Abstract: A contact apparatus includes a fixed contact and a moving contact component. The moving contact component includes a push rod, a contact bracket, an insulated sleeve, a moving contact, and a contact spring. The insulated sleeve is fixedly sleeved on a first end of the push rod, a second end of the push rod is configured to connect a drive apparatus, the contact bracket is fixedly sleeved on the insulated sleeve, the moving contact and the contact spring are both flexibly sleeved on the insulated sleeve, the contact spring elastically abuts between the moving contact and the contact bracket, the moving contact and the fixed contact are disposed relative to each other in an extension direction of the push rod, and the moving contact can be driven by the push rod to be connected to the fixed contact.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises one or more power distribution units, and a power line filter device electrically connected to the one or more power distribution units. The power line filter device is configured to be electrically connected to a power source for the one or more power distribution units at a location between the power source and the one or more power distribution units. The power line filter device is configured to condition one or more signals in one or more power lines to prevent emission of data corresponding to one or more information technology devices.

Abstract: Disclosed a method and system for fault location and protection of Microgrids which are operated under islanded mode by being disconnected from distribution systems under large disturbance or disaster scenarios. The disclosed method is invented to meet the protection needs for disconnected ungrounded microgrids without appropriate protection systems that are usually installed only at distribution substations. Moreover, the disclosed protection method or scheme is targeted at inverter-dominated microgrids in which fault current limiters are installed to protect inverters introduced by the increasing penetration of inverter-based distributed generators (IBDGs).

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi ground line disconnection inspection device as a device for inspecting whether a plurality of ground lines that are connected to a ground node of an electronic control device are disconnected, including a plurality of test lines having one end connected to a plurality of ground lines, respectively, a plurality of connection switches connected to the ground node and the other end of a plurality of test lines, respectively, a plurality of test power supplies for applying test voltages to a plurality of test nodes respectively positioned on a plurality of test lines, respectively, and a determination unit for determining whether a plurality of ground lines are disconnected by detecting voltages of a plurality of test nodes.

Abstract: A system is disclosed to detect failure of a diode that is connected in series with a battery and a contactor or other switch configured to connect the battery to a load when the contactor or other switch is in a closed position and to isolate the battery from the load when the contactor or other switch is in an open position. In various embodiments, the system includes a high value resistor connected between the anode terminal of the diode and ground, the connection to the anode terminal being on a load side of the contactor or other switch; and a voltage meter configured to measure a voltage across the high value resistor at least during a test in which a voltage is applied to a bus associated with the load while the contactor or other switch is in the open position.

Abstract: A residual current sensor for a residual current protective device for monitoring an electrical load for a vehicle is presented. The residual current sensor has an electrical circuit for identifying a test signal in an electrical forward conductor, which forward-conducts from a control apparatus for controlling the electrical load to the electrical load the test signal represents a request to perform a self-test of the residual current sensor. The residual current sensor also has a residual-current-generating apparatus for generating a test residual current in an electrical reverse conductor, which conducts away from the electrical load, in response to the identified test signal. The residual current sensor furthermore has a measuring apparatus for measuring a differential current between a first electric current in the electrical forward conductor and a second electric current in the electrical reverse conductor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for auto-monitoring a trip solenoid and a switching semiconductor in a circuit breaker comprises determining whether the trip solenoid or the switching semiconductor is open-circuited or otherwise non-operational. The trip solenoid has multiple windings therein and the switching semiconductor has multiple semiconductor switches therein. The circuit breaker automatically performs a designated action if one of the multiple windings or one of the semiconductor switches is determined to be open-circuited or otherwise non-operational. In some embodiments, the circuit breaker is a miniature circuit breaker.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved relay protection systems that can detect a short to ground condition on an output of a relay. A relay protection system can bias an output of the relay. The output of the relay can be monitored to determine if a bias level reduces below a predetermined threshold, indicating a short to ground condition. If a short to ground condition is detected, the relay protection system can prevent the relay from transitioning from an open position to a closed position. As a result, a power source can remain decoupled from a load, thereby preventing damage to the relay and the load.

Abstract: Software code for operating a circuit interrupting device having an auto-monitoring circuit for automatically testing various functions and structures of the device. The auto-monitoring circuit initiates the software code which includes an auto-monitoring routine which, among other things, establishes a self-test fault during the positive or negative half-wave 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 software code 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: In an embodiment, a missing utility ground detection circuit includes a pair of balanced resistors each connected to receive utility voltage from a different one of a pair of utility power lines, the balanced resistors being connected together at a summing node to be capable of summing the voltages from the pair of utility power lines. It includes an unbalance resistor connected to shunt voltage from one of the utility power lines. It has a summing amplifier with an input coupled to the summing node and to a reference voltage, and an input coupled to a second reference voltage. It has an averaging circuit connected at the output of the summing amplifier. A comparator is provided having an input connected to the averaging circuit an input connected to a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A power distribution system includes multiple uniform power distribution modules and multiple uniform mating connectors. A portion of the mating connectors are connected to the power distribution modules directly and the remainder are connected to the power distribution modules via a ground fault interrupt adapter.

Abstract: A high-voltage DC (HVDC) power system and a method of controlling and protecting the HVDC power system includes a plurality of sending-end (SE) modules coupled in electrical series and a plurality of receiving-end (RE) power converter modules electrically coupled to said plurality of SE modules, the RE modules coupled in a switchyard configuration, the switchyard configuration including a plurality of load branches coupled together in electrical series, each load branch including a branch bypass switch configured to bypass load current around an associated load branch, and a branch protection system.

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 provides an improved leakage protection socket with reverse connection protection function. The electromagnetic tripping mechanism comprises a trip coil, an iron core and a permanent magnet that fit with a return spring, the iron core has, in its front end, a boss to pull the lock for horizontal movement, the movable input contacts are clamped by a rib slot of an upper tripper that can moves upward and downward along with the reset button. There is also provided a reverse connection trip device, which has a slope that coordinates with the boss of the iron core, upon reverse connection, the trip coil generates a magnetic field in the same orientation with the permanent magnet.

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 ground fault circuit interrupter comprises a reset key, a reset locking mechanism, a reset mechanism, a reset bracket, a bracket reset mechanism, a bracket homing mechanism, a reset linkage mechanism, and a reset linkage clutching mechanism. A conductive assembly is configured to selectively connect or disconnect electrical continuity between the power input side and the load side. The conductive assembly comprises pairs of short-circuit conductive strips with conductive movable contacts, power input connection assemblies with input conductive stationary contacts, wiring output assemblies, receptacle output assemblies with output stationary contacts, and a first short-circuit conductor and a second short-circuit conductor.

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: 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: 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: 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: Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for monitoring and detection of conditions indicative of an electrical fault for an electrical circuit or system. In one aspect, a central control can simultaneously monitor a plurality of geographically distributed electrical circuits or systems for conditions that have been predetermined to be indicative of an electrical fault or concern, and provide either some communication (e.g., a warning) or instruction (e.g., to terminate power) back to the monitored circuit/system, the owner/operator/user of the circuit/system, or both. The central control can collect, store, mine, and analyze data from the diverse monitoring of plural systems. A knowledge base can be built up over time and used to establish monitoring of the same, other circuits and systems, develop more accurate monitoring and communication of faults or concerns, and account for factors related to normal operation of a circuit or system.

Abstract: A device is provided for use with an AC power system having a line conductor, a neutral conductor and a transformer, the line conductor and the neutral conductor are coupled between a source and a load, and the transformer includes a first primary winding coupled in series with the line conductor, a second primary winding coupled in series with the neutral conductor, and a secondary winding. The device includes a first circuit coupled to the secondary winding, providing a first detection signal if a current from the line conductor to ground exceeds a first predetermined threshold, and a second circuit coupled to the secondary winding, having a source that provides an AC signal at a specified amplitude and a specified frequency to the secondary winding. The second circuit provides a second detection signal if an impedance between the neutral conductor and ground is less than a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are presented for mitigating arc fault events in a photovoltaic system. An aspect of this disclosure is directed to a photovoltaic system for generating electrical power. The photovoltaic system includes one or more solar panels, and one or more shuttering assemblies, each of which is configured to selectively limit the quantity of light received by one or more of the solar panels. One or more sensing devices detect characteristics of an arc fault event in the photovoltaic system, and output signals indicative thereof. A control module is operatively connected to the shuttering assemblies and the sensing devices. The control module is configured to direct the one or more shuttering assemblies to reduce the quantity of light received by at least one of the one or more solar panels in response to the output signals indicating there is an arc fault event in the photovoltaic system.

Abstract: A protection feature is disclosed for a self powered protection relay having, for example, sensitive earth fault protection. Protection can be achieved in tandem with optimal power on trip time and with integrated logic for inrush discrimination. The self supplied protection relay can include a current processing module to measure and evaluate line current to generate a trip signal, and to suppress inrush current to block earth fault detection during an inrush condition and thereby increase sensitivity of fault detection.

Abstract: A resettable switching apparatus, useful in a GFCI receptacle, has 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 test fault situation on either the positive or negative half-wave of the power cycle and determines whether the detection mechanisms within the device appropriately detect the test fault and whether the device would trip in the event of an actual fault. 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: 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: 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: A GFCI device with circuit condition detection function includes a leakage current detection circuit, a disconnect mechanism, a reset mechanism, a circuit condition detection and control circuit, and a selection switch. The disconnect mechanism includes a first SCR controlled by the leakage current detection circuit. The circuit condition detection and control circuit includes a first control circuit and a second control circuit. When the first control circuit is connected to an anode of the first SCR by the selection switch, it provides an intermittent simulated leakage current to the leakage current detection circuit, and the leakage current detection circuit provides a trigger signal for a control gate of the first SCR, so that the first control circuit generates an intermittent simulated leakage current. When the leakage current detection circuit is not operational to generate the trigger signal, the first control circuit generates a control signal to disable the GFCI device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit interrupting device which comprises a leakage current detection and protection circuit containing a simulated leakage current generation circuit which is capable of automatically generating a simulated leakage current when the circuit interrupting device is properly wired and in a tripped state to automatically test the functions of the key components of the circuit interrupting device. The simulated leakage current generation circuit comprises a normally closed switch and a normally open switch. The leakage current detection and protection circuit further comprises a normal status indicator light and a power output indicator light to indicate whether the circuit interrupting device is working properly and/or reverse wired. The circuit interrupting device further comprises a reset switch, a pair of discharged metal pieces, and four pairs of circuit interrupting contacts.

Abstract: A hand-held power drill incorporates an electronic voltage sensor having a sensing input conductively connected to the drill chuck so that a drill bit held by the chuck serves as a voltage sensing element. The electronic voltage sensor can operate an audible or visible warning device, and can also disable the drill motor, when the drill bit is in close proximity to a live wire. A two pole switch with successively closed sets of contacts allows the drill to be used as a voltage probe without operating the drill motor. An auxiliary by-pass switch gives the operator the option to operate the drill even when it is in proximity to a live wire.

Abstract: A system comprising a magnetic actuator, a current transformer and operational electronics in a dual-coil circuit breaker. The system includes an inline, but non concentric, implementation of the primary and secondary coils to maintain a narrow width suitable for retrofitting in standard industrial rack mounted enclosures. The system further comprises a split core design that is integrated into an upper and lower plate which slide together and are retained by a secondary coil bobbin. Typically, the two parts of the split core can be manufactured into net shapes by utilizing a powder metal or metal injection molding process. Moreover, the split core design disclosed herein can reduce costs and time associated with manufacturing and assembly of the current transformer.

Abstract: A device for controlling a transistor, the device comprising an amplifying device (15) for controlling the transistor gate via an output control signal, the device including a first input connected to the transistor drain, the whole assembly forming a first connection, a second input connected to the transistor source, the whole assembly forming a second connection. The control device also comprises: at least one protecting device including at least one switching element (T1) which is inserted in series in the first connection of the amplifying device (15) to prevent a leakage current from passing through the first connection, and a device generating a regulating voltage to control the transistor, the generating device being configured such that there exists the same number of semiconductor junctions between the first and second connections. The invention is in particular applicable on battery charging devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical device configured to be disposed in an electrical distribution system between a source of electrical power and an electrical load. The electrical distribution system includes at least one line hot conductor, a line neutral conductor, and a line ground conductor. The line neutral conductor is connected to the line ground conductor at a termination point in the electrical distribution system. The electrical load includes at least one load hot conductor, a load neutral conductor, and a load ground conductor. The device includes a grounding confirmation circuit that includes at least one signal generator that directs at least one test signal into a current path that includes at least the line ground conductor. The grounding confirmation circuit is configured to determine a ground continuity status of the current path based on at least one ground continuity measurement.

Abstract: A ground fault sensing device for a drive system that converts direct current electrical power from a direct current power supply into alternating current electrical power and drives an electric motor with that alternating current electrical power, comprises: an extraction circuit that is connected to a power supply line of the direct current power supply via a coupling capacitor, that detects an amplitude wave that is generated when an alternating current side including the electric motor is suffering a ground fault, and that extracts the envelope of the amplitude wave; a measurement circuit that measures the voltage level of the envelope; and a determination circuit that makes a decision as to whether or not a ground fault has occurred on the alternating current side by comparing together the voltage level measured by the measurement circuit and a ground fault decision value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing ground fault protection to a lifting device utilizing an electromagnet and powered by a generator. The apparatus and method rectifies an AC voltage emanating from the generator source and monitors unsafe operating conditions of the generator's circuit wherein operation of the lifting device is ceased when predetermined electrical operating parameters are exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit interrupting device, preferably a ground fault circuit interrupter, which provides a quick and reliable connection/disconnection of electrical continuity through a combined use of a reset spring and a quick trip spring; an innovative circuit interrupting assembly containing a pair of input flexible metal pieces, a pair of user accessible load flexible metal pieces, and two pairs of fixed contacts on the load terminals; an automatic end-of-life testing mechanism by way of a simulated leakage current metal piece assembly; a reverse wiring protection by way of a reset start switch; an electrical surge protection through a power discharge mechanism; and a periodical end-of-life testing using a timer chip.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a charge port integrated with the vehicle. The charge port includes electrical contacts configured to receive electrical power from an electric grid, and a fault interrupt circuit electrically connected with the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A fail-safe ground fault circuit interrupter includes separable contacts; operating mechanism; and GF trip circuit including analog GF circuit having power supply input, and a number of: GF current transformer, first resistor in series with the GF CT, capacitor in parallel with this series combination, and second resistor between the power supply input and a common connection point between the first resistor and the capacitor, trip actuator cooperating with the OM, and zener diode including cathode interconnected with the power supply input and anode interconnected with the trip actuator, trip solenoid cooperating with the OM, bi-directional light emitting diode, and resistor in series with the LED, this series combination in parallel with the trip solenoid, and first silicon controlled rectifier cooperating with the OM, and second SCR cooperating with the OM, the second SCR in parallel with the first SCR.

Abstract: A pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter, comprising: (i) a body, (ii) a ferrite core, (iii) a plunger, (iv) a ferrite surrounding, (v) a permanent magnet, (vi) a trip/reset coil, (vii) a reset spring positioned between a plunger block and the body, (viii) a first fixed contact holder having a first fixed contact point, and (ix) a first movable contact holder having a first movable contact point, wherein the first movable contact holder is attached to the body of the plunger such that when the plunger is in its first position (trip position), the first movable contact point is not in contact with the first fixed contact point, and when the plunger is in its second position (reset position), the first movable contact point is in contact with the first fixed contact point.

Abstract: A disconnect mechanism for a power receptacle, which includes a disconnect block, a locking member slidably coupled to the disconnect block, and an electromagnetic device moveably coupled to the locking member. The disconnect block includes two side arms extending outwards. A pressing plate is disposed above the disconnect block, and a disconnect spring is disposed above the pressing plate. The moveable contact arms of the main switch of the receptacle are disposed between the pressing plate and the disconnect block, and the pressing plate pushes the moveable contact arms when the main switch is being opened when a current leakage is detected. The receptacle also includes an auxiliary switch disposed because the disconnect block and the circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel circuit interrupting device, preferably a ground fault circuit interrupter, which contains a reset button that is capable of interacting with a test button to perform an end-of-life-component test on the circuit interrupting device. The circuit interrupting device also contains a reset switch coupled to the reset button which is capable of disallowing reset if the device is miswired and/or fails the end-of-life-component test. Only when the circuit interrupting device is properly wired, in a tripped state, and all of the key components in the circuit interrupting device are working properly, the depression of the reset button allows the device to be reset.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a series arc fault detector and method of operation is provided. The series arc fault detector measures the RMS current and monitors current stability in response to a change in current levels. The sensitivity of the series arc fault detection is changed in response to the current satisfying a stability criterion. The circuit breaker further enables and disables series arc fault detection based on an enable threshold. The enable threshold is set based on the level of sensitivity being used to detect a series arc fault.

Abstract: A protective circuit having hot, neutral, and ground leads arranged to be placed between corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of a power utility outlet and corresponding hot, neutral, and ground leads of electrical apparatus.

Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus may be used to interrupt overcurrent and ground fault in a circuit. The circuit breaker apparatus may include an overcurrent coil for tripping the circuit breaker apparatus, a voltage coil also for tripping the circuit breaker apparatus located proximate to the overcurrent coil, ground fault electronics connected to the voltage coil and structured to detect a ground fault in the circuit when the ground fault exceeds a threshold level, and a solid state switch. The ground fault electronics can be structured to send a trip signal to close the solid state switch when a ground fault is detected, the solid state switch is configured to force a current through the voltage coil when the solid state switch is closed, the current being of sufficient magnitude to trip the circuit breaker apparatus.

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

Abstract: There is disclosed a circuit interrupting device with symmetrical inputs comprising a first input configured for connection to a power source or a load circuit and a second input configured for connection to a power source. There are a plurality of electrical conductors extending from the first and second inputs and a third input configured for connection to a load provided by a user. There is also a first set of transformers comprising at least one differential transformer and at least one neutral transformer connected to detect leakage current in a load circuit coupled to the first set of terminals. There is also a second set of transformers comprising at least one additional differential transformer and at least one additional neutral transformer connected to detect leakage current in a load circuit coupled to the second set of terminals.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing shock from a high voltage power source. In one embodiment, a device for preventing an electric shock, comprises output terminals for connecting to an external load, a low voltage circuit for carrying a first current (IL) to the output terminals, the low voltage circuit comprising a first coil disposed about a magnetic core, and a high voltage circuit for carrying a second current (IH) to the output terminals, the high voltage circuit comprising a second coil disposed about the magnetic core, and a control relay configured to electrically connect one of the high voltage circuit and the low voltage circuit to the output terminals based at least partly on the first current (IL).

Abstract: A directional fault location and isolation system for a three phase electric power circuit that identifies a faulted segment by determining the direction of the fault at multiple tap points in the electric power circuit. The directional fault controller, which may be a centralized controller or a number of peer-to-peer controllers located at the tap points, includes communication equipment for exchanging information with the monitoring equipment and the sectionalizing equipment at each sectionalizing control point, which includes the tap points and may also include the substations. The controller also includes processing equipment that determines the directionality of a fault on the power line at each current monitoring device, identifies a faulted line section by identifying a change in the directionality of the fault associated with the faulted line section, and operates one or more of the sectionalizing switches to isolate the faulted line section from the circuit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a plurality of line terminals and a plurality of load terminals, the plurality of load terminals including a plurality of hot load terminals and a plurality of neutral load terminals. The device also includes a circuit interrupter having four sets of moveable contacts, the four sets of moveable contacts being configured to couple the plurality of line terminal to the plurality of load terminals in a reset state and to decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals in a tripped state. A test circuit includes an end of life detection circuit coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals by a switch mechanism associated with the four sets of moveable contacts.

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.