337results about "Switch operated by excess currents" patented technology

A circuit breaker includes a first lug and second and third acoustic lugs electrically connected to a power circuit. Separable contacts are electrically connected in series between the first lug and the second acoustic lug. An operating mechanism opens and closes the separable contacts. A first acoustic sensor is coupled to the second acoustic lug and senses a first acoustic signal from the second acoustic lug. A second acoustic sensor is coupled to the third acoustic lug and senses a second acoustic signal from the third acoustic lug. The first and second acoustic signals are operatively associated with a power circuit fault. A current sensor senses a current flowing between the first and second lugs. A circuit inputs the sensed acoustic signals and the sensed current and detects and distinguishes a parallel arc fault or a series arc fault from the sensed acoustic signals and the sensed current.

The current invention is an automatic AC power interruption system built into a portable apparatus or integrated into electrical systems and appliance control circuitry. Power is interrupted in potentially hazardous conditions, for example, when a T3 smoke detector alarm signal is detected. Alternatively, a portable device may be plugged into a power outlet having a GFCI breaker and, when a hazard alarm condition is detected, trip off power to the outlet. Signal-activated circuit interrupters (SACIs) may be integrated into appliance control circuitry and interrupt power to a problematic device when a hazard alarm condition is detected. In addition to fire prevention, other hazard alarm conditions may include alarms indicating toxic fumes, motor overload, natural gas, radon, or carbon monoxide. Interconnected networks of signal-activated circuit interrupters are also disclosed.

A circuit breaker detects a fault, such as an arc fault or glowing contact, of a power circuit. The circuit breaker includes a first lug and a second acoustic lug adapted to be electrically connected to the power circuit. Separable contacts are electrically connected in series between the first lug and the second acoustic lug. An operating mechanism is adapted to open and close the separable contacts. An acoustic sensor is coupled to the second acoustic lug. The acoustic sensor is adapted to sense an acoustic signal from the second acoustic lug. The acoustic signal is operatively associated with the fault of the power circuit. A circuit inputs the sensed acoustic signal and is adapted to detect the fault therefrom.

Apparatus for detecting an overheating condition at an electrical power device and automatically breaking the circuit when the temperature exceeds a setpoint value. In various configurations the device is a receptacle adapted to be used in a wall mounted box or a receptacle unit that is plugged into an existing receptacle. A temperature sensor is wired parallel to a normally open test switch on a ground fault circuit interrupter or other circuit interrupting device. The temperature switch is responsive to the temperature local to the receptacle, such as is caused by poor connections to or in the receptacle or a near-overload condition. The temperature setpoint is less than the melting temperature of the insulation of the electrical wiring. The temperature sensor is a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient that allows current to flow thereby latching the interrupting device in a tripped position until the device is reset for reuse.

A circuit breaker is disclosed that has a neutral lock-out mechanism that prevents electrical connection between a power source and a load when a neutral rail is disconnected from the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker has a line connector, a load connector and a plug-on neutral line connector. A trip mechanism has an on position allowing electrical connection between the line connector and the load connector. The trip mechanism has a tripped position interrupting electrical connection between the line connector and the load connector in response to detection of a fault condition such as a short circuit. The trip mechanism also has an off position which is required before resetting the trip mechanism to the on position. A trip link is coupled to the trip mechanism. The trip link has a first position that prevents the trip mechanism from being reset to the on position. The trip link has a second position allowing the trip mechanism to be reset to the on position. A neutral lock mechanism is coupled to the plug-on neutral line connector. The neutral lock mechanism has a tension spring that retains the trip link in the first position when the neutral rail is disconnected from the neutral line connector. When the neutral rail is inserted into the neutral line connector, the tension spring is compressed and the trip link may move to the second position allowing the circuit breaker to be reset.

The present is directed to a protective device that includes a separator portion disposed between a back body member and a front cover portion. The separator portion includes a reset pin aperture accessible via a first major surface facing the front cover and a reset pin guide portion disposed on an opposite second major surface facing the back body member. The device further includes a latch block assembly having a central latch block portion configured to accommodate a reset pin and a latching element. The central latch block portion includes an open side configured to accommodate the reset pin guide portion. The reset pin is substantially prevented from exiting the central latch block portion via the open side by the reset pin guide portion.