Abstract: The measurement of analog coil voltage and coil current during the energizing of the circuit breaker coil that is connected to the output contact of a protective circuit breaker relay in order to detect an incipient failure of the circuit breaker mechanism.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for providing a temperature compensated under-voltage-lockout circuit that has a trip point voltage that is not sensitive to temperature variation. The under-voltage-lockout circuit of the invention comprises (1) an inverter circuit that is coupled to a supply voltage and (2) a temperature compensation circuit that is coupled to the supply voltage and to the inverter circuit. The temperature compensation circuit and the inverter circuit temperature compensate a trip point voltage of the inverter circuit by driving an input of the inverter circuit with a voltage that has a same temperature coefficient as the trip point voltage of the inverter circuit.

Abstract: A limiter includes three current limiters. Each current limiter includes a first end disposed proximate a first housing surface and electrically connected to a corresponding first terminal, a second end disposed proximate a second housing surface and electrically connected to a corresponding second terminal, an elongated body disposed between the ends, and a plunger. Two plungers define a straight line and a third plunger is offset from the straight line. Three indicator members each include a first end, an indicator disposed therefrom, and an opposite second end, which is engaged by a corresponding plunger. The indicator is disposable through a corresponding housing opening. Three springs bias corresponding indicator members away from the second housing surface. The housing carries two indicator members in a first orientation and a third indicator member in a different second orientation. The indicators are positioned in a straight line and are disposable through corresponding housing openings.

Abstract: A multi-path switching configuration provides independent switching of multiple circuit paths. In a preferred arrangement, a plurality of circuit interrupters have one end connected in common with each other and a second end providing a circuit path connection. An operating facility is arranged to independently operate the circuit interrupters via an operating member operatively connected to a respective circuit interrupter and controlling the respective interrupting path. Two or more of the operating members are moved to selectively provide desired connections of circuit paths.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes line and load terminals, separable contacts electrically connected between the line and load terminals, and a line neutral pigtail. An operating mechanism including an operating handle is adapted to open and close the contacts. A trip circuit responds to current flowing through the contacts and cooperates with the operating mechanism in response to predetermined current conditions to open the contacts. The trip circuit is powered from the line terminal and the line neutral pigtail. A solenoid includes a plunger and a coil, which is energized from the line terminal and the line neutral pigtail. The plunger engages the operating handle when the coil is not energized to prevent movement of the handle from the open to the closed position thereof. The plunger disengages from the operating handle when the coil is energized to permit movement of the handle from the open to the closed position thereof.

Abstract: A compact module with a pair of transformers and a double pole single throw relay (DPST) mounted onto a housing to create a self contained assembly for installation in a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) as a unit. The first transformer has a core and is electrically coupled to a first set of terminals for connection to a printed circuit board (PCB). The second transformer is located adjacent to and magnetically coupled to the core of the first transformer and is electrically coupled to a second set of terminals for connection to the PCB. The DPST relay has a pair of stationary contacts and a pair of movable contacts for selectively connecting line phase and neutral conductive paths to a load.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device including a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals configured to be connected to at least one load. A test circuit is coupled to the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals. The test circuit is configured to generate a simulated fault signal to the fault detection circuit in response to a user stimulus. A fault detection circuit is coupled to the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals. The fault detection circuit is configured to detect at least one fault condition. The at least one fault condition includes the simulated fault signal. A circuit interrupter assembly is coupled to the fault detection circuit. The circuit interrupter assembly includes a set of movable contacts configured to open in response to the fault detection circuit in a tripped state. The plurality of line terminals are decoupled from the plurality of load terminals.

Abstract: A device for the actuation of the movable contacts of a hybrid circuit breaker allows the following time diagram to be implemented: command the opening of the interrupting chamber, offset the opening of the vacuum switch so as to allow the interrupting chamber contacts to separate at a minimum speed and in a way that is synchronous with the separation of the vacuum switch contacts, close the vacuum switch while keeping the interrupting chamber in the open position. Moreover, closing the interrupting chamber does not act upon the contacts of the vacuum switch.

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: A protecting circuit for a battery used to power an electronic system includes a control circuit and a sensing circuit. The sensing circuit includes a tri-axial accelerometer having X, Y and Z axes. The tri-axial accelerometer is capable of detecting position changes of the battery and outputs through the X, Y and Z axes voltages that correspond to the position changes. The sensing circuit ultimately outputs a controlling voltage to the control circuit according to the voltages outputted by the X, Y and Z axes. When the battery is being installed onto or uninstalled from the electronic system, the outputted controlling voltage makes the control circuit OFF and the battery cannot power the electronic system. When the battery have been installed onto the electronic system, the outputted controlling voltage turns the control circuit ON and the battery can supply power to the electronic system.

Abstract: Medium voltage separable insulated connector system for power distribution systems and configured to make and break energized connections at rated voltage but in the absence of load current.

Abstract: An arc fault and/or ground fault circuit interrupter includes an operating mechanism structured to open and close separable contacts, a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, a test button structured to test the operating mechanism, an indicator, and a controller structured to configure a setting of the circuit interrupter and operate the indicator to indicate the setting in response to an actuation of the test button.

Abstract: An electronic self-supplied protection device for automatic circuit-breakers that includes: a supply device that draws energy from the stretch of electrical network protected by said circuit-breaker; a control device with at least two levels of operation, where the first of the at least two levels of operation being associated to the function of protection from instantaneous short-circuit SCinst. In addition, second and possible further levels of operation of the self-supplied protection device are associated with further functions of said protection device; a selective interface device including means for regulating the supply, which, in a first step, immediately following upon closing of the circuit by the circuit-breaker, supply the first level of operation, and, after a controlled period of time, supply also the second and possible further levels of operation of said control device.

Abstract: Affords a holder for use in semiconductor or liquid-crystal manufacturing devices—as well as semiconductor or liquid-crystal manufacturing devices in which the holder is installed—in which temperature uniformity in the processed-object retaining face is heightened. Configuring the holder with, furnished atop a ceramic susceptor, a composite of a ceramic and a metal improves the temperature uniformity in the holder's processed-object retaining face and makes for curtailing the generation of particulates and other contaminants. In addition, putting a coating on at least the retaining face improves the durability of the holder. Installing a holder of this sort in a semiconductor manufacturing device or a liquid-crystal manufacturing device contributes to making available semiconductor or liquid-crystal manufacturing devices whose productivity and throughput are excellent.

Abstract: A protection circuit is located in a secondary battery apparatus. The secondary battery apparatus includes a battery module and an input/output terminal. The protection circuit includes a first protection module, an electronic module, and a second protection module. The first protection module is coupled between the battery module and the input/output terminal. The first protection module is used to conduct on or cut off the circuit loop between the battery module and the input/output terminal. The electronic module is coupled with the battery module for monitoring the parameters of the battery module and controlling the first protection module to conduct on or cut off the circuit loop between the battery module and the input/output terminal. The second protection module is coupled with the electronic module for monitoring the operation current of the electronic module to conduct on or cut off the circuit loop of the electronic module.

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

Abstract: An arrangement capable of being assembled with either an existing installed electrical equipment enclosure having an access door or during the fabrication and assembly of such an electrical equipment enclosure that increases the arc-resistant capabilities and characteristics of the electrical equipment enclosure. The arc-resistant capabilities of the electrical equipment enclosure are increased via the provision of shielding facilities disposed in the vicinity of the access opening of the enclosure to substantially limit the heat generated by internal arcing within the enclosure from reaching the access door to the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for a power supply with brownout protection and the method thereof are proposed. As a brownout condition occurs, the apparatus informs at least one microprocessor to process the shutdown process timely. The apparatus includes a power factor correction (PFC) circuit, and a bus capacitor generating a bus voltage by receiving an input voltage via the PFC circuit, and a PWM circuit generating multiple output voltages for the microprocessor, and a supervisor circuit generating a power-good signal in response to a proportional bus voltage, and a brownout circuit for disabling the boosting operation of the PFC circuit under a brownout condition. When the boosting operation is disabled, the bus voltage starts to fall. As the proportional bus voltage is lower than a threshold voltage, the supervisor circuit generates the power-good signal. Therefore, the microprocessor can process the shutdown procedure timely.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The electronic trip unit has a processing circuit, a real time clock chip, and a power source for powering the real time clock chip in the absence of current in the circuit breaker. The processing circuit is responsive to input signals representative of a current in the circuit breaker, and productive of a trip signal for tripping the circuit breaker. The real time clock chip is in signal communication with the processing circuit. In response to an off event at the circuit breaker following a current flow condition thereat, the real time clock chip is configured to generate time information for use by the processing circuit, which is configured to apply the time information to calculate a cooling effect arising from the circuit breaker being off, thereby providing for thermal memory.

Abstract: In the case of a protective device in a controller which contains at least one processor and is connected to a sensor via a sensor ground line and at least one further line, the invention provides that a ground in the controller is connected to the sensor ground line via a semiconductor switch which disconnects or connects the ground and the sensor ground line as a function of whether the current through the sensor ground line and/or the voltage between ground and the sensor ground line are/is in each case greater or less than a predetermined value, and that the voltage which is applied to ground or is applied to the sensor ground line can be applied to an internal ground, which is used for measurement purposes, controlled by the processor with the aid of two further semiconductor switches.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for identifying a specific lost current transformer (CT) signal of number of CT signals provided by a corresponding number of CTs coupling a protective device to at least one protection zone. The method includes selectively providing pairs of first and second binary control signals corresponding to each of the CT signals in response to comparisons of RMS current changes of respective CT signals. A third binary control signal associated with a protection zone is provided in response to receipt of the pairs of first and second binary control signals. A first value for only one of the first binary control signals, a second value for all of the second binary control signals and the first value for the third binary control signal for a predetermined time indicates the loss of the CT signal corresponding to the first binary control signal having the first value.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a superconductor from a quench condition. A quench protection system is provided to protect the superconductor from damage due to a quench condition. The quench protection system comprises a voltage detector operable to detect voltage across the superconductor. The system also comprises a frequency filter coupled to the voltage detector. The frequency filter is operable to couple voltage signals to a control circuit that are representative of a rise in superconductor voltage caused by a quench condition and to block voltage signals that are not. The system is operable to detect whether a quench condition exists in the superconductor based on the voltage signal received via the frequency filter and to initiate a protective action in response.

Abstract: Disclosed is an end-of-life status alarm indication circuit and method for indicating the failure of the primary contacts of a ground fault circuit interruption (GFCI) device to open when a ground fault circuit is detected by the GFCI device. The GFCI device will protect against the situation where the primary contacts of a GFCI device become welded together and will not open when a ground fault circuit is detected by the device. The alarm indication may be either an audible or visual indication.

Abstract: An electromechanical contactor device is disclosed for use in a wire feeder for an electric arc welder having a power source and a gun with a contact tip through which welding wire is fed and a weld cycle start trigger switch having a closed condition to initiate and hold a weld cycle and an open condition. The contactor device comprises a power inlet lead connected to the power source, an output lead connected to the contactor tip, one or more current branches between the input lead and the output lead with a mechanical contactor having an open condition and closed condition for opening and closing the branches. A solenoid operates the contactor device based upon the condition of the trigger switch, with a first position to close the contactor when said trigger switch is shifted from the open condition to the closed condition and to hold the contactor closed when the trigger switch is in the closed condition.

Abstract: A power converter for coupling an electrical machine to an electrical grid, the power converter including a machine side converter and a grid side converter, each side having a plurality of corresponding stages for converting a three-phase electrical signal of the electrical machine to a three-phase electrical signal of the electrical grid; wherein the machine side converter includes a plurality of single-phase bridges coupled in a series and has at least one coupling for coupling with the electrical machine; wherein the grid side converter includes a plurality of three-phase bridges, each three-phase bridge corresponding to one of the single-phase bridges of the machine side converter; wherein each three-phase bridge is coupled to the primary windings of a respective transformer while the secondary windings of the respective transformer are phase-shifted from the primary windings thereof and are coupled to secondary windings of another respective transformer, thus providing for coupling of the plurality of t

Abstract: The present invention provides a site-adaptive current manager for use with a rectifier. In one embodiment, the site-adaptive current manager includes a current limit programmer configured to set an AC input current limit for the rectifier corresponding to a site-restricted current capability. The site-adaptive current manager also includes an input current sensor coupled to the current limit programmer and configured to determine an AC input current of the rectifier. The site-adaptive current manager further includes a rectifier current coordinator coupled to the current limit programmer and configured to restrict the AC input current based on the AC input current limit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism. The trip mechanism includes a sensor structured to sense current flowing through the separable contacts, a processor cooperating with the sensor to determine a plurality of different trip conditions responsive to the sensed current, a nonvolatile memory operatively associated with the processor, and a trip actuator cooperating with the processor and the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts responsive to one of the different trip conditions from the processor. The processor is structured to save in and retrieve from the nonvolatile memory cause-of-trip information for the different trip conditions including the one of the different trip conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protection device that includes line terminals coupled to a power source disposed in an electric power distribution system. The protection device is configured to protect a portion of the power distribution system from at least one fault condition. The device includes a receptacle member that has includes a housing and a cover. The cover includes receptacle openings configured to accommodate plug contact blades. Receptacle contacts are disposed in the housing. The receptacle contacts are also coupled to the line terminals to thereby establish an electrical connection between the receptacle contacts and the line terminals. Each receptacle contact is in communication with a corresponding receptacle opening. A protective shutter mechanism is integrated into the housing. The protective shutter mechanism is movable from a closed position to an open position upon insertion of the plug contact blades.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for optimizing the performance of a power generation and distribution system by forecasting very short term load forecasts through the use of historical load data, demand patterns and short term load forecasts.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a set of circuits which is capable of performing an automatic check on main components of a circuit interrupting device when the circuit interrupting device is properly powered and the device is at a tripped state to determine whether these main components function normally. The results of the automatic check can be detected by depressing a reset button in the circuit interrupting device. If the reset button can be depressed, the main components function normally. Alternatively, the results can be automatically displayed by a showing on the face lid of the circuit interrupting device of either a green light, which means that the main components function normally, or a red or yellow light or no light, which means that at least one of the main components in the circuit interrupting device does not function properly.

Abstract: A controllable circuit breaker includes a housing, first and second inputs adapted to receive respective external close and open signals, a third input adapted to receive a control voltage, a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing those contacts; a set of secondary contacts connected in series with the main contacts, and a latching solenoid including a plunger latchable to a first position which closes the secondary contacts and to a second position which opens the secondary contacts. When separately energized, first and second coils operate the plunger to respective first and second positions. The first and second coils have a common node which is electrically connected to the third input. A non-mechanical, electronic control circuit within the housing is adapted to receive the external close and open signals and responsively energize the first and second coils, respectively, for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A system and method for resetting a tripped circuit breaker are provided. The system includes a monitoring mechanism for monitoring a state of at least one electrical circuit breaker and for generating at least one monitoring signal indicative of the state of the at least one electrical circuit breaker; an actuating mechanism for actuating the at least one electrical circuit breaker in a plurality of positions; and a controller for receiving the at least one monitoring signal and for generating and transmitting at least one control signal to the actuating mechanism for resetting the at least one circuit breaker. The breaker reset system is self-contained and dimensioned as an add-on component to previously installed circuit breaker enclosure or as an integrated component of a circuit breaker enclosure. Additionally, the system allows for manual over-ride of the reset function.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for robust power take off (PTO) and/or cruise enable. The apparatus includes a control module for PTO enable having a first input connected to one of a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage, and a second input connected to one of the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage. An inverse reference voltage operator is connected to both of the inputs and configured such that the second input is connected to the second reference voltage when the first input is connected to the first reference voltage and the second input is connected to the first reference voltage when the first input is connected to the second reference voltage. Based on the received voltage at the first and second inputs, the control module enables/disables PTO and/or cruise.

Abstract: A protection system and single-phase control of high voltage with close loop dry insulation is provided. A detector detects the voltage through the influence of the electrical field in conductors, insulators and breakers, mainly, turning the field into an electronic signal. This signal is processed by means of a control and protection unit and responds through a trip mechanism so that if needed the contacts get opened or closed to allow or stop the flow of current through the system. A method to increase the life expectation of the contacts in the vacuum breaker chambers is also provided.

Abstract: An electrical system includes a solid state relay (1) and an electrical connector (2) that connects solid state relay (1) to a load (4). The solid state relay (1) includes a power MOSFET (Q1) for switching power to the load (4). A PNP transistor (Q2) monitors the voltage drop across the power MOSFET (Q1), and shuts the power MOSFET off when the voltage drop exceeds a reference level. The solid state relay circuitry floats when the power MOSFET is commanded OFF so there is no leakage to ground. The relay (1) can be used with an electrical connector that includes a short pin (34) or shunt (16) that is disconnected before male and female terminals (12, 22) are unmated. Disconnection of the shunt (16) or the short pin (34) causes the power MOSFET to be commanded OFF so that there is no current flowing through the male and female terminals (12, 22) when they reach an arc susceptible position. The solid state relay (1) and the connector (2) are suitable for use in a 42 Volt automotive electrical system.

Abstract: A circuit protection system includes a normal mode and a maintenance mode. A current sensor senses current in the circuit. An enclosure includes an access panel that is movable between a closed position and open position. A circuit breaker is mounted within the enclosure. An electronic trip unit is in communication with the current sensor and controls interruptions of the current by the circuit breaker based on a trip setting. An interface device is accessible when said access panel is closed and allows selections of the normal and maintenance modes. A display, which is in communication with both of the user interface device and the electronic trip unit, monitors the interface device and transmits data to the trip unit that is based on the selected mode. The display receives data from the trip unit and displays information based on the received data. The display is viewable when the access panel is closed.

Abstract: A drive circuit, such as an electronic trip device, is for a shunt trip coil of a network protector. The drive circuit includes an alternating current input adapted to receive an alternating current voltage and a first half-wave rectifier adapted to provide a plurality of direct current voltages from the alternating current input. An energy store, such as a plurality of electrolytic capacitors, is adapted to provide a first direct current output from the direct current voltages of the first half-wave rectifier. A sensor circuit monitors the alternating current input and the first direct current output and provides a second output from one of the alternating current input and the first direct current output. A second full-wave rectifier responds to the second output and the trip signal to provide a third direct current output adapted to drive the network protector shunt trip coil.

Abstract: An integrated personal information management system is described. In one embodiment, for example, an integrated personal information management system is described that comprises: a receptacle holding at least one paper page that is capable of receiving pen strokes from a digital pen; a digital pen for recording pen strokes when a user writes on a particular paper page; a page identifier for identifying the particular paper page on which the user is writing; and a handheld personal information device in communication with the digital pen and page identifier for processing the recorded pen strokes associated with the particular paper page and displaying the processing results on a display screen.

Abstract: A power tool includes a battery-operated power supplying unit adapted to be connected to a battery unit and to generate battery status information, a driving unit adapted to be coupled to a tool bit, a protection unit for making and breaking an electrical circuit between the power supplying unit and the driving unit, a user-actuated unit for enabling operation of the protection unit to make the electrical circuit, and a control unit for enabling operation of the protection unit to break the electrical circuit when the control unit detects an abnormal condition from the battery status information.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a shell, a movable press strip, a metal strip, a C-shaped plate spring, and three conductors. A first and a second conductor are inserted through the bottom of the shell, respectively have an upper end extending up in the shell, with a first contact point on its upper end of the first conductor, with an upper end of the second conductor connected with a metal strip, which has one end facing under a first press member of the press strip and an elastic contact strip with one end provided with a second contact point facing under the first contact point. A C-shaped plate spring has two lower ends connected with the metal strip, and a curved-up portion facing a second press member. The contact strip may disfigure by high heat caused by excessive current, curling upward to force the first contact point snap off the second contact point to cut off the circuit breaker.

Abstract: Protective circuit and a method for operating said protective circuit in particular for overvoltage protection for an electronic control system for a motor vehicle protective circuit, comprising a control unit (1) and a switch unit, with the switch unit monitoring an input voltage of a voltage regulator (2), which is directly or indirectly associated with the supply voltage (VCC) of the control unit (1). If this input voltage (UBAT) exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage (USCHWELLE), the control unit (1) switches in one or more loads. If the control unit has an idle mode and an operating mode, it is switched from idle mode to operating mode and if necessary a further load (RL) is switched in.

Abstract: One disclosed embodiment of the invention is directed to circuit control that comprises sensing a delivered voltage to a portion of an integrated circuit, determining an appropriate frequency for the portion of the integrated circuit, and providing the appropriate frequency to the integrated circuit.

Abstract: An emergency-stop device provided in a robot system, a machine tool or the like, arranged to promptly detect failure of a circuit through which an emergency stop signal is supplied to an CPU, without stopping the robot system, the machine tool or the like, to improve reliability. When at least one of emergency stop switches is opened, a CPU #1 or #2 issues an emergency stop command through one of input circuits, so that a switch SW10 or SW20 is opened by an output circuit #1 or #2 to emergency-stop the system. Switching means #1, #2 are opened separately, at appropriate intervals, and change of output of each photo coupler is recognized. In this manner, it is checked that open/closed-state outputs related to contacts C11 and C21/C12 and C22, each connected to one of the input circuits, indicate an open state. If regarding any of the contacts, change of output of the corresponding photo coupler is not recognized, the system is stopped and an action such as causing a buzzer and displaying of an alarm is taken.

Abstract: A protection relay for a power line system that employs current transformers for detecting current on a bus is provided with a fault trip scheme that includes transformer current saturation detection so as to avoid false tripping due to temporary transformer current saturation.

Abstract: A receptacle interrupts a power circuit including a glowing contact and a gas, such as hydrogen chloride, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or a combination of those gases, associated with the glowing contact. The receptacle includes a set of separable contacts for interrupting the power circuit, an operating mechanism controlling the set of separable contacts, and a trip mechanism, such as a trip coil, cooperating with the operating mechanism to open the set of separable contacts in response to a trip signal. A gas detector detects the gas and outputs a gas concentration signal based upon a level of the gas. A microprocessor outputs the trip signal responsive to the gas concentration signal whenever a predetermined concentration level of the gas is detected.

Abstract: An electric pole (1) for a low-voltage automatic power circuit breaker, comprising: a fixed contact (2) and a movable contact (3) that can be coupled/uncoupled with respect to each other, said fixed contact being electrically connected to a phase conductor, and a sensing unit that comprises a first section suitable to accommodate a current sensor associated with the phase conductor, the current sensor generating sensing signals that are indicative of the intensity of the electrical current that flows through the phase conductor, the sensing unit being electrically connected to a protection unit of the automatic power circuit breaker, the protection unit being suitable to receive the sensing signals and to generate control signals for actuation means operatively connected to said movable contact, and comprising at least one input section (14) provided with one or more electrical input terminals (141); whose particularity consists of the fact that the sensing unit comprises a second section (20), which is rigid

Abstract: The invention is a power strip with an internal smoke detection device, which cuts off AC electrical power to attached electrical devices if smoke is detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit arrangement and a method for load diagnosis of a switch having a first and a second load connecting terminal. A first and a second current source arrangement are provided, which can in each case be connected to one of the load connecting terminals of the switch and which supply, depending on potential conditions at the said load connecting terminals, currents in a first and second current direction or oppositely to the said first and second current direction to the load connecting terminals. Furthermore, an evaluation circuit is provided, which evaluates the currents flowing to the first and second load connecting terminals and provides a load state signal depending on the said currents.

Abstract: A method and means for diagnosing transformer tap changers is provided. Pressure is monitored in an insulating liquid of a tap changer for a period of time in which switching of the tap changer is carried through. Switching-related information is extracted from the pressure diagram. Quantities from pressure peaks are related to specific arcings of the switching sequence. Early error detection is achieved, whereby transformed failures may be avoided. Repeated measurements may be followed by trend evaluation. If a trend indicating tap changer problems is detected, an alarm signal is triggered. The transformer may be switched off if the pressure exceeds a predetermined emergency value. Information of the base pressure in the tap changer may be extracted and converting it to level of insulating liquid.