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.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system comprising an electrical panel board comprising a two-pole switched breaker with one pole controlled using an Emergency Remote Operated Relay. Each of the poles of the circuit breaker is fed by a single phase. The controlled pole feeds normal power to the lighting ballast operating under normal conditions. The non-controlled pole feeds constant power to at least one battery which provides back-up power to the light(s) in an emergency/power failed condition. The Emergency Remote Operated Relay further comprises a two pole circuit breaker (BQD 2P) with one of the poles connected to a Remote Operated Relay that is remotely controllable.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a power measurement, circuit breaker or integrated protection system including isolated analog-to-digital modulators for measuring current using current sensors, such as, for example, current shunts, in a single or multiphase power system. In one embodiment, the modulators are divided into a line-side device with an analog-to-digital modulator and a host-side device including a decimation filter and a processor. In one embodiment, an isolation barrier, such as, for example, a pulse transformer, divides the lineside device from the host-side device.

Abstract: An arc transfer device for use in a switchgear includes at least one first electrical connector configured to connect the arc transfer device to a voltage supply within the switchgear, and a racking cassette. The racking cassette includes at least one second electrical connector that is configured to be electrically coupled to the at least one first electrical connector based on the racking position of the arc transfer device.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit breaker, including a first circuit that includes: a main current path which includes a mechanical switch element, a commutation path arranged in parallel with the main current path and including a controllable semi-conductor switch element. The breaker also includes a first capacitor provided in the commutation path in series with the controllable semi-conductor switch element, and a second circuit, arranged in series with the first circuit and including a second capacitor and an inductance-generating element arranged in series with each other.

Abstract: A system and method for providing overvoltage and overcurrent protection. The present teachings provide a method for protecting a component including the steps of: 1) connecting a first terminal of a normally open micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) switch to a source of an input signal with respect to the component; 2) connecting a second terminal of the switch to an input to the component; and 3) connecting a third terminal of the switch to a source of control potential to activate the switch on the application of power thereto. In a most general embodiment, the invention provides an arrangement for protecting a component comprising a MEMS switch having a first terminal coupled to a source of an input signal; a second terminal coupled to said component; and a third terminal adapted to activate the switch on the application of control power thereto. In the best mode, the switch is normally open, the first terminal is a drain terminal, and the second terminal is coupled to a source of ground potential.

Abstract: Protection arrangements and methods of operating protection arrangements are important in order to maintain operability with regard to electrical power distribution networks. Such networks generally comprise grids or meshes of electrical distribution pathways from generators and electrical loads. Faults may occur within the network and circuit breakers or other protection elements are utilised to isolate such faults. A number of regimes for protection are known but problems can arise with regard to ensuring an appropriate pan of the distribution network is isolated.

Abstract: A method for identifying a type of fault condition in a circuit breaker includes monitoring a branch circuit for a fault condition. In response to detecting the fault condition, interrupting current flow through the branch circuit. The type of fault condition is stored in a memory device from which it is retrieved in response to receiving a control signal. The type of fault condition is indicated based on the mechanical position of a circuit breaker handle as a function of time.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for an electrical switch is disclosed which has at least one electrical connection, and which can be mounted in an electrical switch and in the mounted state interoperates with the latter for the purpose of tripping the switch and where, with the electrical switch in its built-in position, the mounted trip unit has at least one front surface facing towards the front, at least one rear surface facing towards the rear and side surfaces, and whereby with the trip unit in its mounted state at least one of the side surfaces is freely accessible, and where the electrical connection is located on one of the freely accessible side surfaces of the trip unit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker, including: a circuit breaker body and a circuit control board; the circuit breaker body comprising a box body, and a circuit breaker actuating mechanism used for switching the on/off state of the circuit breaker, a wire inlet end, and a wire outlet end arranged in the box body. An automatic closing control unit is arranged on the circuit control board, and the circuit breaker actuating mechanism operates through an electrical operating mechanism under the condition of controlling a motor; the automatic closing control unit includes: a power collection subunit obtaining a power signal from a phase line and conducting rectifying and filtering; and a motor motion control subunit obtaining the power signal, allowing the motor to move after receiving the closing command, and ultimately realizing the closing action of the circuit breaker actuating mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trip device of a circuit breaker, the device including: a rectifying unit converting an AC (Alternating Current) voltage applied to the circuit breaker to a DC (Direct Current) voltage; a smoothing unit connected to the rectifying unit in parallel to mitigate ripples of the converted DC voltage; and a trip coil connected to the smoothing unit in parallel to determine whether to trip the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first output unit configured to output a first phase; a second output unit configured to output a second phase different from the first phase, the second output unit being disposed to be stacked on the first output unit; and a controller configured to control the output units.

Abstract: Solid state power controllers in various configurations are provided. One such solid state power controller includes a power connector, a load connector and at least one communication connector, a solid state switch electrically connectable between the power connector and the load connector, where the switch includes an input, a microcontroller coupled to the input of the solid state switch, and current sensing circuitry coupled to the microcontroller and configured to sense a current flowing through the solid state switch, the current sensing circuitry including an amplifier having an offset error, where the current sensing circuitry is configured to generate a signal indicative of the current flowing through the solid state switch, and bias the generated signal to a predetermined level to substantially eliminate the offset error in the amplifier.

Abstract: A compact electronic circuit breaker is simple to assemble. The circuit breaker has an insulating housing, a switch contact for reversibly contacting a load power circuit to be monitored, a triggering magnet acting by way of a triggering mechanism on the switch contact, and triggering electronics for actuating the triggering magnet. The switch contact, the triggering magnet, and the triggering electronics are fixedly mounted on a printed circuit board and they form a preassembled component together with the printed circuit board. The preassembled component can thereby be inserted in the housing as a unit.

Abstract: A transfer switch apparatus has first, second, and third electrical terminals extending outwardly from a housing. A first vacuum bottle is positioned in the housing and has a pair of contactors therein. A second vacuum bottle is positioned in the housing and has a pair of contactors therein. A mechanical linkage is movable between a first position and a second position. The first position electrically connects the first electrical terminal to the second electrical terminal. The second position electrically connects the third electrical terminal to the second electrical terminal. The first vacuum bottle and the second vacuum bottle are longitudinally aligned. The mechanical linkage is interposed between the first and second vacuum bottles.

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: A portable motorized racking tool and a method for installing, removing and testing electrical equipment is described herein. A circuit breaker having a frame can be attached to a metal surface around the electrical equipment with magnets. The frame can support a solenoid with a plunger, a motor control for operating a motor with a gear assembly that rotates a tool first in one direction, then in a second direction, while the operator controls the framed tool by using a remote switch operator. The remote switch operator can supply power and signals to the framed tool, while the operator can maintain a position outside an arc flash hazard zone.

Abstract: A leak detecting and leak protecting circuit comprises a rectification circuit comprising positive and negative power output ends, current limiting resistors, a diode, a silicon control comprising control poles, a switch capable of linking to a resetting button, and a tripping coil comprising a built-in iron core. The rectification circuit outputs DC power. The tripping coil, switch, and silicon control are connected in series and then are connected to the positive and negative power output ends of the DC power output from the rectification circuit. The control poles of the silicon control are capable of connection with a shielding layer of output wires through at least one of the current limiting resistors and a diode. And, when the switch is in a resetting state, the switch is closed, and, when the switch is in a tripped state, the switch is open.

Abstract: A current control device is disclosed. The current control device includes control circuitry and a current path integrally arranged with the control circuitry. The current path includes a set of conduction interfaces and a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed between the set of conduction interfaces. The set of conduction interfaces have geometry of a defined fuse terminal geometry and include a first interface disposed at one end of the current path and a second interface disposed at an opposite end of the current path. The MEMS switch is responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current passing through the current path.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a power measurement, circuit breaker or integrated protection system including isolated analog-to-digital modulators for measuring current using current sensors, such as, for example, current shunts, in a single or multiphase power system. In one embodiment, the modulators are divided into a line-side device with an analog-to-digital modulator and a host-side device including a decimation filter and a processor. In one embodiment, an isolation barrier, such as, for example, a pulse transformer, divides the line-side device from the host-side device.

Abstract: A residual-current circuit breaker includes at least one summation current transformer through which are guided at least one first conductor and one second conductor of an electric network to be protected. At least one secondary winding is arranged on the summation current transformer and connected in terms of circuitry to a trip element. A test circuit connects the first conductor with the second conductor and includes at least one first test resistor, a second test resistor arranged serially in relation to the first test resistor in terms of circuitry, and a test button. The second test resistor is bridged by a shunt line which is guided through the summation current transformer. Arranged in the shunt line in terms of circuitry is at least one first voltage-dependent resistor.

Abstract: Method for the control of an electric fence energizer of any given power, guaranteeing that, during each pulse emitted by the energizer, any human body that might have come into contact with the electric fence since a recent pulse does not run the risk of receiving a dangerous electric shock by reason of the pulse in progress.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for detecting an electric arc in an electrical switchboard, the sensor being in an enclosed case containing a conical opening, the case being placed in the switchboard. A pressure switch in the sensor is attached to the interior of the case and is electrically connected to a circuit board for transmitting a signal when a contact in the pressure switch is closed. When a pressure wave created by the electric arc enters the case through the conical opening it forces a contact on the pressure switch to close thereby completing a circuit with the circuit board which transmits the signal to, for example, a central processor, to turn off the source of electricity thereby quenching the electric arc.

Abstract: An alternator disconnector circuit-breaker of the invention presents a compact structure. The axes of opening/closure of the change-over first switch (12, 14), of the circuit-breaker second switch (22, 24), and of the disconnector switch (32, 34) are such that an angle of 90° is present between two of them. Actuator means (40) associated with synchronization means (52, 54, 56, 58) make it possible to ensure that each switch is operated in a time-shifted manner by common control means.

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: An apparatus to perform series and parallel arc fault current interruption (AFCI). The apparatus includes a resistive element configured to sense a load from which a current signal is generated, a first detection unit configured to output a first signal based on the current signal, and a microcontroller configured to decompose at least the first signal via discrete wavelet transforms to thereby obtain discrete wavelet coefficients, and to generate a trip signal when the discrete wavelet coefficients indicate that a threshold condition for trip signal generation are satisfied.

Abstract: A surge protection device employing a controlled convection thermal disconnector in which a surge protective component, such as a metal oxide varistor, and a thermally responsive device, such as a thermal cut-off, are placed in separate, cross-ventilated chambers. An internal vent is positioned such that it prevents line-of-sight between the surge protective component and a mechanized portion of the thermally responsive device, in order to protect the thermally responsive device from hot surge protective component emissions from the surge protective component. An output vent is formed between the thermally responsive device and the exterior atmosphere to promote forced convective heat transfer from the surge protective component to the thermally responsive device during a thermal runaway condition, with the expanding gases in the surge protective component chamber providing the transfer impetus.

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 an I-shaped lamination stack that is designed to abut on the ends of an upper and lower plate of the current transformer. The I-shaped lamination stack significantly increases the overlap between the lamination and the upper and lower plates, which results in lower magnetic reluctance and improves magnetic coupling.

Abstract: A method and system for a power distribution system are provided. The method includes determining at a central controller normal mode configuration settings for a plurality of circuit breakers of the power distribution system and determining at the central controller alternate mode configuration settings for the plurality of circuit breakers of the power distribution system. The method further includes controlling with the central controller the operation of the plurality of circuit breakers based on the normal mode configuration settings and the alternate mode configuration settings.

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: A control module with interrupt function for an electric circuit breaker has a voltage input for a control voltage, an output carrying the control voltage to which output an interrupter for the circuit breaker can be connected, an input for the control voltage fed back from the interrupter, a terminal for the circuit breaker, said terminal being connected to the input, and a measuring unit for measuring current and/or voltage at the input and at the output. An electric protection system has an electric circuit breaker, an interrupter and a control module.

Abstract: An operating device is provided having a first button, a second button, and a regulating member. The first button has a tubular hole having a bottom, and is able to be pressed in the direction from the opening edge of said tubular hole to the bottom. The second button freely fits the inside surface of said tubular hole on the outside surface of the second button. The regulating member engages the edge of the first button and regulates the movement of the first button in the pressing direction. The first button is swingable on its edge.

Abstract: A fully operational digital protective relay or Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) are provided for protecting electrical equipment of a power distribution system. The relay includes an input module, a processing module and an output module. Signals received from current transformers connected to the input module are evaluated by the processing module, and in reaction thereto, trip signals can be output to an actuator of a circuit breaker via the output module. A base Human Machine Interface (HMI) enables a user to enter operating parameters such as a delay time or nominal current to the processing module. Optionally, a further HMI may be attached to the protective relay and connected, via a suitable interface for data exchange, to the processing module for the purpose of displaying protection-related information to a user. This further HMI is both optional and detachable. For example, the further HMI can be repeatedly attached to and detached from the protection device.

Abstract: An arc flash detection system includes a sensor for determining and responding to the presence of an arc flash condition in electrical equipment by detecting a pressure rise, rate of pressure rise and/or ultraviolet radiation characteristic of an arc flash, and generating a signal in response thereto; and processing means responsive to said signal for operating a protective system to de-energize the electrical equipment within a period of time of sufficiently short duration to prevent a pressure wave from the arc flash from causing unacceptable darn age to equipment or personnel.

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: In order to form an overcurrent switching apparatus for medium-voltage or high-voltage applications with a current detection device for changing over a contact system associated with them from a first state to a second state in the event of a threshold current being exceeded, the switching properties of which overcurrent switching apparatus are precise, an actuating device is disposed downstream of the current detection device, which is in a first current branch, via a coupling device. The actuating device is configured to change over the contact system, which is in a second current branch, from the first to the second state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing automatic circuit breaker identification to an electronic trip unit includes a processor and a configuration module comprising configuration data identifying the particulars of a circuit breaker and that is in operable communication with the processor.

Abstract: A universal system used to monitor external conditions, particularly including environmental conditions, to preemptively activate secondary power sources and isolate electric loads from a main power source such as an electric utility's power grid for the purpose of protecting the load from dangerous power conditions brought about by the external condition. The system includes a universal control module capable of communicating with a variety of external stimuli sensors and automatic transfer switches that switch a load's power source from one source to another upon activation, which results in the isolation of the load from the main (or another) power source.

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: The present invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for continuously, independently and in some cases remotely monitoring the operation of a current interrupter used to test a cathodic protection system, or the cathodic protection system itself, for verification of proper operation. Embodiments of the invention include electronic devices that may be temporarily attached to a current interrupter that is being used to test a cathodic protection system, or directly to the cathodic protection system itself. Embodiments of the invention monitor the activity of an interrupter by sampling the output (voltage and time) to identify the cycle(s) of the interrupter. The invention provides truly independent verification since it does not need to know in advance the sequence or cycle times of the current interrupter being monitored. The information obtained by the invention is output so that it may be provided to a user, displayed, downloaded or stored for future reference.

Abstract: A motor starter whose production is improved is specified. In at least one embodiment, the motor starter includes a power semiconductor switch, an electromechanical bypass switch connected in parallel therewith, and control electronics to drive the bypass switch. In at least one embodiment, the control electronics are in the form of a printed circuit board assembly which is fixed to the bypass switch in an installed position, and the printed circuit board assembly and the bypass switch are designed such that, when being fixed, the printed board assembly makes electrical contact with the bypass switch at the same time.

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: 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.

Abstract: The high-voltage system has at least one feed line and at least one high-power circuit breaker, the at least one feed line having a longitudinally extended feed line inner conductor and a feed line outer conductor surrounding the feed line inner conductor, and the high-power circuit breaker having a longitudinally extended circuit breaker inner conductor and a circuit breaker outer conductor surrounding the circuit breaker inner conductor in the form of a housing, and the inner conductors and the outer conductors being electrically conductively connected to one another. At least one heat pipe is provided for the purpose of dissipating thermal energy from the circuit breaker inner conductor. The heat pipe interacts with a cooling gas flow extending along the circuit breaker inner conductor.

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: A highly heat-resistant fluororesin, such as tetrafluoroethylene resin or tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, is filled with 0.5 to 1 weight % of a non-black insulating pigment that has a heat resistance such that discoloration does not occur when the fluororesin is baked. Green insulating pigment whose main component is a TiO2—CoO—NiO—ZnO system or a ZnO—CoO system, or blue insulating pigment whose main component is a CoO—Al2O3 system or a CoO—Al2O3—Cr2O3 system is used singly or in a combination, as the non-black insulating pigment. A highly arc-resistant insulator is provided that secures an insulating capacity and at the same time that secures an excellent ability to prevent both interior and exterior deterioration of the insulator and that avoids color heterogeneity and localized discoloration.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first output unit configured to output a first phase; a second output unit configured to output a second phase different from the first phase, the second output unit being disposed to be stacked on the first output unit; and a controller configured to control the output units.

Abstract: A resistive fault condition detector for conducting one or more tests of a circuit to detect a resistive fault condition. The detector includes means for determining changes in current through a load during the test, and means for measuring changes in first and second voltages respectively between the circuit's live and neutral conductors and between the circuit's neutral and ground conductors during the test, the changes in the first and second voltages corresponding to the changes in the current respectively. The detector also includes means for calculating apparent source impedances for the live and neutral conductors respectively, based on the changes in current and the measured changes in the first and second voltages respectively, and means for calculating an estimated source impedance for each of the live and neutral conductors for the test.