Abstract: A fault detecting device having a plurality of supply conductors, including a first current transformer having a primary winding comprising at least two supply conductors and a secondary winding into which a current is induced in response to a fault current in the primary winding. A fault detection circuit connects the secondary winding to an electromechanical actuator having mechanical contacts in the supply conductors, the fault detection circuit generating an output signal to the actuator when an induced current is detected in the secondary winding, the output signal causing the actuator to open the mechanical contacts. The device further includes a second current transformer having a primary winding connected to an oscillator and a secondary winding comprising at least one supply conductor, the second current transformer arranged to induce an oscillating current into the at least one supply conductor in the event of a fault condition.

Abstract: A leakage current detection interrupter (LCDI) with self-testing function, which includes: a leakage current detection unit, including multiple current-carrying wires and at least one leakage current detection wire for detecting a leakage current of the current-carrying wires; a phase protection unit, coupled to at least one current-carrying wire on the input side of the multiple current-carrying wires, and coupled to at least one current-carrying wire on the output side of the multiple current-carrying wires via the leakage current detection unit, to form a current loop; wherein the phase protection unit can generate a control signal to disconnect the electrical coupling between the LCDI and the power source. By using a temperature controlled module, the leakage current detection unit and the phase protection unit, an LCDI with self-testing function is achieved.

Abstract: A control circuit comprising: first and second terminals for respective connection to first and second power transmission lines; a current transmission path extending between the first and second terminals and having first and second current transmission path portions separated by a third terminal, either or both of the first and second current transmission path portions including at least one module, the or each module including at least one energy storage device; an auxiliary terminal for connection to ground or the second power transmission line; an energy conversion block for removing energy from the power transmission lines, the energy conversion block extending between the third and auxiliary terminals such that the energy conversion block branches from the current transmission path, the energy conversion block including at least one energy conversion element; and a control unit which selectively removes the or each energy storage device from the current transmission path.

Abstract: A rectifier and an electrical power facility in which the rectifier is disposed are provided that relate to the field of electromechanical technologies. The rectifier includes a rectifier circuit, a relay, and a controller. The rectifier further includes a detection resistor and a detection circuit, where the detection resistor is connected in series to a winding in the relay, a detection point of the detection circuit is set between the detection resistor and the winding, and an output end of the detection circuit is connected to the controller. When a voltage detected at the detection point of the detection circuit is abnormal, the detection circuit outputs an alarm signal to the controller, and after receiving the alarm signal, the controller stops outputting a driving signal to the driving end of the rectifier circuit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a circuit interrupter assembly coupled to a solenoid actuator and configured to move along an assembly axis in a direction normal to a major surface of the electrical isolation member to provide electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle contact structures in a reset state and to interrupt the electrical continuity to effect a tripped state. The circuit interrupter assembly including at least one portion configured to pivot relative to the assembly axis to effect the reset state or the tripped state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for referencing a photovoltaic array are disclosed. An exemplary method includes converting DC power with an inverter from a photovoltaic array to AC power at a line frequency and placing the entire photovoltaic array above ground potential or below ground potential. The AC power is transformed with a transformer and an integrity-check signal is generated to vary a voltage of the photovoltaic array to perform an integrity check. A star point of the transformer is pinned to ground at the line frequency so the integrity-check signal is applied to the DC-side of the inverter and a limited level of fault current is allowed to flow from ground to the star point of the transformer to facilitate a detection of ground faults.

Abstract: A backlight unit includes a power converter which generates a light driving voltage in response to a voltage control signal with a first level, a plurality of light emitting strings, wherein each of the light emitting strings receives the light driving voltage through a first end thereof, and a controller which generates the voltage control signal. The controller is connected to a second end of at least one of the light emitting strings and detects a level of a signal at the connected second end to detect an operation state of the light emitting strings. The controller generates the voltage control signal with a second level to stop the power converter from generating the light driving voltage when the operation state of the light emitting strings is in an abnormal state.

Abstract: A grounding apparatus includes a current detector configured to detect a current flowing in the ground line, a fuse inserted in series in a part of the around line and configured to melt when the current flowing in the ground line exceeds the first protection setting value, not destroying the current detector, and then exceeds the first protection setting value, causing a complete grounding fault, and a determination device configured to give an open command to the circuit breaker when the current detected by the current detector exceeds the first protection setting value of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: This technology is directed to a method and apparatus for monitoring or testing defects associated with an ion lens connected within a mass spectrometer. In some implementations, the testing mechanism monitors a connection of one or more ion lenses configured in the mass spectrometer to determine if voltage is effectively applied to the ion lens. The testing circuit of the present technology includes at least one Zener diode added to the voltage divider and monitoring a change in slope of the applied voltage versus the voltage at the read-back circuit. The change in slope may be easily measured.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a safe quick disconnect leakage protector, including a power supply circuit, a sampling circuit, a couple of single-pole single-throws, an on and off control circuit, and a testing circuit. The sampling circuit collects the leakage current signal between the live wire and the neutral wire and outputting the leakage current signal; the main control circuit receives the leakage current signal outputted from the sampling circuit, amplifies the leakage current signal, and outputs a grounding failure control signal when the leakage current reaches the predetermined value; the on and off control circuit receives the grounding failure control signal outputted from the main control circuit and controls the single-pole single-throw switches to disconnect the load from the external power supply according to the grounding failure control signal, thereby protecting the load and improves the safety of the leakage protection of an electrical appliance.

Abstract: An electrical leakage detection circuit detects electrical leakage of a battery in an electric vehicle. A first transistor switch coupled between a first and second resistor is actuated for coupling the first resistor and the second resistor. A second transistor switch coupled between a third and fourth resistor is actuated for electrically coupling the third and fourth resistor. A controller generates control signals for actuation of the first transistor switch and the second transistor switch. A first voltage is measured across the traction battery cell string. A second voltage is measured across the second resistor. A third voltage is measured across the third resistor. The controller detects electrical leakage by measuring the first, second, and third voltages and applying them in equations utilizing these voltages with constants of the first, second, third, and fourth resistances.

Abstract: A wiring fault detector adapted specifically to address the requirement for arc fault protection specified in National Electrical Code (2011) article 690.11 comprises running at least one additional wire in parallel with the power conductors to be protected, thereby allowing evaluation at the location of a fault detector of an electrical parameter indicative of conductor integrity along its whole length. In one implementation, the additional conductor allows the voltage drop across the power conductor to be measured and verified to be small and/or noise-free. In another implementation, the additional conductor is a redundant power conductor connected in parallel with the main power conductor, allowing verification that the current flow in both the main and the additional power conductors is partitioned in an expected ratio indicative of wiring integrity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a detecting circuit for a circuit breaker, comprises: a detection sensor configured to output a detection signal by detecting a voltage or a current on an alternating current electric power circuit; a low pass filter configured to output a signal from the detection sensor after removing a high frequency component from the signal; an offset remover configured to output a signal from the low pass filter after removing a direct current offset from the signal; an amplifier configured to amplify a signal from the offset remover, and to output the signal; and a comparator configured to output a breaking control signal such that the circuit breaker operates to a circuit breaking position, if the detection signal input to the amplifier is equal to or larger than a reference voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for monitoring the condition of a branch circuit. A device contains a switch that is normally open to prevent the occurrence of electric shock. An optical prong detector is provided to determine weather both the hot and neutral prongs of a plug have been inserted into the receptacle. The receptacle provides conductance upon determination of insertion of a plug into the receptacle. Additional features include GFI detection, current detection heat detection warning lights and an audible alarm. The receptacle includes communication abilities with remote devices to transmit data indicative of the state of the device.

Abstract: A device including a mechanism detecting a position of a neutral of a power supply source for an electrical energy apparatus, such as a battery charger of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, and a mechanism connecting a capacitor for limiting leakage currents between the neutral and an electrically conducting structure in which the apparatus is placed. The device can be used to limit leakage current during recharging of an electric or hybrid traction motor vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a fault detection apparatus including an open/close unit configured to open/close an electric path to pass a direct current forward, a reverse-current detector configured to detect a reverse current running through the electric path backward, and an opening unit configured to open the open/close unit when the reverse current is detected by the reverse-current detector.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a drive system includes a transformer enclosed in an enclosure including a heat exchanger to cool a fluid medium. In addition, the system includes a plurality of power cubes each including a rectifier, a DC-link, and an inverter. Each power cube may include a plurality of cold plates each coupled to a corresponding switching device of the inverter, an inlet port in communication with a first one of the plurality of cold plates and an outlet port in communication with a last one of the plurality of cold plates. In turn, a manifold assembly is to couple at least the power cubes to enable two phase cooling of the power cubes and the transformer via one or more heat exchangers.

Abstract: A GFCI device includes a latch assembly provided with a rigid electrically conducting bar connected thereto such that when a user presses a reset button the latch assembly is moved toward a pair of contacts provided as part of a reset circuit to initiate a reset operation. When the electrically conducting bar on the latch assembly connects the pair of contacts, the reset circuit is closed and an actuator is activated to place the GFCI device in the latched, reset, condition. If the GFCI device is correctly wired, the latch assembly enters the latched state. If the device is not properly wired no power is provided to the actuator and the device remains in the tripped, or open, state.

Abstract: A generator which is self-configurable to selectively bond the neutral lead to the ground lead of the generator. The generator includes a sensor configured to detect current flow on the ground lead of the generator. The sensor generates a signal corresponding to the current flow which is, in turn, provided to a controller present on the generator. A switch device, such as a relay selectively connects the neutral conductor to the ground conductor at the generator. The controller outputs a signal to control the switch device in response to the signal from the current sensor. If the controller detects current flowing on the ground lead, it opens the switch between the neutral and ground conductors; however, if the controller detects no current on the ground lead, it closes the switch between the neutral and ground conductors.

Abstract: A hand dryer apparatus includes a high-pressure airflow generator that generates a high pressure airflow, a control circuit that controls the high-pressure airflow generator, a power connecting unit that connects a commercial power source to the control circuit, a main body that forms a hull by housing the high-pressure airflow generator, the control circuit, and the power connecting unit, and nozzles that are formed in the main body and blows out the high pressure airflow created by the high-pressure airflow generator; further includes a panel composing a part of the main body and is detachable by a tool, and switching units that are housed in the main body and can switch a setting of the hand dryer apparatus, and enables access to the power connecting unit and the switching unit by removing the panel.

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: A circuit interrupting device having an auto-monitoring circuit for automatically testing various functions and structures of the device. The auto-monitoring circuit initiates an auto-monitoring routine which, among other things, establishes a self-test fault during either the positive or negative half-wave, or both, of an AC power cycle and determines whether the detection mechanisms within the device properly detect the self-test fault. An early detection signal indicates that the self-test fault was properly detected without interfering with the normal operation of the detection circuitry and without causing a false trip within the device. Additional functionality of the auto-monitoring circuit permits automatic verification that the device is properly wired, that is, not miswired, and determines whether the device has reached the end of its useful life.

Abstract: A leakage detection protection circuit comprises null and live wires in power input and power output ends. Also included are induction coil (L1), self-excitation coil (L2), control chip (IC1), silicon controlled rectifier (V4), rectifier diode (V1), resistor (R1), filter capacitor (C3), trip coil (SOL) with built-in iron core, and main circuit switches (KR2-1, KR2-2) linked with a reset button. At least one single-pole double-throw analog power supply switch (KR-2) is linked with the reset button and comprises a dynamic contact rod (C) and first and second static contact terminals (A) and (B). The analog power supply switch is configured so that the circuit has test analog leakage current, working power supply, or no current based on the position of the dynamic contact rod (C) with respect to the static contact terminals and also based on the position of the reset button.

Abstract: A method for adapting a ground fault detection to a change of an electrical machine condition, wherein the machine includes a winding. The electrical machine is in a first machine condition, a first reference value being defined for measured values of an electrical quantity. The ground fault detection includes continuously measuring the electrical quantity in the winding and detecting a ground fault based on the measured values of the electrical quantity and the first reference value. The method includes receiving a signal, detecting a change of machine condition based on the received signal, and changing to a second reference value for the measured values of the electrical quantity, the second reference value being different from the first reference value when the change of machine condition is detected.

Abstract: A portable ground fault circuit breaker includes a main housing. An interior housing in which moving and static contacts are disposed is disposed inside the main housing and includes a base and a base cover. The static contacts are hung in the interior housing. The moving contacts are disposed on an unbalancing moving contact frame. A trip lock is disposed at one end of the moving contact frame and connected to a fasten lock fulfilling the separation and connection of the moving and static contacts. A lower portion of the fasten lock penetrates the base to abut on a tripping solenoid disposed at an exterior bottom of the base. The solenoid and a main control circuit on a circuit board fulfill an electrical connection. A simple structure, a small bulk, use convenience, and a humanized appearance design are the effects.

Abstract: In an electrical distribution system having an arc management system for removal of arcing voltage from feeder circuits triggered at least in part by light signals, a secondary optical detector monitors a downstream branch circuit breaker in the feeder circuit compartment to produce an optical signal for arc detection more accurately reflecting the possibility of an arcing fault.

Abstract: An arc detection and intervention system for a solar energy system. One or more arc detectors are strategically located among strings of solar panels. In conjunction with local management units (LMUs), arcs can be isolated and affected panels disconnected from the solar energy system.

Abstract: A system and method include a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) supplying electricity to an appliance. The GFCI supplies direct current (DC) to an appliance upon connection to the GFCI, and the appliance automatically communicates data to the GFCI prior to startup of the appliance in response to receiving the DC, wherein the data describes maximum out of phase conditions expected during appliance startup, and the GFCI acknowledges receipt of the data. The appliance sends a status message to the GFCI indicating the appliance is ready for alternating current (AC) in response to the startup of the appliance, and the GFCI switches from supplying the low voltage direct current to supplying AC to the appliance in response to the GFCI receiving the status message. The method further comprises preventing the GFCI from tripping in response to out of phase conditions less than the maximum out of phase conditions.

Abstract: A method of tripping a circuit interrupter in a back fed configuration is provided, wherein the circuit interrupter has separable contacts and an actuator, such as a solenoid, operatively coupled to the separable contacts. The method includes detecting within the circuit interrupter that a fault condition exists, and subsequent to detecting that the fault condition exists, determining whether a current is flowing within the circuit interrupter between a load side of the circuit interrupter and the separable contacts, and controlling operation of the actuator based on whether the current is flowing within the circuit interrupter.

Abstract: A circuit protection device for monitoring a current flowing from an electrical distribution line through a trip mechanism to a load includes an input conductor configured to receive a current signal from a sensor. At least one resistor is arranged to receive the current signal from the input conductor, and provides a voltage signal proportional to the current signal. The circuit protection device includes a control circuit coupled in parallel with the resistor and a power supply that receives the current signal from the resistor and supplies power to the control circuit based on the current signal. The control circuit is configured to receive the voltage signal and determine an amplitude of the current flowing through the trip mechanism based on the voltage signal. The control circuit is also configured to determine whether a predetermined current threshold is exceeded and to generate a control signal to activate the trip mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective wiring device that includes a rear cover member having a portion substantially defining a line terminal interface region. An electric circuit assembly includes a sensor assembly coupled to a fault detection circuit. A plurality of line terminal interface contacts are disposed in the line terminal interface region, each line terminal interface contact being connected to a termination structure coupled to the rear body member. A conductive pathway is configured to interconnect the termination structure and a corresponding one of the first set of contacts via the sensor assembly. The conductive pathway includes a conductive structure disposed in the rear cover member and mounted to the at least one PCB. The line terminal interface contacts are configured to mate with a removably attachable electrical adapter connected to the plurality of AC power transmitting wires to provide AC power to the electric circuit assembly.

Abstract: An electric leakage detecting apparatus includes: a first voltage-dividing circuit; a second voltage-dividing circuit; a first switch which is inserted in a line connecting the first voltage-dividing circuit and the ground connection resistance; a second switch which is inserted in a line connecting the second voltage-dividing circuit and the ground connection resistance; a first voltage detecting circuit which detects an output voltage of the first voltage-dividing circuit; a second voltage detecting circuit which detects an output voltage of the second voltage-dividing circuit; and a judging circuit which judges whether the electric leakage of the high voltage battery occurs or not on the basis of the output voltage of the first voltage-dividing circuit in a case that the first switch is in ON state and the output voltage of the second voltage-dividing circuit in a case that the second switch is in ON state.

Abstract: When an earth faulting has occurred in a driving device for driving a motor, a high voltage noise enters a high voltage detector through a connection node of the Y capacitor constituted by a pair of capacitors in DC/DC converter. A controller of the DC/DC converter limits the duty of switching elements constituting a full-bridge circuit on a primary side, in the case where a defect due to an earth faulting of the driving device is detected by a detection value of high voltage detector.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and mitigating leakage currents is disclosed. The data acquisition system records data from multiple monitoring locations over extended periods of time to identify stray voltage and/or leakage currents present at the monitoring location. The data is processed to identify trends in the stray voltage and/or leakage currents and to suggest methods for mitigating the same.

Abstract: An arc fault detection circuit includes a current sensing circuit coupled to a line conductor carrying a current. The current sensing circuit operates to sense current and output data indicative of the sensed current. A processing circuit implements a frequency transform algorithm to transform the output data to frequency data in a low frequency range and with a high spectral resolution where a minimum short time observation window is concerned. The processing circuit identifies an arc fault condition on the line conductor by identifying differences in said frequency data between at least two subsequent observation windows and identifying characteristics which exceed thresholds.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter includes: an insulating casing, electrical input terminals and electrical output terminals, first and second electrical path connected between the electrical input terminals and electrical output terminals, and a movement mechanism. The movement mechanism includes: first and second moving contact arms, electrically coupled to the first and second electrical paths, respectively; a control circuit board; an arc detection mechanism, electrically coupled to the control circuit board, for detecting an arc signal and causing the control circuit board to generate a trip signal; a tripping mechanism, electrically coupled to the control circuit board, for receiving the trip signal to disconnect the electrical coupling between the first moving contact arm and the first electrical path and/or the electrical coupling between the second moving contact arm and the second electrical path. The device can immediately cut off the power when detecting an arc signal to prevent fire hazard.

Abstract: A protective system far a power transformer having a neutral line connected to ground where large currents can flow in the neutral line due to electro-magnetic disturbances. The system includes circuitry for: (a) sensing the current level in the neutral line and whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period; and (b) sensing and processing the harmonic content of the load current and determining the existence of certain relationships of the “even” and “odd” harmonics. Signals, including alarms, indicative of excessive conditions are produced. The system may also include circuitry for sensing the load current level and generating a signal alarm if the load level is above a given value when the harmonics and the DC current have values in excess of certain predetermined values.

Abstract: An earth leakage circuit breaker includes an earth leakage detector, a rectifier, a switching part, and a controller. The switching part is installed on an electric circuit between an alternating current (AC) power supply and the rectifier, and switches between supply and interruption of the power from the AC power supply. The earth leakage detector is installed between the AC power supply and a load. The rectifier rectifies the AC power into direct current (DC) power. The controller causes the rectifier to perform half-wave rectification until earth leakage is detected by the earth leakage detector, and causes the rectifier to perform full-wave rectification when the earth leakage is detected by the earth leakage detector.

Abstract: A device for improving the filter effect of a filter connected up between an electrical energy source and a source of interference is provided. The filter is configured to feed back interference transients from ground to an input of the source of interference generating the interference transients. The device includes a measuring device for determining a leakage current flowing through the filter and a final control element configured to modify a limit frequency of the filter such that the leakage current through the filter is damped to below a predefined level if the measuring device detects the leakage current.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a protection relay apparatus that protects lines of a three-phase alternating current power system, the protection relay apparatus including a fault detector to detect a fault of the line, an opening unit to open a circuit breaker of a fault phase in which the fault has occurred through detection of the fault, a fault phase voltage measurement unit to measure a voltage of the fault phase after the circuit breaker is opened, a fault recovery determination unit to determine whether the fault is recovered or not based on the voltage, and a closing unit to close the circuit breaker when the fault recovery determination unit determines that the fault is recovered.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for leveraging the inherent redundancy of electrical measurement inputs available to microprocessor-based intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). Specifically, an IED may receive a plurality of electrical measurements associated with an electric power delivery system, such as measurements associated with a generator. A first protection module may be configured to detect a first type of electrical disturbance using a first subset of the plurality of electrical measurements. A second protection module may be configured to detect a second type of electrical disturbance using a second subset of the plurality of electrical measurements. A first redundant protection module may be configured to verify the detection of the first type of electrical disturbance using at least a portion of the second subset of the plurality of electrical measurements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a test circuit that is configured to generate a recurring simulated fault signal. A detection circuit is configured to generate a test detection signal in response to the recurring simulated fault signal. An end-of-life monitor circuit is configured to generate an end-of-life detection signal if the test detection signal is not generated within a first predetermined period of time. At least one indicator is configured to emit an indication signal in response to the end-of-life detection signal. A response mechanism is configured to decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed following the end-of-life detection signal.

Abstract: A solar power module, and related method of operation, that protects the bypass diodes in the solar power module from overheating due to partial shading, and also protects firefighters and installer personnel from electrical shock hazard. The solar power module includes active bypass switches, and isolation switches that disconnect the PV cells from the bypass switches when all the bypass switches are closed concurrently, thereby allowing the PV cells to continue supplying power to the control circuitry. The isolation switches are also used to maintain the solar power module in a safe state during installation, or in case of fire.

Abstract: An open neutral protection method and apparatus including a blocking diode arrangement to prevent connection of power in circuits when the power source has an open neutral. In particular, when more than one branch circuits are connected to a power supply with more than one hot power lines, blocking diodes prevent back feed currents from activating relays connecting the power source to the branch circuits when the power source has an open neutral.

Abstract: A display device includes a substrate, at least one signal circuit, a ground protection circuit, and an auxiliary protection circuit. The substrate has a first surface, wherein the first surface includes an active area and a frame area surrounding the active area. The at least one signal circuit is disposed and extending along the frame area and electrically coupled to the active area. The ground protection circuit is disposed and extending along the frame area, wherein the ground protection circuit is positioned at a side of the signal circuit facing an edge of the substrate. The auxiliary protection circuit is disposed and extending along the frame area. The auxiliary protection circuit is disposed between the signal circuit and the ground protection circuit, wherein the auxiliary protection circuit respectively has a gap with the signal circuit and the ground protection circuit, and is electrically conductive.

Abstract: A virtual circuit breaker having an electrical relay and a control circuit, the control circuit including a load and wire protection (“OC”) detection unit, a microprocessor and a driver. The OC detection unit is configured to monitor a power flow and the electrical relay is effective to control it. The driver is effective to cause the relay to stop the power flow upon receipt of a deactivation command. The OC detection unit is effective to cause the driver to receive a deactivation command if the OC detection unit senses that a short circuit condition or an overload condition exists. The microprocessor of the control unit is configured so as to be capable of, at least, receiving input from the OC detection unit and sending output to the driver.

Abstract: In an electrical cord reel, a rotatable member can rotate about a winding axis to spool and unspool a linear material. An input power connector can couple to an electrical power source. An output power connector on the rotatable member can couple to an electrical cord at least partially wound about the rotatable member. A switch is adjustable to allow or prevent electrical current flow from the input power connector to the output power connector. In an aspect, the electrical cord reel includes an electric cord comprising a first power wire, a second power wire, and a signal wire. A method of controlling the electric cord spool system includes energizing the first power wire and the signal wire. The method further includes determining a continuity of the signal wire. The method further includes de-energizing the first power wire when determining discontinuity of the signal wire.

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 portable ground fault circuit breaker includes a main housing. An interior housing in which moving and static contacts are disposed is disposed inside the main housing and includes a base and a base cover. The static contacts are hung in the interior housing. The moving contacts are disposed on an unbalancing moving contact frame. A trip lock is disposed at one end of the moving contact frame and connected to a fasten lock fulfilling the separation and connection of the moving and static contacts. A lower portion of the fasten lock penetrates the base to abut on a tripping solenoid disposed at an exterior bottom of the base. The solenoid and a main control circuit on a circuit board fulfill an electrical connection. A simple structure, a small bulk, use convenience, and a humanized appearance design are the effects.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a method is provided for determining a state of a receiver on a transmission line. The method may comprise, for example, evaluating a first voltage arising at a circuit point between an impedance and a transmission line coupled to the impedance, wherein the impedance is coupled between a transmitter and the receiver, and determining a state of the receiver based on the first voltage. According to further aspects, various apparatuses are provided for performing this and other methods.