a motor control center and a subunit disconnect configured to selectively control a supply power to motor control components of the subunit housing. A control mechanism is attached to the subunit housing to activate and deactivate the subunit disconnect and a remote control device communicates with the control mechanism and is configured to operate the control mechanism to activate and deactivate the subunit disconnect.

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 current transformer assembly includes input connections, output connections, current transformers placed between the input connections and the output connections, with at least one transformer output being electrically connected to the transformers. In at least one embodiment, the current transformer assembly includes an integrated wiring arrangement wherein a plurality of input connections is electrically connected to a plurality of output connections by way of the integrated wiring arrangement such that the wiring arrangement functions as an alternating wiring system.

Abstract: A high-speed signaling device on a branch of an electric power distribution system modulates the signal from the branch and communicates the signal to an intelligent electronic device on a feeder to the branch at speeds sufficient for the intelligent electronic device to modify protection algorithms based on the signal from the high-speed signaling device. The intelligent electronic device may be a recloser control that controls protective equipment such as a recloser. The signal may be sent via infrared and/or radio frequency. The signal may be modulated so as to communicate information such as the phase with which it is associated. The high-speed signaling device may further communicate current information to the intelligent electronic device.

Abstract: A phase-control switchgear includes a circuit breaker, a phase difference detection unit, a storage unit, and a circuit breaker control unit. The phase difference detection unit detects a phase difference between voltages of a specific phase (U-phase) of buses to which three-phase generators are respectively connected, at a plurality of time points. The storage unit stores the detected phase differences. When the three-phase generators are out of synchronization, the circuit breaker control unit estimates a breaking time point at which the phase difference between the voltages of the U-phase of the buses will be in the range of not less than ?80° and not more than 80°, based on the phase differences at the plurality of time points stored in the storage unit. The circuit breaker control unit opens the circuit breaker to break a current at the estimated breaking time point. This makes it possible to suppress a transient voltage generated between electrodes of the circuit breaker after the current is broken.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a breaker-phase-control switching system including a merging unit, a superordinate unit, and a circuit-breaker control unit. The circuit-breaker control unit includes a waveform-zero-point-calculation processing unit configured to calculate a current phase, based on absolute time kept by an internal clock and waveform data, and a predicted-breaker-operating-time-calculation processing unit configured to predict a predicted operating time. Further, a command-output-timing-determination processing unit is included which determines a timing for electrically conducting a coil from the absolute time, a preset target phase, a current phase, and a predicted operating time.

Abstract: A current measuring device for circuit breakers with an improved electronic circuit arrangement by way of arrangement and method for displaying electrical line current by a circuit breaker wherein measurements are made by at least one current transformer. Indications of the magnitude of electrical current are displayed by at least one LED and by the intensity of illumination by each LED. The current measuring device is placed onto a circuit breaker wherein at least one LED of the improved circuit is made accessible by sight at the front face of the current measuring device attached to the circuit breaker. A current transformer is located inside the current measuring device attached to the circuit breaker for measuring the current flowing through the conductor applied to the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A monitoring system for an enclosure having an arc quenching gas includes at least one fluid characteristic sensor in fluid communication with an interior the enclosure, and an electronic controller operatively coupled to the at least one fluid characteristic sensor. The electronic controller forecasts a maintenance event based on values received from the at least one fluid characteristic sensor.

Abstract: A device for protecting against overvoltages that includes at least one overvoltage protection component (11); a thermosensitive member (17) capable of deforming, dependent upon the temperature thereof; a thermal connection between the at least one protection member and the thermosensitive member; and at least one mechanical member (15) for cooperating with the thermosensitive member and capable of cooperating with a system for triggering an electrical cut-off device (2). The thermosensitive member (17) and the at least one mechanical member (15) are arranged such that, when the thermosensitive member exceeds a given temperature threshold, the thermosensitive member, by reason of the deformation thereof, causes a movement of said at least one mechanical member (15) which correspondingly actuates the system for triggering the electrical cut-off device.

Abstract: There is provided with a transformer inrush current restraining control equipment that provide useful practice to effectively restrain transformer inrush current which would be inevitably caused whenever a transformer under out of service is going to be put into operation by the related breaker closing operation. The transformer inrush current restraining control equipment 10 includes a voltage measuring unit 1; a true residual fluxes timing calculating unit 2; a core-flux calculating unit 3; a true residual flux calculating unit 4; a breaker closing phase angular timing calculating unit 5; a breaker closing phase angular timing controlling unit 6.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus 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 an input structured to receive a remote signal to remotely enable an arc reduction maintenance mode, a first circuit structured to enable the arc reduction maintenance mode in response to the received remote signal, and a second circuit structured to provide an electrical signal remote from the trip mechanism in order to remotely indicate that the arc reduction maintenance mode is remotely enabled.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a plug-in module is provided for installing in a power distribution assembly. In one embodiment, the plug-in module may include an overcurrent protection device, a power cable, which may include a first end coupled to the overcurrent protection device, and a second end coupled to the first end, one or more receptacle outlets attached to the second end and electrical contacts coupled to the overcurrent protection device and configured to couple the plug-in module to a plurality of stationary electrical conductors of the power distribution assembly.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for selectively triggering circuit breakers in the event of a short circuit, wherein an upstream circuit breaker and at least one downstream circuit breaker on the output side are provided. In at least one embodiment, the upstream circuit breaker monitors as to whether the or one of the downstream circuit breakers is already in the process of opening the switch contacts thereof to interrupt the circuit on the output side, while forming a switch arc. In order to reliably determine whether a downstream circuit breaker is already in the process of opening, according to at least one embodiment of the invention the upstream circuit breaker, so as to detect a switch arc on the output side, checks whether the ohmic resistance of the short circuit loop produced by a short circuit has an exponential curve over time in that an exponent is continually computed and based on the computer exponent the switch arc is determined if the computed exponent exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker includes controllable contacts adapted to connect a power source to at least one load, and a microcontroller for monitoring the flow of power to the load, detecting different types of fault conditions and automatically opening the contacts in response to a fault. A primary power supply of the breaker receives power from the line source when the contacts are closed, and supplies power to the control circuitry. Fault indicators in the microcontroller indicate the type of fault that caused the contacts to open. A secondary power supply provides power to the control circuitry when the contacts are open and a switch is closed.

Abstract: Electrical distribution systems, equipment and wiring devices are required to have their wiring connections properly identified to ensure proper operation of connected loads as well as the safety of users, however, errors in installation do occur. Electrical wiring errors are commonly called miswire conditions. The current invention is an integrated system and method of miswire protection and annunciation of system conditions for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and other wiring devices, electrical systems and equipment. Electrical code and regulatory standards require certain wiring devices to include miswire protection with their standard features. These wiring devices, among others include Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) which are required to incorporate protection from miswire conditions with other electrical faults they are designed to protect circuits from, such as and including arc, ground, overload, short circuit, and surge.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and impedance grounding switch having a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal, a third electrical terminal, a first vacuum bottle with a pair of contactors therein, a second vacuum bottle with a pair of contactors therein, and a mechanically interlocked linkage being electrically interconnected to the second electrical terminal and being movable between a first stable position and a second stable position. One of the pair of contactors of the first vacuum bottle is connected to the first electrical terminal. One the pair of contractors of the second vacuum bottle is electrically interconnected to the third electrical terminal. The linkage has a temporary position between the first and second stable positions electrically connecting simultaneously the first electrical terminal to the second electrical terminal and a third electrical terminal to the second electrical terminal.

Abstract: A trip unit is for a circuit breaker and includes a plurality of capabilities defining one trip unit style selected from a plurality of different trip unit styles. The trip unit includes a processor including a communication interface having a communication protocol; and a communication adapter module including a first communication interface having the communication protocol, and a second communication interface. The communication adapter module is structured to learn the plurality of capabilities of the trip unit from the processor employing the communication protocol, and to communicate with any of the plurality of different trip unit styles including the one trip unit style.

Abstract: A system comprising a magnetic actuator, a current transformer and operational electronics in a dual-coil circuit breaker. The system includes an inline, but non concentric, implementation of the primary and secondary coils to maintain a narrow width suitable for retrofitting in standard industrial rack mounted enclosures. The system further comprises a split core design that is integrated into an upper and lower plate which slide together and are retained by a secondary coil bobbin. Typically, the two parts of the split core can be manufactured into net shapes by utilizing a powder metal or metal injection molding process. Moreover, the split core design disclosed herein can reduce costs and time associated with manufacturing and assembly of the current transformer.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and method for structural power distribution in a modular data center. In particular, the present application describes a modular data center with a modular structural frame. The modular structural frame defines an enclosure, and a plurality of information handling systems may be located in the enclosure. The modular data center may also include a power distribution pathway that is at least partially disposed within the modular structural frame of the modular data center. The modular data center may also include a plurality of power distribution elements disposed within the power distribution pathway, which power the information handling systems located in the enclosure.

Abstract: A switch is disclosed for power distribution, in particular a circuit breaker and compact switch, which automatically interrupts the electric currents flowing through the switch in a polyphase electrical power supply system when a tripping situation occurs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an abnormal current detection circuit for circuit breaker, comprising a full-wave amplifier, a positive wave-period comparator for comparing a positive wave-period amplification voltage signal with a positive wave-period reference voltage signal to output a pulse signal, a negative wave-period comparator for comparing a negative wave-period amplification voltage signal with a negative wave-period reference voltage signal to output a pulse signal, a combining circuit for combining pulse signals outputted from the positive wave-period comparator and the negative wave-period comparator to output a full-wave combining signal, a reference voltage generator for generating a reference voltage signal, and a comparative driving circuit section for comparing the combining signal with the reference voltage signal to output a signal for controlling a circuit breaker to be driven to a circuit breaking position when the combining signal is greater or equal to the reference voltage signal.

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker apparatus is used in a vehicle including an electric circuit having a converter and a storage battery. The electric circuit breaker apparatus interrupts power supply from the storage battery to the converter when a collision of the vehicle is detected. The electric circuit breaker apparatus includes a power supply circuit breaker driven by a low explosive type actuator, which is actuated when a collision of the vehicle is detected. Actuation of the power supply circuit breaker interrupts a power supply path connecting a positive terminal of the storage battery to the converter and grounds a portion of the power supply path closer to the converter than the interrupted portion.

Abstract: An electronic overcurrent release for circuit breakers includes a first setting device connected to at least one control input of a microcontroller and configured to set a selected suitable nominal current value in a range between a minimum nominal current value and a maximum nominal current value. A second setting device is connected to at least one control input of the microcontroller and configured to set a selected suitable lag level, the second setting device having a test position. In the test position, the microcontroller has a set fixed test current value, which is less than the minimum nominal current value, and a set fixed test delay time, the microcontroller providing a release signal at a release signal output upon at least one of the phase currents exceeding a value of the set fixed test current value and a time of the set fixed test delay time.

Abstract: A portable motorized racking tool for installing, removing, and testing electrical equipment is disclosed herein. The portable motorized racking tool can be used to operate upon electrical equipment from a remote location outside of an arc flash zone. Also disclosed is a method of use of the portable motorized racking tool.

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: The system of the invention includes a circuit breaker switching control section (100) and a setting control section (700) connected therewith through a communication network (500). The circuit breaker switching control section (100) transmits a circuit breaker state quantity acquired by a signal input section (120) through the communication network to a set value calculation section (740) of the setting control section (700). The set value calculation section (740) of the setting control section calculates a set value to be set in the switching control section (100) of the circuit breaker, using the state quantity of the circuit breaker that was transmitted thereto. The setting control section (700) transmits to the circuit breaker switching control section the set value calculated by the set value calculation section (730) through the communication network.

Abstract: Indicating apparatus for indicating the operating state of a component of an electrical load protection system, including a housing containing a longitudinal chamber, an indicating member mounted for longitudinal displacement in the chamber, a resilient device normally biasing the indicating member toward a first end of the housing, a catch arrangement for retaining the indicating member in a retracted position adjacent the housing second end; and a release device responsive to a trouble voltage pulse for operating the catch arrangement to a released condition, thereby to release the indicating member for displacement toward an indicating position adjacent the housing first end. At least the first end of the housing is transparent, thereby to provide a visual indication when the indicating member is in the indicating position. Switch contacts are operable between open and closed conditions when the indicating member is displaced between the indicating and retracted positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a circuit breaker. More particularly, the invention encompasses a modular circuit breaker. The present invention is also directed to a novel a modular circuit breaker with a trip bar. The inventive two pole residential circuit breaker includes an Arc Fault and Ground Fault electronic detection system. The modular breaker design includes an electronic system used for tripping a designated mechanism pole which in turn trips the secondary mechanism pole. Electronic components are included that sense the continuous current flow through each mechanism pole simultaneously to determine when a trip event is needed. The electronic system of this invention includes a self diagnostic system with electronic visual indicators that display the method of which trip condition occurred.

Abstract: A switch and a method for testing the power transformers of a power supply of the switch are provided, wherein each power transformer generates an analog transformer voltage corresponding to the alternating current, wherein an electronic trip unit, to which each transformer voltage is applied, compares a current derived from each transformer voltage with a current condition, and wherein a rectifier circuit connected to the power transformer charges a capacitor which feeds the power supply of the trip unit. A switching device short-circuits each rectifier circuit when a predefined capacitor voltage is reached. To provide the protective function of the switch, a monostable multivibrator is connected to one pole of each power transformer, wherein each monostable multivibrator is set by the respective transformer voltage and reset after a predefined time, and wherein the level at the output of each monostable multivibrator is used to test the respective power transformer.

Abstract: A residual current protection device comprises: an arc guiding plate, which is configured to guiding an arc generated during contacts breaking to an arc extinguishing unit. Wherein, the arc extinguishing unit includes an arc extinguishing channel, configured to extinguish the arc; and an enhanced arc extinguisher, disposed between the extinguishing channel and the arc guiding plate, for impelling the arc into the extinguishing channel.

Abstract: A Medium Voltage circuit breaker which comprises an insulating base frame supporting: a pole assembly having, for each phase, an interruption unit housing a fixed contact and a movable contact reciprocally couplable/uncouplable between an open and a closed position; an actuator to actuate the opening and closing operation of said circuit breaker; and, a control and diagnostic unit comprising a control box having a casing housing a plurality of accessory devices of said circuit breaker.

Abstract: An arc flash system includes a circuit breaker having separable contacts, an operating mechanism, a trip unit including a sensor sensing current flowing in a power circuit, a trip circuit cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the contacts responsive to the sensed current or a first signal, and a communication interface outputting the sensed current, and an interface circuit including a processor having a first output of the first signal, an input of a second signal, and a second output of a third signal, and a communication interface cooperating with the processor to determine and communicate cause of trip information to the trip unit communication interface, input the sensed current, and communicate the sensed current to the processor. A light sensor senses light from an arc flash associated with the power circuit and outputs the second signal. A shorting apparatus shorts the circuit responsive to the third signal.

Abstract: A fault interrupting and reclosing device includes a circuit interrupter coupled to an actuator. The actuator includes at least one force generating element for generating an opening force for opening the circuit interrupter and for generating a restoring force to close the circuit interrupter. The device further includes a latch to engage the actuator to hold the contacts open once opened. In a preferred arrangement, the device is provided with an automatic mode of operation including a reclose process and a non-reclosing mode of operation. The device also preferably includes a method of determining the end-of-life of a vacuum interrupter monitors characteristics and/or parameters of a fault current or vacuum interrupter operation to predict a percent of life consumed with each fault current interruption operation. A cumulative percent of life consumed may also be determined, and an end-of-life may be predicted based upon the cumulative percent of life consumed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit interrupting device, preferably a ground fault circuit interrupter, which provides a quick and reliable connection/disconnection of electrical continuity through a combined use of a reset spring and a quick trip spring; an innovative circuit interrupting assembly containing a pair of input flexible metal pieces, a pair of user accessible load flexible metal pieces, and two pairs of fixed contacts on the load terminals; an automatic end-of-life testing mechanism by way of a simulated leakage current metal piece assembly; a reverse wiring protection by way of a reset start switch; an electrical surge protection through a power discharge mechanism; and a periodical end-of-life testing using a timer chip.

Abstract: A luminaire can comprise an electronic circuit, such as an LED driver or electronic ballast. A surge protection device in the current path between a power supply and the luminaire components can be configured to protect the electronic circuitry by absorbing and/or redirecting energy of a surge by switching into a low-impedance state while maintaining the protected circuitry (including its internal protective components, if any) in a high-impedance state. The surge protection device can comprise a MOV stage and a filter stage, for example. The surge protection device can be configured as a replaceable module, with the luminaire including an assembly designed to receive the module and allow for easy replacement over the useful life of the other components. Use of fuses or thermal components may cause the surge protection device to interrupt power flow if protection is lost due to internal failure, indicating when module replacement is needed.

Abstract: A circuit protection device for protection of circuitry is provided. The circuit protection device comprises a housing defining a chamber and a plurality of conductors. The conductors are configured to connect to the circuitry and extending into the chamber, and comprise at least a first conductor and a second conductor spatially separated from the first conductor. The circuit protection device further comprises an ignition component disposed in the chamber and configured to electrically connect the first and second conductors. A circuit protection system is also presented.