Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes band pass filters cooperating with a current sensor to output bands having different, non-overlapping ranges of frequencies, peak detectors cooperating with the filters to detect corresponding peak current values, envelope detectors cooperating with the filters to detect corresponding occurrences from the bands being within corresponding predetermined magnitude ranges, a counter counting the occurrences, and a processor providing and disabling series arc detection when sensed current is greater than a first predetermined value. The processor determines tallies responsive to peak current values exceeding corresponding thresholds, determines series arcing from sensed current being less than the first predetermined value for a predetermined time, the tally for a current half-cycle being nonzero, and a count for the current half-cycle being different than the count for an immediately previous half-cycle of like polarity by at least a second predetermined value.

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: An arc fault circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism, a current sensor sensing current flowing through the contacts and outputting a sensed current, and a processor determining and storing peak values of the sensed current for plural half-cycles. The processor provides arc fault detection, determines whether a first predetermined plurality of half-cycles occur in succession and correspond to non-unity power factor, and responsively inhibits the detection for a first predetermined time, and whether a second predetermined plurality of half-cycles occur in succession, each with smaller peak amplitude than that of an immediately preceding half-cycle of like or differing polarity, and responsively inhibits the detection for a second predetermined time.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for disconnecting a power source upon the detection of a leakage current comprising a power cable having an insulated first and a second wire. The power cable has a conductive shield surrounding the first and second wires with a drain wire electrically contacting the conductive shield. A disconnect switch is interposed between the power source and the power cable. A primary circuit controls the disconnect switch. A secondary circuit is connected to the drain wire for sensing a leakage current between the conductive shield and one of the first and second wires. An optical switch interconnects the primary circuit and the secondary circuit for opening the disconnect switch upon the secondary circuit sensing a leakage current.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, and a neutral load terminal. A low pass filter circuit has a capacitor coupled in series with a solenoid coil of the protective device. The low pass filter is coupled across the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal. A miswire detection circuit is configured to detect a miswire fault condition when AC power is coupled to the hot load terminal and the neutral load terminal. An interrupting contact assembly includes interrupting contacts that provide electrical continuity between the hot line terminal and the hot load terminal and the neutral line terminal and the neutral load terminal in a reset state. The interrupting contacts are open in a tripped state. An indicator circuit is coupled to the interrupting contact assembly and being configured to indicate the tripped state and/or the reset state.

Abstract: A switching device for disconnecting and switching at least one line of a power supply is disclosed. The switching device may be, for example, a residual-current-operated protective device or a combination switch and includes a line-voltage-independent trigger device, a trigger element, such as a trigger relay, associated with the line-voltage-independent trigger device, as well as a line-voltage-dependent trigger device. The line-voltage-dependent trigger device has means for triggering the trigger element that is associated with the line-voltage-independent trigger device. The switching device has a simple construction, a reduced number of components, and also an enhanced functional reliability compared to a conventional switching device.

Abstract: A trip actuator assembly is provided for a circuit breaker including a housing having a mounting surface, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The trip actuator assembly includes a trip actuator cooperable with the operating mechanism, and a planar member having first and second ends, first and second edges, and an aperture. The trip actuator is at least partially disposed within the aperture and is further disposed between the planar member and the mounting surface of the housing. The first edge of the planar member is removably coupled to the mounting surface, thereby removably coupling the trip actuator to the housing. The circuit breaker may include an accessory tray which is insertable on and is removable from the mounting surface. When inserted, the accessory tray abuts the body of the trip actuator enclosure further securing the trip actuator.

Abstract: An exemplary ground fault detection device is capable of detecting a ground fault on multiple phases. The ground fault detection device includes a monitoring module that monitors the phases and determines if there is a non-zero electrical energy value sum for a selected interval on each phase. An output module provides a ground fault indication when all of the phases have a non-zero electrical energy sum for the selected interval.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter device having a circuit module that automatically monitor the operation of the device and contains a master control system that periodically sends out an impulse that simulates an electric shock signal, a monitoring system that has an interlocking magnifier and comparator, and a signaling system to indicate the normal or faulty operation of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel circuit interrupting device capable of performing an automatic end-of-life test using a status test switch (KR-1), when the device is properly wired and the reset button is at a tripped state. The present invention is further characterized by its novel reset mechanism using a reset start switch (KR-4), a novel electrical connection between an input power end, an output power end, and a user accessible end to establish or discontinue electricity in the circuit interrupting device, and a novel test mechanism which uses a test button in connection with a rotatable lever to provide a dual test function to either test the components of the circuit interrupting device when the power is on and the reset button is at a reset state, or provide a mechanical trip when the reset button cannot be tripped by artificially generating an electric leakage current. Finally, the present invention provides a method to monitor the end-of-life of the device.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, a neutral conductor, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, at least one current sensor structured to sense current flowing through the separable contacts and output a sensed current value; and a processor. The processor includes a first routine structured to provide parallel arc fault detection, a second routine structured to provide series arc fault detection, and a third routine structured to enable the first routine and disable the second routine for a predetermined time when the sensed current value is greater than a predetermined value and to enable the second routine and disable the first routine for the predetermined time when the sensed current value is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a family of resettable circuit interrupting devices that eliminates the need to rewire a resettable circuit interrupting device after it is installed and powered up to correct for a reverse wiring conditions.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A signal analyzer for calculating the power consumption and power factor of a three-phase power system driving a motor includes logic that determines whether the analyzer's own input terminals are wired in a proper or inverted manner. To do this, the signal analyzer observes a pattern of zero crossing slope values of the three line-to-line voltages of the three-phase power system and observes a pattern of zero crossing slope values of the current in the three power lines. The analyzer also compares the slope of a voltage signal as the signal passes through zero volts and the sign of a corresponding current signal that exists as the voltage signal crosses zero volts. Based on the observed voltage and current patterns and the voltage-to-current relationships, the analyzer can positively identify which of a plurality of inputs or signal wires are inverted.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method, which can comprise configuring a system to compare an electrical value and a selected pre-stored threshold value of a plurality of pre-stored threshold values. The method can comprise configuring the system to modify the plurality of pre-stored threshold values based upon a predetermined change in measured temperature.

Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices using a center latch are provided. The circuit interrupting devices include those with a reset lockout, reverse wiring protection, and/or an independent trip portion.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter for interrupting current on a line conductor is provided. The circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, a trip mechanism, a bimetal, a microprocessor, a series arc detection sequence, a low-pass filter circuit, and a high-pass filter circuit. The trip mechanism selectively opens the separable contacts when activated. The series arc detection sequence is resident on the microprocessor and includes a plurality of series fault detection algorithms. The low-pass filter circuit provides a low-pass signal to the series arc detection sequence. The high-pass filter circuit provides a high-pass signal to the series arc detection sequence. The sequence selects a particular algorithm from the plurality of algorithms based on the low-pass signal. The sequence calculates a plurality of statistical features from the high-pass signal and sends an output signal to activate the trip mechanism based on a comparison of the plurality of statistical features to the particular algorithm.

Abstract: A self testing fault detector having a line side and a load side and a conductive path there between, said apparatus is provided. The self testing fault detector includes a controller, adapted to perform periodic status tests on a protection circuit of the self testing fault detector without interrupting power to the load.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism adapted to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes a peak detector determining a peak amplitude of a current pulse of the current flowing in a power circuit. A microprocessor determines whether the peak amplitude of the current pulse is greater than a predetermined magnitude. A plurality of routines including a time discounted accumulation algorithm, a short delay algorithm and a series time discounted accumulation algorithm, employ the peak amplitude to determine whether an arc fault condition exists in the power circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to resettable circuit interrupting devices and apparatus capable of being tested and reset from remote locations, and in particular to portable circuit interrupting devices and apparatus capable of being tested and reset from remote locations.

Abstract: A method for detecting and interrupting an electrically islanded condition for a grid connected current source inverter is disclosed in which: A line voltage frequency is monitored at a cycle or sub cycle resolution. Current output from the inverter is periodically phase shifted. If voltage is observed to follow the phase shift of the current output an islanding error signal is generated causing the inverter to stop injecting power onto the line.

Abstract: An interrupter circuit is disclosed for interrupting power in a power cable from a power source. The power cable comprises an insulated line wire and an insulated neutral wire with a conductive shield surrounding the line wire and the neutral wire. A non-insulated drain wire contacts the conductive shield. An outer insulating layer is molded about the conductive shield. A disconnect switch is interposed between the power source and the power cable with a disconnect switch driver controlling the disconnect switch. A sensing circuit is connected between the drain wire and the disconnect switch driver for sensing a leakage current between the conductive shield and one of the insulated line wire and the insulated neutral wire for opening the disconnect switch for disconnecting the power cable from the power source.

Abstract: A control system for a bathing installation which has one or more electrically powered devices. A line voltage service is connected through a GFCI to power the electrically powered devices, the GFCI adapted to interrupt the service upon detection of a ground fault. A trip circuit may induce a ground fault and trip the GFCI in response to a trip signal, thereby disabling application of electrical power to the electrically powered devices. An electronic circuit is responsive to a fault condition for generating the trip signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arc fault detection apparatus using a microcomputer, which divides current paths into a low current path and a high current path depending on the intensity of load current using a source voltage that is applied to a lead wire and determines whether an arc fault signal exists, and which presets a circuit breaking time against the generation of an arc, corresponding to the magnitude of a load, and immediately breaks a circuit if a corresponding arc fault signal is detected within the preset circuit breaking time.

Abstract: A new type of switching mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with reverse wiring protection preferably includes two pairs of fixed contact holders, each member of each pair having at least one fixed contact at one end; a pair of movable contact holders, each having an end having one or more of movable contacts, each movable contact being arranged for contacting one of the fixed contacts; and a movable assembly that moves between first and second positions, wherein the first position is a position in which each of the contacts of the fixed contact holders makes contact with one of the contacts of the movable end of one of the movable contact holders, and wherein the second position is a position in which the contacts of the fixed contact holders are separated from the contacts of the movable contact holders.

Abstract: Low cost apparatus and methods of detecting arc faults for better discriminating electrical events. The arc fault detection apparatus includes a current sensor, a di/dt input sense circuit, a dv/dt input sense circuit, and a processing unit. The current sensor monitors a power line current, and provides high frequency components of the power line current to the di/dt input sense circuit. The dv/dt input sense circuit monitors a power line voltage. The di/dt and dv/dt input sense circuits generate signals carrying information relating to changes in the power line current and the power line voltage, respectively. The processing unit analyzes these changes in the power line current and the power line voltage to discriminate detected electrical arcing events from nuisance loads with increased accuracy.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter includes a line terminal, a load terminal, separable contacts electrically connected between the line terminal and the load terminal, and a current sensor structured to sense current associated with the load and flowing between the line terminal and the load terminal and through the separable contacts. The sensed current includes a plurality of line cycles. An arc fault detection circuit is structured to provide series arc protection and to generate a trip signal responsive to the sensed current from the current sensor. The arc fault detection circuit collects a plurality of samples of the sensed current over the line cycles, determines a single current transient associated with energization of the load, and responsively inhibits the series arc protection. An operating mechanism is structured to open the separable contacts responsive to the trip signal.

Abstract: A method and system for determining whether arcing is present in an electrical circuit. The methods includes sensing a change in an alternating current in the circuit and developing a corresponding input signal, analyzing the input signal to determine the presence of broadband noise in a predetermined range of frequencies, and producing a corresponding output signal. The method further includes determining a type of load connected to the electrical circuit, based at least in part upon the input signal and the output signal, incrementing one or more of a plurality of counters in a predetermined fashion in accordance with the input signal and the output signal and determining whether an arcing fault is present based at least in part on the states of one or more of a plurality of counters. The method also includes decrementing one or more of the plurality of counters based upon a secondary analysis.

Abstract: A system for evaluating at least one tripping stimulus for a ground-fault circuit interrupter includes: a sensing circuit configured to measure a leakage current from a voltage line to ground, wherein the sensing circuit is capable of generating a leakage signal including a voltage representative of the leakage current; and an evaluating circuit configured to evaluate the leakage signal to generate an indication signal, wherein the indication signal includes information corresponding to the at least one tripping stimulus. The sensing circuit may include a circuit substantially similar to at least a portion of a ground-fault circuit interrupter, and the evaluating circuit may include a peak hold circuit. The system may further include an indicator circuit for receiving the indication signal and displaying a status of the tripping conditions.

Abstract: A generator system includes a generator control for providing electrical power to a main generator. The main generator is mechanically coupled to an electrical power source that provides electrical power to the generator control during operation of the main generator. An arc fault device in electrical communication with the electrical power source electrically isolates the power source from the generator control when an arc fault within the generator control is detected.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter includes separable contacts electrically connected between line and load terminals, and a current sensor adapted to sense current flowing between the terminals and through the contacts. An arc fault detection circuit is adapted to collect a plurality of samples of the sensed current for a line cycle, determine a first slope of the sensed current at about a zero crossing of a line voltage, determine a magnitude of one of the samples at about the zero crossing, determine a second slope of the sensed current at another one of the samples having about the magnitude, with the first slope being opposite in polarity with respect to the second slope. The arc fault detection circuit calculates a difference between the slopes, and generates a trip signal as a function of the difference. An operating mechanism is adapted to open the contacts responsive to the trip signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit interrupting device, preferably a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which contains a dual-function test button having a short pole and a long pole positioned underneath the dual-function test button. When the GFCI is properly wired and powered, a depression of the dual-function test button allows the short pole to operatively connect to a conductive pin and generate a leakage current to test the components of the GFCI. If all of the components are functioned properly, the GFCI can be reset. If not, the GFCI cannot be reset. When the GFCI is miswired or reverse wired and not powered, a depression of the dual-function test button does not test the components of the GFCI. However, a further depression of the dual-function test button allows the long pole presses against a tripping lever on a locking member in a tripping device which mechanically trip the GFCI.

Abstract: A residual current device (RCD) senses a differential current flowing in A.C. mains supply live and neutral conductors and disconnects the supply from a load when the differential current exceeds a predetermined level. The device further includes a circuit for detecting a double grounded neutral fault in which current flows in an N-E loop formed by a double grounded neutral. The current is sensed as a differential current and detected as a correspondence between causing the current to flow and sensing the differential current.

Abstract: A detection circuit detects a difference between a source current and a return current. The detection circuit includes a constantly biased magnetic core through which conductors of the source and return currents extend, and a sense winding around the core. The sense winding carries an AC signal. A sensing circuit connected with the sense winding senses a change in small signal impedance of the sense winding relative to the core. This detection circuit can be used to protect people and equipment against accidental contact with high-voltage DC systems.

Abstract: A test circuit is provided, which is independent of a power supply and which enables a circuit breaker to be tested in a reliable manner. The test circuit includes a test coil which is devoid of electric potential and is wound around a totalizing current transformer. The test coil is preferably short circuited using a test switch and a connectable load. This simulates the occurrence of a residual current. The selection of an appropriate connectable load allows the sensitivity of the current circuit breaker to be tested in an advantageous manner.

Abstract: An earth leakage breaker includes a main contact, a switch mechanism, an operating handle, a leakage tripping device and an over-current tripping device having an earth-leakage-detection circuit disposed in a main-body case. A power-supply line connects the earth-leakage-detection circuit to the main circuit for supplying voltage between phases of the main circuit as a power source of the earth-leakage-detection circuit. Further, a test switch is provided for turning on and off a power-supply circuit of the power-supply line connected to the earth-leakage-detection circuit, and an operation of the test switch is linked to an ON/OFF operation of the switch mechanism.

Abstract: A typical duplex GFCI receptacles has two buttons, a test button that, when pressed, shuts off power to the receptacle and down stream devices, and a reset button that, when pressed, restores power to the GFCI and down stream devices. Generally, the test button is pressed to verify that the GFCI will interrupt power to the conductive paths and the reset button is pressed to reset the GFCI. In operation, the test portion of the GFCI will automatically break electrical continuity in one or more conductive paths (i.e., open the conductive path) between line and load sides upon the detection of a fault such as a reverse wiring condition, a ground fault, an open neutral and/or a defective GFCI device. When this happens the reset button in the typical GFCI receptacle is then pressed in an to attempt to restore power. The GFCI here disclosed has only one button which is used for both the test and reset operation.

Abstract: A fault interrupter apparatus having a line side and a load side and a conductive path there between. The apparatus includes a solenoid that is adapted to move a plurality of contacts disposed in the conductive path from a first position to a second position, an alarm indicator that is adapted to provide status information on the operation of the fault interrupter apparatus, and a processor that is adapted to detect four condition states of the fault interrupter and indicate the four condition states of the fault interrupter using the alarm indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detection of a ground fault (18), which occurs in the vicinity of a neutral point (22), in a polyphase electrical device which is operated at a fundamental frequency, in particular an electrical machine (10) or a transformer which has a number of windings (11, 12, 13), which are associated with the individual phases, one end of each of which windings (11, 12, 13) is connected to the neutral point (22) and the other end of each of which windings (11, 12, 13) is connected directly to a power supply network via a power supply system connection (14, 15, 16). Simple and reliable detection is achieved in that the change in the physical variables which is associated with a ground fault (18) is measured in the immediate vicinity of the ground fault (18), and is evaluated.

Abstract: A voltage monitor module is operable to monitor a characteristic of an input voltage to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) device and generate a fault signal that causes the GFCI device to enter a de-energized state when the characteristic of the input voltage is not within a defined tolerance.

Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include neutral fault test simulation.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting system has an upper cover, an intermediate support, and a base. A mounting strap is installed between the upper cover and the intermediate support, and a electric circuit board installed between the intermediate support and the base. The upper cover includes an electric output plug, a test button, and a reset button. The mounting strap includes a ground point that is connected to a ground receptacle of the electric output plug; the intermediate support on both sides a pair of output conductors. The electric circuit board comprises a differential transformer, a solenoid coil having a plunger inside, a reset button bias member, and a flexible switch; both sides of the base respectively comprise in parallel a pair of electric input connection screws and a pair of electric output point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for shielding an electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave shield device comprises a relay having a contact selectively connected to a first terminal or a second terminal of a power receptacle; a controller controlling the connection between the contact of the relay and the first terminal or the connection between the contact of the relay and the second terminal, comparing the first voltage value generated by the connection between the contact of the relay and the first terminal with the second voltage generated by the connection between the contact of the relay and the second terminal, and controlling the relay so that the contact of the relay is connected to the terminal having the lower voltage value; and an electromagnetic wave shielding unit for providing the electromagnetic wave generated by an electric and electronic device to the terminal having the lower voltage value.

Abstract: A ground fault detector for use in resistance grounded electrical systems. In one embodiment, the system includes a digital processor to monitor an electrical parameter of the resistance to determine and indicate whether a ground fault has occurred. Data regarding the ground fault occurrence can then be digitally stored transmitted, or processed, such as by an external computer. In another embodiment, the ground fault detector includes a filter to remove the harmonic components of the monitored electrical parameter, to avoid false alarms. In addition, in another embodiment, the ground fault detector can also determine whether a high harmonic condition is present in the monitored electrical system. The phase of the electrical system can be grounded by pressing a test switch, thereby causing a ground fault and allowing the harmonic components of the signal in the electrical system to be monitored.

Abstract: An AC power line protection device which includes a protection circuit which guards against miswiring also has an indicator lamp which lights when the device is in the tripped condition and turns off when the device is reset. If the device is miswired after having been wired properly, the indicator lamp does not light when the device is tripped, and so provides a supplemental indication of miswiring. The protection circuit is powered from the hot line bus bar. The indicator lamp is also powered via the hot line bus bar of the interrupting contacts to meet safety standards.

Abstract: A fault circuit interrupter with functionality for reset can include a relay that trips a first circuit when a ground fault or other error is detected in the first circuit. The relay can be a bistable type of relay that is caused to change state by the detection of a ground fault (or other error) in the first circuit. To reset the fault circuit interrupter after it has tripped, a reset mechanism can include means for simulating a ground fault (or other error). A signal can be sent to the relay when a simulated ground fault (or other simulated fault) is output, such that the signal causes the relay to change state to re-close the first circuit after the trip. Accordingly, the interrupter is automatically tested for functionality when it is reset. Moreover, the fault circuit interrupter cannot be reset if the circuitry of the fault circuit interrupter is not operational.

Abstract: A fault interrupter having a microcontroller is provided to detect actual faults. The fault interrupter initiates a periodic self-test and provides external notification to the user upon successful or unsuccessful completion of the test. The fault interrupter generates the test signal at a selected time to substantially coincide with the zero-crossing of the AC power source. A manual test can also be performed using a manual test switch provided as a direct input to the microcontroller.

Abstract: An electronic earth leakage current device, comprising: a moving contact and a fixed contact which can be mutually coupled/uncoupled; and first sensor means for detecting an earth leakage current and for generating an electric signal which is indicative of the value of the earth leakage current; and first electronic means which are electrically connected to the first sensor means in order to generate, on the basis of the electric signal which is indicative of the value of the earth leakage current, an electric tripping signal; and actuation means, operatively connected to the moving contact, in order to perform, in response to an electric tripping signal, the separation of the moving contact from the fixed contact; Its particularity consists of the fact that it comprises: second sensor means for detecting one or more physical values which are indicative of the operating condition of the electronic device for protection against earth leakage current; and second electronic means, electrically connected t

Abstract: A safe method and apparatus for interrupting electric utility ground and open neutral fault currents and isolating customer's grounding system from utility's neutral utilizing thermal-magnetic circuit breaker pole(s) (18) electrically connected between the neutral bus/lug(s) (38) and the equipment ground bus/lug(s) (32). In addition the grounding electrode conductor (26) is connected directly to the equipment ground bus/lug(s) (32). The method of overcurrent protection for grounding electrode conductors is applicable to electrical installations where from one to six main circuit breakers are used. Circuit breaker enclosure(s) (10) are bonded to the equipment ground bus/lug(s) (32). This method is applicable to load centers, panelboards, and switchboards rated 600 volts or less, single phase or three phase. Ampere ratings vary from 20 amperes to 4,000 amperes. Short circuit ratings vary from 10,000 to 200,000 RMS symmetrical amperes.

Abstract: An electrical timer having pre-set options, electronically set via e-prom and microprocessor or other solid-state circuitry, for the activation of an electrical receptacle, with ground-fault circuit protection, contained within the timer housing. This timer is novel and differs from others, as it is designed for user-activation and instantaneous energizalion of said receptacle, based upon immediate need and for fixed and pre-set durations, independent of time-of-day, chronological, calendar-based, or other pre-scheduled means, using simplified selections and modalities, and providing ongoing visual status of timer activity. The timer also has a manual reset (off) function. According to a further aspect, switching-times mechanism is co-located within the timer housing, which includes a suitable electrical plug, an electrical receptacle, an electrical switch operable with the timer, and shock protection via ground-fault circuit interruption circuitry.