Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter with Remote Testing Capability

Abstract

The present invention discloses a circuit breaker device, comprising a wiring terminal and a load terminal and a current breaker electrically coupled between the wiring terminal and the load terminal, the current breaker having an open and closed state. The device also includes a fault detector configured to detect a fault of an electrical signal in a load circuit. When such a fault is detected, the fault detector actuates the current breaker to an open state. The communication interface is suitable for receiving a remote test instruction signal, and the processor generates a simulated fault in the load circuit in response to the receipt of the remote test instruction signal, so that the fault detector attempts to actuate the current breaker to an open state. The processor determines whether the fault detector successfully actuates the current breaker to an open state in response to the receipt of the remote test instruction signal, and if not, generates an alarm signal indicating the fault.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a circuit breaker device including a ground fault current interrupter (GFCI) function, and more particularly, to a GFCI circuit breaker device that enables the circuit breaker to be controlled on and off using an electronic control signal from a remote location. Background Art

[0002] A GFCI device is a device that can switch between an operating (closed) state and a tripped (open) state based on the detection of selected conditions. Specifically, a GFCI device is designed to disconnect the supply of electricity when the device detects that current is flowing through an unintended ground path (e.g., through a human body or water, etc.). A GFCI device can be included in many types of components that can interrupt the supply of electricity, such as circuit breakers, power outlets, etc.

[0003] GFCI outlets have been used extensively throughout the United States and are credited with saving many lives. Although GFCI devices have been widely used over the past 30+ years, resulting in a large number of installations, these devices are susceptible to damage and eventual failure. Failure of a GFCI device can cause the device to be powered like any regular outlet, and the protection features that distinguish GFCI devices from traditional devices are no longer functional. This creates a dangerous situation where a GFCI device is still believed to be working and providing safety protection, when in fact it is not.

[0004] A typical GFCI device has a test component provided on the surface of the device. For example, on a typical GFCI outlet, there is a "test" button and a "reset" button. When the user presses the test button, this simulates a ground fault problem, so that the outlet should switch to a tripped or disconnected state to interrupt the power supplied to the "load" terminals and any device plugged into the outlet.

[0005] More and more building codes have required that GFCI functionality (as well as arc fault protection) be implemented at the circuit breaker level rather than at the outlet level. This ensures that the entire circuit is protected from ground faults, rather than just the portion of the circuit that includes the GFCI outlet and downstream of the GFCI outlet. As a result, GFCI circuit breakers are well known and increasingly popular.

[0006] Additionally, in some applications, it is desirable to remotely operate a circuit breaker. For example, an operator can typically manually trip a circuit breaker to de-energize a protected circuit so that inspection or maintenance can be performed. However, in some circuits, operating a circuit breaker may generate dangerous arcs, creating a safety hazard for the operator. In other circuits, the circuit breaker may be located in an enclosed or hazardous environment, such as on a ship. In these situations, remote manual operation of the circuit breaker is beneficial.

[0007] In other applications, such as in large office buildings, for example, it may be desirable to trip a circuit that powers a large number of overhead lights so that the lights of an entire floor or sections of a floor can be automatically turned off in response to a timed signal at night, without having to provide a timer for each light switch. In other applications (again, such as on a ship), it may be desirable to remotely trip a circuit to switch on / off various devices, such as a bilge pump, without having to provide a separate switch in addition to the circuit breaker.

[0008] Known methods of remotely controlling circuit breakers include incorporating a mechanism into the circuit breaker that is capable of intentionally tripping and / or resetting the circuit breaker mechanism. Examples of such mechanisms are a solenoid or motor used to actuate the trip mechanism, and a solenoid or motor used to reset the circuit breaker by resetting the trip mechanism, such as by physically moving a switch handle using a solenoid or other motor or mechanism that can be remotely operated.

[0009] Similar to a GFCI outlet, a GFCI circuit breaker is provided with a test component that simulates a ground fault problem so that the circuit breaker should switch to a tripped or open state to interrupt the power supplied to the circuit. More specifically, in order to meet safety agency standards (such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL)), ground fault circuit interrupters are required to have a manual test button that should be actuated monthly to confirm that the ground fault protection is working. The manual test button closes a simple circuit that generates a tiny current in the ground fault electronic current transformer, causing an imbalance that would occur during a ground fault, and the circuit breaker's monitoring electronics thus recognizes that a ground fault has occurred and transmits current to a trip solenoid to trip the circuit breaker. In the case of a GFCI circuit breaker, a reset button is not provided, but a handle or the like can be used to reset the circuit breaker.

[0010] However, there are problems, particularly in situations where remote control of the circuit breaker is desired, where programmatic access to the location of the circuit breaker may be relatively difficult and / or dangerous, making it more likely that periodic (e.g., monthly) testing will be skipped. This testing hindrance may itself create hidden dangers, as the GFCI circuit breaker may be considered fully functional and providing safety protection, when in fact it is not.

[0011] As such, there remains an unmet need in the industry to facilitate GFCI testing for GFCI circuit breaker designs to increase the likelihood of compliance with routine testing regimes. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a circuit breaker includes a housing, a terminal disposed on the housing, a load terminal disposed on the housing, and a current breaker disposed in the housing and electrically coupled between the terminal and the load terminal, wherein the terminal is adapted to be connected to a power circuit to provide power, the load terminal is adapted to be connected to a load circuit, and the current breaker has an open and closed state. In the closed state, the current breaker electrically connects the terminal to the load terminal, and in the open state, disconnects the electrical connection between the terminal and the load terminal. The device also includes a fault detector configured to detect a fault of an electrical signal in the load circuit. When a fault is detected on the load circuit, the fault detector actuates the current breaker to an open state. The communication interface is adapted to receive a remote test instruction signal, and the processor generates a simulated fault in the load circuit in response to the reception of the remote test instruction signal, so that the fault detector attempts to actuate the current breaker to an open state. The processor determines whether the fault detector successfully actuates the current breaker to an open state in response to the reception of the remote test instruction signal, and if not, generates an alarm signal indicating the fault.

[0013] In some embodiments, the circuit breaker device further comprises a handle extending from the housing, the handle being adapted to enable the circuit breaker to be reset from the open state to the closed state.

[0014] In some embodiments, the circuit breaker device further comprises a reset mechanism adapted to enable the circuit breaker to be reset from the open state to the closed state upon receiving a reset command signal. In some such embodiments, the reset command signal is received via the communication interface. In such embodiments, if the processor determines that the fault detector successfully actuates the circuit breaker to the open state in response to receipt of the remote test command signal, the processor automatically generates the reset command signal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the remote test instruction signal is automatically generated periodically. In some such embodiments, the period between instances of automatic generation of remote test instructions can be programmable by a user.

[0016] In some embodiments, the circuit breaker device further comprises a storage device on which a record of dates and times of simulated fault tests performed in the past is stored. In some embodiments, the alarm signal is transmitted via the communication interface. In some embodiments, the fault comprises at least one of a ground fault and an arc fault.

[0017] In some embodiments, the communication interface comprises a wired connection. In some embodiments, the communication interface comprises a wireless connection. In some such embodiments, the communication interface comprises at least one of a wireless local area network and Bluetooth. In some embodiments, the communication interface comprises a CAN bus or a LIN bus.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processor is adapted to receive a remote disconnect command via the communication interface and generate a simulated fault in the load circuit in response to the remote disconnect command, whereby the fault detector actuates the interrupter to an open state, whereby the same interrupter is applied for both fault tripping and command tripping.

[0019] In some embodiments, the circuit breaking device includes a circuit breaker, wherein the circuit breaker includes a pair of contacts that are movable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position, wherein the wiring terminals and the load terminals are in electrical communication with each other in the closed position, and wherein the wiring terminals and the load terminals are electrically isolated from each other in the open position, and the circuit breaking device further includes a trip coil connected to at least one of the pair of contacts, wherein the trip coil moves the pair of contacts from the closed position to the open position in response to an overcurrent, thereby tripping the circuit breaker.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a circuit breaker includes: a housing; a terminal disposed on the housing, the terminal being adapted to be connected to a power circuit to provide power; a load terminal disposed on the housing, the load terminal being adapted to be connected to a load circuit; a pair of contacts movable between a closed position and an open position relative to each other, wherein the terminal and the load terminal are in electrical communication with each other at the closed position, and the terminal and the load terminal are electrically isolated from each other at the open position; and a trip coil connected to at least one of the pair of contacts, the trip coil moving the pair of contacts from the closed position to the open position in response to an overcurrent, thereby tripping the circuit breaker. The fault detector is configured to detect a fault in an electrical signal in the load circuit, wherein when a fault is detected on the load circuit, the fault detector actuates the pair of contacts to an open state. The communication interface is adapted to receive a remote test instruction signal that is automatically generated periodically, and the processor generates a simulated fault in the load circuit in response to the receipt of the remote test instruction signal, so that the fault detector attempts to actuate the pair of contacts to an open state. The processor determines whether the fault detector successfully actuates the pair of contacts to an open state in response to the receipt of the remote test instruction signal, and if not, generates an alarm signal indicating the fault. The reset mechanism is suitable for enabling the pair of contacts to be reset from an open state to a closed state when a reset command signal is received via the communication interface, wherein if the processor determines that the fault detector successfully actuates the pair of contacts to the open state in response to receipt of the remote test command signal, the processor automatically generates the reset command signal.

[0021] In some embodiments, the user can program the period between automatically generated instances of the remote test instructions. In some embodiments, the circuit breaker further comprises a storage device on which a record of the date and time of simulated fault tests performed in the past is stored. In some embodiments, the alarm signal is transmitted via the communication interface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the circuit breaker further comprises a handle extending from the housing, the handle being adapted to enable the pair of contacts to be reset from an open state to a closed state. In some embodiments, the fault comprises at least one of a ground fault and an arc fault. In some embodiments, the communication interface comprises a wired connection.

[0023] In some embodiments, the communication interface comprises a wireless connection. In some such embodiments, the communication interface comprises at least one of a wireless local area network and Bluetooth. In some embodiments, the communication interface comprises a CAN bus or a LIN bus.

[0024] In some embodiments, the processor is adapted to receive a remote disconnect command via the communication interface and generate a simulated fault in the load circuit in response to the remote disconnect command, whereby the fault detector actuates the pair of contacts to an open state, whereby the same pair of contacts is applied for both fault tripping and command tripping.

[0025] Other objects and specific features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from consideration of the accompanying drawings and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a partially exploded isometric view of a circuit breaker including ground fault current interrupter (GFCI) functionality according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Partially exploded isometric view of a circuit breaker.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial isometric view of the test actuator, reset handle, and surrounding components of a circuit breaker.

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 an isometric view of the exterior of the assembled circuit breaker with a portion of the housing cut away to illustrate the construction of the test actuator and surrounding components;

[0030] Figure 5 It includes multiple Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a power control and monitoring system for a circuit breaker; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] With reference in detail to the accompanying drawings and first to Figure 1 , showing an exemplary embodiment of a circuit breaker (100) including GFCI functionality according to aspects of the present invention.

[0032] The circuit breaker (100) is provided with a housing (102) for accommodating the working components of the device. The housing (102) is of a "clam-shell" design. Figure 1-Figure 3 One half of the housing (102) is shown, and Figure 4 The two halves of the housing (102) are shown. The circuit breaker (100) is also provided with a set of contacts (104) including a fixed contact and a movable contact (106). Figure 3 The movable contact (106) is located on a movable contact arm (108).

[0033] The movable contact arm (108) is coupled to a linkage assembly (110) which is coupled to a handle (114) including an elongated portion (112). The movable contact (106) is configured to move between open and closed positions relative to the fixed contact (104) by manual actuation of the handle (114). Figure 1-Figure 4 The contacts (104, 106) are shown in an open position where no current flows between the contacts, and those skilled in the art will readily understand how the contacts (104, 106) move to a closed position.

[0034] Figure 1 Also shown are "wiring" terminals (116) adapted for connection to a power source, such as a bus in a distribution panel or load center. The fixed contacts (104) are mounted on a board which is electrically connected to the wiring terminals (116).

[0035] The movable contact (106) mounted on the movable contact arm (108) is electrically connected to an overcurrent measuring device, which is also electrically connected to a "load" terminal (118). The wiring and load terminals (116, 118) can take a variety of forms, depending on the type of panel to which the circuit breaker (100) is adapted to be mounted, such as including latch connections, threaded connections, etc.

[0036] In operation, when the contacts (104, 106) are closed, power is input into the circuit breaker (100) via the wiring terminals (116), passing through a current measuring device. If the current exceeds a threshold level, the current measuring device will "trip" the circuit breaker (100) by opening the circuit - i.e., disconnecting the contacts (104, 106) relative to each other via a trip mechanism (120), thereby stopping the current flowing through the contacts (104, 106). In the event that the current does not exceed the threshold level set by the current measuring device, power can pass through the load terminals (118), which provide power to the connected circuit and / or equipment.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, for ease of manufacturing, the movable contact arm (108), movable contact (106), linkage assembly (110), handle (114) and trip mechanism (120) may be formed into a modular circuit breaker mechanism unit before being inserted into the housing.

[0038] Figure 1 Also shown is an arc extinguishing device, which can take the form of, for example, an arc plate (122) that helps to draw an arc formed between the contacts as the contacts (104, 106) open or close away from the contacts (104, 106) and helps to quickly extinguish the arc. In one configuration, the arc plate (122) is located in a radial path corresponding to the movement path of the movable contact (106).

[0039] Additionally, a vent (124) may be located in the housing (102) adjacent the arc plate (122) to allow any gases generated by the arc to exit the housing (102). As shown, the vent (124) may include a plurality of openings (126) that are positioned based on the location of the arc plate (122).

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the circuit breaker (100) further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) (128). Specifically, the PCB (128) may include logic required to implement the GFCI function of the circuit breaker (100), so that when a threshold level of leakage is sensed, the circuit breaker (100) terminates the flow of power between the terminal (116) and the load terminal (118).

[0041] Leakage is defined as the amount of current imbalance, which is measured as the net result of the current flowing out and returning from the load side. This would include, for example, measuring the amount of current flowing out to one or more devices plugged into the load circuit protected by the GFCI, and measuring the amount returning to the neutral connection. If there is leakage such that the return amount is less than the outflow amount, the difference is the leakage current. When measuring the outflow compared to the return current, the current difference (i.e., leakage) for a normally operating circuit is zero. However, if a threshold level of leakage is sensed (usually between 4mA and 6mA), it will be determined that a ground fault condition exists, and the GFCI circuit will stop the flow of current.

[0042] More specifically, if a ground fault condition is determined to exist, the fault detection circuit will actuate the trip mechanism (120) to open the contacts (104, 106), thereby tripping the circuit breaker (100). Additionally, in some embodiments, the current measurement device (i.e., the overcurrent detector function) may also be included in the circuit on the PCB (128), rather than being embedded as a separate and independent overcurrent detection device.

[0043] As is known in the GFCI art, the circuit breaker (100) is provided with a test component that simulates a ground fault condition, whereby the GFCI function of the circuit breaker (100) causes the circuit breaker (100) to terminate the flow of power between the wiring terminals (116) and the load terminals (118). The circuit breaker (100) may optionally include a "local" test function (e.g., actuated by a button, slide, etc. provided on the housing of the circuit breaker itself) that enables an operator to directly operate the circuit breaker (100) to perform the test. However, as will be explained more fully subsequently, the circuit breaker (100) may additionally (or alternatively) include a remote test function.

[0044] If a local test function is provided, it may take the form of a push button, as has been known for decades in wall sockets. However, rather than using a typical push button, the circuit breaker (100) shown includes a sliding arrangement for enabling an operator to actuate a test component, which test component arrangement is defined by two main components.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, an exemplary local test component employs a test switch (400) comprising a pivotable lever arm (402) having a first end (404) and a second end (406), the first end being pivotally connected to pivot about an axis (A) fixed relative to the housing (102), the second end being movable about the axis (A) between an activated position (not shown) and an inactivated position ( Figure 4 When the second end of the lever arm is moved from the inactive position ( Figure 4 When the test device (402) is actuated to an activated position (not shown), the test device generates a test signal, which will involve the lever arm (402) pivoting in a counterclockwise manner about the axis (A).

[0046] The test component also employs a sliding member (408) having a first end (410) operable by an operator through the housing (102) and a second end (412) that cooperates with the second end (406) of the lever arm (402). The sliding member (408) is elongated and may be formed from a generally planar sheet of material such as a polymer. Figure 1-Figure 4 As shown, the slide member (408) may include one or more bends and / or cutouts, for example, to accommodate the shape of the housing (102) and / or to avoid interference with other components of the circuit breaker (100).

[0047] The sliding member (408) is slidable relative to the housing (102) and the axis (A) of the lever arm (402) such that the second end (412) of the sliding member (408) slides in a plane that is substantially tangential to the arc along which the second end (406) of the lever arm (402) pivots. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the sliding member (408) slides in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane in which the majority of the top surface of the housing (102) lies.

[0048] The second end (412) of the sliding member (408) and the second end (406) of the lever arm (402) cooperate so that the generally planar sliding movement of the sliding member (408) is converted into pivotal movement of the lever arm (402) about the axis (A).

[0049] The slide member (408) can be moved from a standard operating position ( Figure 4 shown) to the test position (i.e., relative to Figure 4 In the standard operating position, the lever arm (402) is in the inactive position, and in the test position, the lever arm (402) is pivoted to the active position (i.e., relative to the Figure 4 Preferably, the second end (406) of the pivotable lever arm (402) is biased toward the inactive position (i.e., relative to the inactive position), such as by a spring. Figure 4 ) so that the slide member (408) is also biased toward the standard operating position (i.e., relative to Figure 4 direction indicated is to the left).

[0050] The housing (102) has an opening formed therein, and the first end (410) of the sliding member (408) has a protrusion (414) thereon that extends through the opening of the housing (102). The opening is preferably located in the top surface of the housing (102), and most preferably located near the handle (114), so that the protrusion (414) of the sliding member (408) and the extension (112) of the handle (114) are arranged close to each other to ensure that the operator can easily operate both. This enables the operator to easily test the GFCI component of the circuit breaker (100) by actuating the protrusion (414) of the sliding member (408), thereby tripping the circuit breaker (100), and then resetting the circuit breaker (100) by manipulating the extension (112) of the handle (114).

[0051] The circuit breaker (100) also includes a remote on / off feature whereby an operator may use a remotely located electrical interface, such as a central controller (described in more detail later), to manually open the circuit breaker, and / or wherein the controller may remotely open the circuit breaker based on the occurrence of an event unrelated to the sensed ground fault. For example, a circuit breaker that powers overhead lights may need to be opened based on the time of day, a circuit breaker that powers fans may need to be opened based on a sensed temperature, a circuit breaker that powers bilge pumps may need to be opened based on a sensed water level, etc.

[0052] Remotely actuable circuit breakers (whether manual or automatic) are known. Traditionally, such remotely actuable circuit breakers involve providing a solenoid or the like in the circuit breaker, the solenoid being operable to trip the circuit breaker in response to receiving an electrical control signal from a controller or the like located remotely from the circuit breaker. However, the exemplary circuit breaker (100) shown does not require such a separate solenoid.

[0053] Instead, according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, when the circuit breaker (100) receives an "open" command signal from a remotely located controller, switch, etc., the circuit breaker (100) generates a ground fault signal at the circuit breaker, so that the GFCI function of the circuit breaker (100) reacts as if a real ground fault is sensed on the load circuit and causes the circuit breaker (100) to terminate the flow of power between the wiring terminal (116) and the load terminal (118) (i.e., trip the circuit breaker).

[0054] The circuit breaker can be switched back in the same manner as an otherwise tripped circuit breaker is reset—i.e., by manual actuation of the handle (14), or by a solenoid or the like in response to a remote "reset" or "on" command to actuate the handle. Such remotely resettable circuit breakers are disclosed, for example, in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0101914 and U.S. Patent No. 9,761,399, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] The circuit breaker (100) according to the present invention realizes a remote test function in addition to the remote on and off functions. The remote test function can be provided to replace the local test function (i.e., the test button or slide on the circuit breaker housing can be omitted), or the remote test function can be provided in addition to the local test function.

[0056] In any case, the remote test functionality employs a processor on PCB (128) that communicates with a central controller (as described more fully subsequently) or the like via a communication interface (again, as described in more detail subsequently).

[0057] The communication interface is adapted to receive a remote test command signal, and the processor generates a simulated fault in the load circuit in response to the receipt of the remote test command signal, causing the fault detector (i.e., the trip mechanism (120)) to attempt to actuate the circuit breaker (i.e., the contacts (104, 106)) to an open state. The processor then determines whether the fault detector (120) successfully actuates the circuit breaker (104, 106) to an open state in response to the receipt of the remote test command signal, and if unsuccessful, generates an alarm signal indicating the fault. The alarm may be displayed locally on the circuit breaker (e.g., visually and / or audibly), or may be transmitted to a remote location (e.g., to a central controller), as described more fully subsequently.

[0058] Reference Figure 5 The system shown includes a plurality of circuit breakers (100) configured according to the present invention connected via a network. 1 , 100 2 , 100 3 , 100 n ) for communication with the central control unit (500). The central control unit (500) includes a module for inputting instructions, and a circuit breaker (100 1 , 100 2 , 100 3 , 100 n ) of each of the circuit breakers. In a preferred embodiment, both the input module and the display are implemented using a touch panel display having a graphical user interface (502) for each circuit breaker. 1 , 502 2 , 502 3 , 502 n ). Preferably, a graphical user interface (502) for each circuit breaker 1 , 502 2 , 502 3 , 502 n ) includes virtual "buttons" for controlling each circuit breaker, including at least an "on" button (504), an "off" button (505) and a "test" button (506). If necessary, a separate "reset" button (not shown) can be provided, but in the illustrated embodiment, the reset function is combined with the "on" button.

[0059] The communication network may be presented as a wired connection or a wireless connection. For example, a wireless local area network (e.g., ) and / or Bluetooth. If necessary, for example in the case of a vehicle, a CAN bus or a LIN bus may be used.

[0060] When any of the various command buttons is triggered, the central control unit (500) generates a command signal (508) indicating the action triggered by the operator and transmits it to the circuit breaker (100 1 , 100 2 , 100 3 , 100 n ) as described above, the command signal (508) may also be automatically generated by the central control unit (500) based on timed events, various sensed parameters (e.g., temperature, liquid level, etc.), which may be programmable by an operator using an input module and display. The circuit breaker (100 1 , 100 2 , 100 3 , 100 n ) executes the instruction and updates its internal state as necessary. 1 , 100 2 , 100 3 , 100 n ) monitors its internal state and transmits a state signal (510) indicating the state to the central control unit (500), and the state is displayed on the graphical user interface (502) of each circuit breaker. 1 , 502 2 , 502 3 , 502 n )superior.

[0061] For example, each graphical user interface (502 1 , 502 2 , 502 3 , 502 n ) may have graphical indicia of an “on” state (512) (indicating that the circuit breaker is on and operating normally), an “off” state (514) (indicating that the circuit breaker has been commanded to open, either manually or automatically), a “tripped” state (516) (indicating that the circuit breaker has been tripped due to a sensed overcurrent condition), a “faulted” state (518) (indicating that the circuit breaker has been tripped due to a sensed ground fault condition), a “failed” state (520) (indicating that the circuit breaker has failed, e.g., due to a test failure of the GFCI function (as described above)), and possibly various other states.

[0062] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, circuit breaker 1 (100 1 ) is turned on, circuit breaker 2 (100 2 ) has tripped due to a ground fault, circuit breaker 3 (100 3 ) is disconnected, and the circuit breaker n(100 n) was turned on, but its GFCI functional test failed. No circuit breaker was tripped due to a sensed overcurrent condition.

[0063] When a GFCI circuit breaker fails a functional test, it may be necessary to enable the circuit breaker to continue to supply power to the connected loads (at least for a period of time), such as Figure 5 Circuit breaker n(100 n ), the circuit breaker is shown as "on" in addition to being shown as "failed." For example, when the load being powered is critical (e.g., in the case of medical equipment, refrigeration equipment, etc.), it may not be desirable to immediately terminate the power supply. However, in some cases, once the circuit breaker fails the GFCI functional test, it may be necessary to immediately and completely disable the circuit breaker, for example, when the circuit supplies power to outlets in a bathroom or other wet environment, where the relatively high probability of failure of the GFCI function potentially causes serious injury or death in the event of a ground fault. In some cases, power may continue to be supplied to the load to provide a period of time to replace the failed circuit breaker before automatically disconnecting the power to the load and disabling the circuit breaker.

[0064] The central control unit (500) ( Figure 5 One or more memory devices (522) may be provided at the breaker level, the circuit breaker level, or both levels. The memory device (522) may be used to store a record of the dates and times of simulated GFCI tests performed in the past, thereby tracking compliance with any rules, regulations, and or recommendations regarding test frequency. Additionally, the memory device (522) may be used to store a record of the times when GFCI tests failed, may be used to store a record of the times when the circuit breaker was placed in service, and / or may be used to store various other records.

[0065] If desired, in addition to the test button (506) being used to initiate the GFCI test function, the remote test command signal may be automatically generated periodically (e.g., at a period specified by a rule, regulation, code, specification, recommendation, etc.). Preferably, the period between automatically generated instances of the remote test command is programmable by the user, for example, to facilitate compliance with local building codes in different geographic areas. The period between instances of test generation may be stored on the storage device (522).

[0066] It may be desirable, particularly in the case where the remote test command signal is automatically generated, that upon determining that the fault detector has successfully actuated the circuit breaker to the open state in response to receipt of the remote test command signal, the reset command signal is also automatically generated. By doing so, the entire periodic GFCI test function may be automated, so that manual intervention is only required in the event of a GFCI functional test failure, at which time the failed circuit breaker may be replaced.

[0067] Although the above disclosure focuses on ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) functionality, it should be understood that the circuit breaker of the present invention may also employ arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) functionality in addition to (or in lieu of) the GFCI functionality, simply by appropriately programming the processor on each circuit breaker (100) and / or the central control unit (500).

[0068] Although the invention has been described with reference to particular arrangements of components, features, etc., these are not intended to be exhaustive of all possible arrangements or features, and numerous other modifications and variations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker device, comprising: case; A connection terminal is arranged on the housing, and the connection terminal is suitable for connecting to a power circuit to provide power; A load terminal, disposed on the housing, the load terminal being suitable for connecting to a load circuit; a current interrupter disposed in the housing and electrically coupled between the wiring terminal and the load terminal, the current interrupter having an open state and a closed state, wherein in the closed state, the current interrupter electrically connects the wiring terminal to the load terminal, and in the open state, the current interrupter disconnects the electrical connection between the wiring terminal and the load terminal; a fault detector configured to detect a fault in an electrical signal in the load circuit, wherein the fault detector causes the interrupter to actuate to the open state when a fault on the load circuit is detected; A communication interface adapted to receive a remote test command signal; and a processor, responsive to receipt of the remote test instruction signal, generating a simulated fault in the load circuit so that the fault detector attempts to actuate the interrupter to the open state; wherein the processor determines whether the fault detector successfully actuates the circuit breaker to the disconnected state in response to receipt of the remote test command signal, and if unsuccessful, generates an alarm signal indicating a fault, The processor is further adapted to receive, via the communication interface, an independent remote disconnection command different from the remote test command signal, and in response to the remote disconnection command, generate a simulated fault in the load circuit so that the fault detector actuates the circuit breaker to the disconnected state, whereby the same circuit breaker is used for both fault tripping and command tripping.

2. The circuit breaker device of claim 1, further comprising a handle extending from the housing, the handle being adapted to enable the circuit breaker to be reset from the open state to the closed state.

3. The circuit breaker device according to claim 1, further comprising a reset mechanism, wherein the reset mechanism is adapted to enable the circuit breaker to be reset from the open state to the closed state upon receiving a reset command signal.

4. The circuit breaker device according to claim 3, wherein: The reset instruction signal is received via the communication interface.

5. The circuit breaker device according to claim 3, wherein: If the processor determines that the fault detector successfully actuated the circuit breaker to the open state in response to receipt of the remote test command signal, the processor automatically generates the reset command signal.

6. The circuit breaker device according to claim 1, wherein: The remote test instruction signal is automatically generated periodically.

7. The circuit breaker device according to claim 6, wherein: The period between automatically generated instances of the remote test command signal can be programmable by the user.

8. The circuit breaker device of claim 1, further comprising a storage device on which a record of dates and times of simulated fault tests performed in the past is stored.

9. The circuit breaker device according to claim 1, wherein: The alarm signal is transmitted via the communication interface.

10. The circuit breaker device according to claim 1, wherein: The fault includes at least one of a ground fault and an arc fault.

11. The circuit breaker device according to claim 1, wherein: The communication interface includes a wired connection.

12. The circuit breaker device according to claim 1, wherein: The communication interface includes a wireless connection.

13. The circuit breaker device according to claim 12, wherein: The communication interface includes at least one of a wireless local area network and Bluetooth.

14. The circuit breaker device according to claim 1, wherein: The communication interface includes a CAN bus or a LIN bus.

15. The circuit breaker device according to claim 1, in, The circuit breaker device comprises a circuit breaker; wherein the current interrupter comprises a pair of contacts, the pair of contacts being movable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the wiring terminals and the load terminals are in electrical communication with each other, and in the open position the wiring terminals and the load terminals are electrically isolated from each other; and Also included is a trip coil connected to at least one of the pair of contacts, wherein the trip coil moves the pair of contacts from the closed position to the open position in response to an overcurrent, thereby tripping the circuit breaker.

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