Arc fault detector with circuit interrupter

Details Arc fault detector with circuit interrupter Arc fault detector with circuit interrupter

1997-12-19

1999-10-05

Sherry, Michael

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Safety and protection of systems and devices

Ground fault protection

361 45, 361 94, H02H 300

Patent

active

059634065

ABSTRACT:
An arc fault detector embodied as both a stand alone device and in combination with a circuit interrupting device such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. The device utilizes line side and load side pickup coils to permit distinguishing between arc faults occurring on the line side and the load side of the device. The arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) circuitry portion of the device shares components from the GFCI circuitry portion as an integral part of its functionality. The AFCI utilizes the electromechanical power carrying, portion of the GFCI, including the AC line disconnect circuitry, the power supply and the physical housing. In addition, the AFCI employs quantitative detection using variable gain control in combination with either a load disconnect or audible/visual alarm indication. The device also includes a timer circuit, which permits the user to temporarily inhibit or disable the arc detection, and selective frequency filtering permitting arc detection in the presence of power line carrier communications. In addition, the device includes communication means to permit the device to communicate the occurrence and location of an arc fault to a centralized monitoring station.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4376243 (1983-03-01), Renn et al.
patent: 4466071 (1984-08-01), Russell, Jr.
patent: 4618907 (1986-10-01), Leopold
patent: 4658322 (1987-04-01), Rivera
patent: 4709293 (1987-11-01), Gershen et al.
patent: 4878144 (1989-10-01), Nebon
patent: 5185684 (1993-02-01), Beihoff et al.
patent: 5185686 (1993-02-01), Hansen et al.
patent: 5202662 (1993-04-01), Bienwald et al.
patent: 5206596 (1993-04-01), Beihoff et al.
patent: 5223795 (1993-06-01), Blades
patent: 5224006 (1993-06-01), Mackenzie et al.
patent: 5280404 (1994-01-01), Ragsdale
patent: 5432455 (1995-07-01), Blades
patent: 5434509 (1995-07-01), Blades
patent: 5459630 (1995-10-01), MacKenzie et al.
patent: 5561505 (1996-10-01), Lewis
patent: 5590012 (1996-12-01), Dollar, II
patent: 5689180 (1997-11-01), Carlson
patent: 5715125 (1998-02-01), Neiger et al.
patent: 5805397 (1998-09-01), MacKenzie
patent: 5805398 (1998-09-01), Rae
patent: 5815352 (1998-09-01), MacKenzie
patent: 5818237 (1998-10-01), Zuercher et al.
patent: 5835321 (1998-11-01), Elms et al.
patent: 5847913 (1998-12-01), Turner et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Arc fault detector with circuit interrupter does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Arc fault detector with circuit interrupter, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Arc fault detector with circuit interrupter will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1178842