Abstract: A device, system and method protects from overvoltages. A power control device includes a component (310) configured to be powered according to a duty cycle. The power control device includes a controller (330) configured to determine the duty cycle that places the component on or off. The power control device includes a comparator (335) configured to determine when the duty cycle is off and an overvoltage is being experienced by the component. When the duty cycle is off and the overvoltage is being experienced by the component, the comparator selects a circuit pathway (345, 350) including a clamping device (350).

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an open neutral condition in a split phase power system is described. The apparatus includes two powered lines providing output electricity to an electrical distribution system and a shared neutral line providing a grounded neutral to the first and second powered lines. The apparatus is configured for detecting when an open neutral condition is present in the split phase power system by determining when a power current is present on one or both of the first and second powered lines while a return current is not present on the neutral line; and in response to detecting that the open neutral condition is present, causing an interrupter to interrupt the power supplied by the first and second powered lines or to generate a signal indicating an open condition.

Abstract: A mining machine including a motor, an adjustable speed drive providing a voltage to the motor, the voltage having an excitation component comprising a magnitude and a frequency for operating the motor at a desired speed and including an additional voltage component for use in detecting a ground fault condition, and a ground fault relay for detecting a ground fault current when the ground fault current exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an open neutral condition in a split phase power system is described. The apparatus includes two powered lines providing output electricity to an electrical distribution system and a shared neutral line providing a grounded neutral to the first and second powered lines. The apparatus is configured for detecting when an open neutral condition is present in the split phase power system by determining when a power current is present on one or both of the first and second powered lines while a return current is not present on the neutral line; and in response to detecting that the open neutral condition is present, causing an interrupter to interrupt the power supplied by the first and second powered lines or to generate a signal indicating an open condition.

Abstract: A high accuracy open phase detection system for power transformers that uses a combination of logic controllers and current transformers to recognize an open phase condition experienced by the power transformers under no load, light load, and full load conditions. A current to voltage and current to current transformer on each phase are employed to detect the excitation current and load current conditions. During an open phase condition, a microprocessor detecting device, connected to the current to voltage and current to current transformers, monitors the appropriate power system quantities to determine the existence of one or more open phase(s) with or without a ground or an open phase with line charging capacitance. Through the microprocessor monitor, the microprocessor detecting device can alert operators to the loss of phase or abnormal conditions in the power source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and techniques for implementing voltage differential transducer (VDT) fault detection. Embodiments include a computing resource electrically coupled to an AC power supply, a VDT including a primary winding and a set of secondary windings, wherein the VDT is electrically coupled to the AC power supply. Embodiments also include a current sensing circuit electrically coupled to the AC power supply and the VDT, and a signal processor electrically coupled to an output of the VDT and the computing resource, the signal processor providing a signal indicative of a voltage differential of the set of secondary windings of the VDT, that is used by the computing resource to make an error determination.

Abstract: A high accuracy open phase detection system for power transformers that uses a combination of logic controllers and current transformers to recognize an open phase condition experienced by the power transformers under no load, light load, and full load conditions. A current to voltage and current to current transformer on each phase are employed to detect the excitation current and load current conditions. During an open phase condition, a microprocessor detecting device, connected to the current to voltage and current to current transformers, monitors the appropriate power system quantities to determine the existence of one or more open phase(s) with or without a ground or an open phase with line charging capacitance. Through the microprocessor monitor, the microprocessor detecting device can alert operators to the loss of phase or abnormal conditions in the power source.

Abstract: A method for detecting a ground fault in an inverter using leg-shunt resistors is provided. The method includes detecting output currents of three phases of the inverter, determining whether or not a voltage utilization of the inverter is not less than a preset allowable voltage level, and determining an occurrence or non-occurrence of the ground fault in the inverter.

Abstract: A line break detection system for detecting a break in a conductor (1.004), the system including a first return signal generator (1.020) proximate a first end of a segment of the conductor, the first return signal generator being adapted to apply a first return signal to the conductor, the system including a first return signal detector (1.016) proximate a second end of the segment of the line, the second end being upstream of the first end, the first detector being adapted to receive the first return signal from the line, wherein the first return signal generator ceases to generate the first return signal if the line is broken.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programming an electric motor are provided. An electric motor controller configured to be coupled to an electric motor is configured to control the electric motor to produce torque when direct current (DC) link voltage has up to 100% voltage ripple. The controller includes a first power input, a second power input, and a third power input, an energized line detection device, and a microprocessor. Each power input is configured to receive power from an alternating current (AC) power source. The energized line detection device is configured to sense which power input has received power from the AC power source and output an isolated signal. The microprocessor is coupled downstream from the energized line detection device and is configured to determine an operating profile for the electric motor based on the isolated signal.

Abstract: The detection of an insulation fault on a network furnished with tappings by a first monitor can be followed by the location and identification of the fault by way of a locator to be placed on the tappings. To satisfy the level-two security, or SIL-2, in which the risk of occurrence of a hazard is decreased by a factor of greater than 100, second means for detecting the insulation fault are installed, to obtain a redundant item of information as regards the insulation resistance of the network, independently of the monitor but associated with a locator.

Abstract: A power system includes main circuit interrupters each having a load output, feeder circuit interrupters, a number of tie circuit interrupters, and a circuit. The circuit is structured to block communication, at least when at least one of the tie circuit interrupters has an open state between a first and a second of the main circuit interrupters, of a zone selective interlocking output of one of the feeder circuit interrupters having a line input electrically connected to the load output of the first main circuit interrupter to a zone selective interlocking input of the second main circuit interrupter, and of a zone selective interlocking output of a different one of the feeder circuit interrupters having a line input electrically connected to the load output of the second main circuit interrupter to a zone selective interlocking input of the first main circuit interrupter.

Abstract: An abnormality occurring in a ZCT is detected simply and reliably. A zero-phase-sequence current transformer (ZCT) (11) detects zero-phase-sequence current in power wires inserted therethrough, and in addition to the power wires, has inserted therethrough a wire through which a constant DC offset current flows.

Abstract: A single wound single current transformer impedance measurement circuit for determining a circuit element parameter in a ground fault circuit interrupter circuit. The circuit includes a transconductance amplifier having first and second input terminals and first and second output terminals. In an embodiment, a first detector has input terminal coupled to the first output terminal of the transconductance amplifier and another input terminal coupled for receiving a first electrical signal. A second detector has a terminal coupled to the second output terminal of the transconductance amplifier and an input terminal coupled for receiving the first electrical signal. Alternatively, the second detector has an input terminal coupled to the first output terminal of the transconductance amplifier and another input terminal coupled for receiving the first electrical signal.

Abstract: A grounding wire fault circuit interrupter for an electrical machine includes a chassis ground wire, a sensor, and a logic circuit. The chassis ground wire is configured to be electronically connected to a structure of the electrical machine such that the structure of the electrical machine is further electrically connected to one or more power lines that provide electrical power to the electrical machine. The sensor is electronically connected to the chassis ground wire. The logic circuit is electronically connected to the sensor. The sensor is configured to detect current leaks within the electrical machine by sensing electrical power on the chassis ground wire, and the logic circuit is configured to interrupt the flow of electrical power to the electrical machine when the sensor detects a current leak.

Abstract: A ground fault detection apparatus is an apparatus detecting a ground fault in an ungrounded AC circuit in which a single-phase three-wire AC power source is connected to a load via a U phase wire, a neutral wire, and a V phase wire, including two resistive elements having an identical resistance value, one terminals of the two resistive elements being connected to the U phase wire and the neutral wire, respectively, the other terminals thereof being connected to each other. The ground fault detection apparatus further includes a current detector detecting a value of a current flowing between the other terminals of the two resistive elements (i.e., a node N1) and a ground point. In a case where the absolute value of the current exceeds a threshold value, the ground fault detection apparatus determines that a ground fault occurs.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a lighting system includes one, some, or all of a switch path, link path, and flyback path power dissipation circuits to actively and selectively control power dissipation of excess energy in a switching power converter of the lighting system. The flyback path power dissipation circuit dissipates power through a flyback path of the switching power converter. In at least one embodiment, the lighting system controls power dissipation through the flyback path by controlling a transformer primary current in the flyback path and, for example, limiting the primary current with a current source and dissipating power in the flyback switch and the current source.

Abstract: A solid state switch module is provided for use in a power distribution network including an input differential protection connection for receiving a measured current value from an upstream module. The solid state switch module also includes an output differential protection connection for sending a measured current value. The solid state switch module includes a trip outlet for sending a trip signal to an upstream solid state switch, and a trip inlet for receiving a trip signal from a downstream solid state switch. The trip inlet is operably coupled to the switch. A current sensor measures the current value of a connected power transmission line across the solid state switch module. A summer adds a current input from a parallel module with the current measures by the current sensor. A comparator determines whether an amount of current lost between the solid state switch module and an upstream module is acceptable.

Abstract: A method for determining a circuit element parameter in a ground fault circuit interrupter circuit. An electrical signal provided to a first node is used to generate another electrical signal at a second node. The electrical signal at the second node is multiplexed with a modulation signal to generate a modulated signal that is then filtered and converted into a digital representation of a portion of the circuit element parameter. The electrical signal at the second node is multiplexed with the modulation signal after it has been phase shifted to produce a modulated signal that is filter and converted into a digital representation of another portion of the circuit element parameter. In another aspect, a slope based solenoid self-test method is used for self-testing in a GFCI circuit. Alternatively, a method for determining a wiring fault is provided using a digital filter.

Abstract: A supply system for supplying energy in an aircraft includes at least one electrical line including at least one core connectable to a pole of a current source, an electrically conductive shield, and a detection unit having at least two electrical inputs. The shield surrounds the at least one core under a distance and creates an intermediate space between the at least one core and the shield. At least one port of the detection unit is connected to the at least one core. At least another port of the detection unit is connected to at least one of the shield and the at least one core. The detection unit is adapted for detecting a differential current over the at least one core or an absolute current between the shield and a ground potential for generating a warning signal if a predetermined threshold value for the detected current value is exceeded.

Abstract: A fault in a DC power source, such as a battery string or a string of photovoltaic cells, is identified by detecting a change in an AC component of a residual current of the DC power source. In some embodiments, the DC power source is coupled to at least one DC bus and the methods further include generating an AC voltage on the at least one DC bus. For example, the DC power source may be coupled to a modulated DC bus of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system comprising an inverter having an input coupled to the DC bus. The inverter may be configured to generate an AC output voltage and the AC component has a frequency that is a harmonic of a fundamental frequency of the AC output voltage, such as a third harmonic of the fundamental frequency of the AC output voltage.

Abstract: An arrester includes a switch and a lightning detection breaker connected to the switch. The lightning detection breaker includes a metal conducting terminal electrically connected to an earth return, a DC power supply terminal, a ground terminal and an output terminal. When the power supply is under a lightning strike, a potential difference of both the DC power supply terminal and the ground terminal of the lightning detection breaker will go up to several thousands of volts. However, a voltage of the metal conducting terminal will not go up because the metal conducting terminal is electrically connected to the earth return. The switch will automatically become open circuit by the lightning detection breaker, and therefore an electronic device connected to the arrester is protected from damage done by the lightning.

Abstract: A system for distributing electrical current to a plurality of loads includes a first sensor coupled to an input of a protection zone for measuring a first current entering the protection zone, wherein the protection zone includes at least a portion of an electrical distribution feeder. The system also includes a second sensor coupled to an output of the protection zone for measuring a second current exiting the protection zone, and a processor coupled to the first sensor and to the second sensor. The processor is programmed to receive measurements representative of the first current and the second current, and calculate a reactive current differential of the protection zone based on the first current and the second current. The processor is also programmed to compare the reactive current differential with a fault threshold, and generate an error notification if the reactive current differential is greater than the fault threshold.

Abstract: A braking system can include a monitor circuit and/or a contactor control circuit. The braking system utilizes a number of contactors coupled between a power bus. The contactors selectively provide power to resistive elements. The monitor circuit is configured to determine the number of closed contactors of the contactors using current transformers. The contactor control circuit is configured to open and close the contactors. The control circuit includes a solid state timer circuit for each coil associated with the contactors. The solid state timer circuit bypasses a resistive element in series with the coil for a period of time.

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 current differential protection system for a multi-terminal power line includes a current sensor for sensing a current at a local terminal, a controller for time synchronizing the local terminal and remote terminals, and a fault detection module to detect a fault in the multi-terminal power line if a differential current exceeds a threshold value. The controller includes a time measurement exchange module for exchanging time stamp data with remote terminals, an upper range clock for exchanging time stamp data with remote terminals and a lower range clock for indexing the current at the local terminal. A first time period of the upper range clock is N times a second time period of the lower range clock where N is a number of multi-terminals. The controller includes a clock offset calculation module for determining an average time offset based on time stamp data from remote terminals and the local terminal.

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: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device for use in an electrical distribution system. The device includes a plurality of line terminals configured to terminate the plurality of line conductors and a plurality of load terminals configured to terminate the plurality of load conductors. The protective circuit assembly includes at least one fault detector configured to generate a fault detection signal based on electrical perturbations propagating on at least one of the plurality of line terminals or at least one of the plurality of load terminals. A device integrity evaluation circuit includes a timing circuit coupled to the source of AC power by way of the plurality of load terminals and configured to generate a time measurement. The device integrity evaluation circuit is configured to reset the time measurement if the protective circuit assembly generates the fault detection signal during a predetermined test interval in the properly wired condition.

Abstract: A current leakage protection circuit includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal for receiving a power voltage and a current leakage detection terminal configured for detecting a current leakage from an electronic device. A control circuit of the current leakage protection circuit is configured for providing a control signal to control a first switch circuit to switch off a first connection between the first input terminal and a first output terminal and to control a second switch circuit to switch off a second connection between the second input terminal and a second output terminal when the current leakage detection terminal detects current leakage of the electronic device.

Abstract: An electrical protection circuit comprises a circuit board, an induction coil, a self-exciting coil, a control chip, a silicon controlled rectifier, a rectifier diode, a resistor, a filtration capacitor, a trip coil with iron core, a group of main circuit switches, and a reset button. An analog electric single-pole double-throw switch linked with the reset button comprises a traveling contact lever, a first static contact jaw, and a second static contact jaw. When the reset button is in a tripped or reset state, the traveling contact lever is connected with the second static contact jaw and the switch is in a closed state. When the reset button is pressed down, the traveling contact lever disconnects from the second static contact jaw, contacts the first static contact jaw, then disconnects from the first static contact jaw and returns to the closed state with the second static contact jaw.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a trip actuator configured to cooperate with an operating mechanism to trip open separable contacts. The circuit interrupter also includes a ground fault sensor configured to sense a difference between a current through a first electrical conductor and a current through a second electrical conductor and to output an output current based on the sensed difference and a ground fault amplifier circuit configured to convert the output current to an output voltage. The circuit interrupter also includes first and second switches configured to electrically connect the output of the ground fault sensor to the ground fault amplifier circuit and the trip actuator, respectively. The circuit interrupter also includes a processor configured to control operation of the first and second switches and, when the first switch is closed, to control operation of the trip actuator based on the output voltage.

Abstract: Electrical load controls are provided which include an electrical switch assembly and a fault protection device within a common housing. The switch assembly includes an actuator, and is responsive to actuation of the actuator to switch ON or OFF electricity to the load. The protection device automatically responds to a fault condition by overriding the switch assembly by automatically blocking electrical connection between phase input and output terminals and neutral input and output terminals of the load control. The actuator includes a single external interface element. In one embodiment, actuation of the actuator switches ON or OFF electricity via control of the fault protection device, and in another embodiment, movement of the interface away from the housing exposes within the housing an internal user interface for the fault protection device.

Abstract: A high impedance fault isolation system for a radially connected three phase electric power line that utilizes three phase current measurements to determine the presence of a fault without the need for any voltage measurements or a battery powered controller. This eliminates the need for costly phase voltage measuring devices conventionally required to detect high impedance faults, which makes it economical to install fault isolation system at a greater number of locations throughout the power system. The system detects faults using current measurements by computing the negative and zero sequence current components and comparing the amplitudes of the negative and zero sequence components. A fault is detected when the ratio of the amplitudes of the negative and zero sequence components falls within a predefined fault detection range, such as the range from 0.5 to 1.5.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining the existence of a ground fault connection within a vehicle. An electrical connector may be provided for electrically connecting the vehicle to an external Alternating Current (AC) power source. The electrical connector includes a three phase electrical connector configured to receive a corresponding input voltage signal on a phase, neutral, and earth connection. A controller being configured to determine whether a faulty earth connection exists between the vehicle and the AC power source the phase connection does not exceed the predetermined phase threshold when referenced to the earth connection and the neutral connection does not exceed the predetermined neutral threshold when referenced to the earth connection or the phase connection exceeds the predetermined phase threshold when referenced to the earth connection and the neutral connection exceeds the predetermined neutral threshold when referenced to the earth connection.

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

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for providing ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-type functionality for electrical systems that may experience leakage current, such as those used in outdoor sports lighting applications, and may benefit from mitigation of electrical shock hazards. The resulting system is such that an equipment-grounded electrical system, where the grounding system is actively monitored, in conjunction with the envisioned GFCI functionality, may comprise an electrical protection system whereby personal injury is minimized.

Abstract: The adapter is a circuit that allows the combination of two plugs on a standard duplex receptacle to be connected to a single electrical load. Each plug's hot and neutral outputs are controlled by a single throw electrical switch that is actuated by it's control input being transversely wired in parallel to the other plug. This arrangement doubles the connection's surface contact area since four prongs are used instead of two, thereby lowering the electrical resistance and increasing the current capacity. It has circuit protective devices wired in series between the hot output of each plug and the input of it's corresponding electrical switch. The circuit will not power up if a short, open or miss wired condition is encountered.

Abstract: For monitoring the isolation of an IT-grid with respect to ground, an inverter connecting a direct current side with an alternating current side of the IT-grid and a photovoltaic device on the direct current side of the IT-grid, at least one isolation resistance of the direct current side with respect to ground is monitored for falling below a resistance threshold value while the inverter is running, and additionally a leakage current via the inverter towards ground is monitored for exceeding a current threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground fault detecting and controlling method for a parallel-structured high voltage system, and more particularly, such a ground fault detecting and controlling method for a parallel-structured high voltage system, in which it can be more precisely determined whether or not the system operation is emergently stopped based on individual insulation resistance values for respective items of the system, and it can be determined whether there is the possibility of temporary operation of the system in the emergency stop situation of the system operation. According to the present invention, a combined insulation resistance ground fault reference value is calculated based on individual insulation resistance values for respective items of the system, and the entire system is controlled by using the calculated combined insulation resistance ground fault reference value such that a high-accuracy ground fault detecting and controlling method can be provided.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for providing comprehensive control and monitoring of an electrical system are presented. The envisioned invention according to at least one aspect provides for control and monitoring functions that include main circuit level functions and sub-circuit level functions. The control and monitoring function further provides for communication with a remote central control center to send commands to and receive data from the main circuit control and/or sub-circuit(s). Information from the monitoring function may be used to alter the operation of the system, aid in diagnostic response, and ultimately, improve the safety and reliability of the electrical system.

Abstract: An inverter includes two input lines for connecting the inverter to an AC power source, a buffer capacitance effective between the input lines, a grounded potential equalization busbar, an isolation monitoring device monitoring the electrical isolation of one of the two input lines with regard to the potential equalization busbar, and an overvoltage eliminating device having at least one overvoltage eliminator for draining overvoltages from the input lines to the potential equalization busbar. The at least one overvoltage eliminator is connected between that input line, whose electric isolation with regard to the potential equalization busbar is monitored, and the potential equalization busbar, without any fuse being connected in series with the at least one overvoltage eliminator. Any overvoltage eliminator of the overvoltage eliminating device, which is connected between the other of the two input lines and the potential equalization busbar, if present, is connected in series with a fuse.

Abstract: A high-impedance system that utilizes asynchronous, line-mounted single-phase current and voltage sensors with rolling data logs and a common clock or other event trigger to synchronize the signals to a common time scale whenever a fault event is detected. The use of asynchronous, single-phase current and voltage angle sensors with rolling data logs, along with a common clock to synchronize the signals to common time scale whenever a fault event is detected, avoids the need for simultaneous three-phase current measurement. Integration of information, triggered by the detection of a loss or sufficient change of current on three or four (with a neutral current) devices, is used to determine the presence and direction of high-impedance faults and then report it, typically to a central control center via SCADA or another communication system, which implements fault isolation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for ground fault monitoring of an AC circuit between, on one hand, a neutral conductor (N?) of the AC circuit and, on the other hand, a protective ground wire (PE) or a ground wire with a series connection of ohmic resistors (R1, R2, R3), which has a first terminal (101) for the neutral conductor (N?) and a second terminal (102) for the protective ground wire (PE) or ground wire, wherein the arrangement includes at least one means for detecting a break of one of the resistors (R1, R2, R3) of the series connection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective wiring device including a fault detection circuit configured to provide a fault detection signal in response to a fault condition or a simulated fault condition. A second circuit is coupled to at least one user-accessible button and is configured to conduct a second signal in response to a user actuation of the at least one user-accessible button if the plurality of line terminals are coupled to a source of AC power, the second signal not simulating the fault condition. An automatic test circuit is configured to periodically determine whether the fault detection circuit is operative and provide an electronics test failure signal if the fault detection circuit fails to provide the fault detection signal in response to the periodically effected simulated fault condition.

Abstract: A leakage current masking device for use with a circuit includes at least one inductive load device coupled to the circuit and configured to supply an inductive load to the circuit, and a processor communicatively coupled to the inductive load device. The processor is configured to receive a signal representative of a current through the circuit, calculate a capacitive leakage current component of the current, and cause the inductive load device to adjust the inductive load supplied to the circuit to reduce the capacitive leakage current component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remotely-controllable circuit breaker, including a first circuit breaking unit, remote control unit, and housing. The first circuit breaking unit and the remote control unit are disposed in the housing; the first circuit breaking unit operates to switch on or off loads and electric lines; the remote control unit operates to control the interruption of the remotely-controllable circuit breaker via a remote control signal; and the housing is made of insulating and flame-retardant materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a residual current device which is able to safely and reliably operate when a line voltage is present (voltage dependent mode) and when the line voltage is not present or falls below a predetermined threshold level (voltage independent mode). The present invention is implemented as a residual current device having a trip mechanism for isolating an electric supply to an electrical installation upon detection of a predetermined current imbalance between the line and neutral conductors of said electric supply. The present invention comprises a current transformer having a secondary winding responsive to any current imbalance on said electrical installation, and a circuit protection winding being connectable to a processing means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective wiring device for use in an electrical distribution system. The device includes a test facility includes a testing circuit configured to periodically generate at least one first test signal without execution of software instructions. A test monitoring circuit operates without execution of software instructions and is configured to effect an end-of-life detection state if the circuit interrupter fails to effect the tripped state in response to the electronics test failure state or in response to detecting a failure in the actuator assembly. An end-of-life circuit assembly is coupled to the test monitoring circuit, the end-of-life circuit assembly being configured to permanently decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals in response to the end-of-life detection state.

Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker having the same number of sensors and controllers as poles. One pole is monitored by a first sensor and a first controller, which are disposed on a first circuit board. Another pole is monitored by a second sensor and a second controller, which are disposed on a second circuit board that is cable-connected to the first circuit board. A ground-fault sensor monitors the sum of current flowing through the line conductors and a neutral conductor, and the output of the ground-fault sensor is provided to one or both of the controllers. Each controller is operable to detect arc faults on the respective line that it is monitoring, and at least one is operable to detect ground faults. A push-to-test algorithm is executed in relay fashion, with one controller executing the test before passing the result of the test onto the next controller, which in turns executes the test.

Abstract: Solid state power controllers are described that include a switch controlled by a microcontroller and communication contacts. In one aspect of the invention, the microcontroller is galvanically isolated from the communication contacts using magnetoresistive isolation. In another aspect of the invention a number of solid state power controllers are connected to an external microcontroller to form a power distribution array. In addition, messages exchanged between the external microcontroller and the solid state power controllers can be used to configure the solid state power controllers and provide a user interface.