Reverse wiring detect in circuit interrupting devices

Details Reverse wiring detect in circuit interrupting devices Reverse wiring detect in circuit interrupting devices

2005-08-30

2005-08-30

Jackson, Stephen W. (Department: 2836)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Safety and protection of systems and devices

Ground fault protection

C361S045000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06937452

ABSTRACT:
A resettable circuit interrupting device having a switch and timer circuit connected to the line side of the interrupting device to cause a leakage current to flow for a defined interval of time when power is applied. The timer and switch circuit comprises a timer powered by current from the phase leg of the device which is designed to operate for a defined interval of time. The timer starts operating when power is applied to the circuit interrupting device and normally continues to operate for the defined interval to time. Upon completion of the timed interval, the timer turns itself off and stays off until power is again applied to the device after an interruption. When power is first applied to the interrupting device, the timer is energized from the phase leg and causes the switch to close which connects the neutral leg on the line side of the interrupting device to a ground terminal. If the device is not reverse wired, the timer continues to operate and the switch remains closed until the timer completes its cycle, at which time the switch opens and the neutral leg of the device is no longer connected to the ground terminal. If the device is reverse wired, then at some instant after the switch is closed the device will sense a reverse wired fault, the switches SW1and SW2will open, and line power will be disconnected from the interrupting device.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5638243 (1997-06-01), Torezan et al.
patent: 5642052 (1997-06-01), Earle
patent: 5847909 (1998-12-01), Hopkins et al.
patent: 6040778 (2000-03-01), Hopkins et al.
patent: 6040969 (2000-03-01), Winch et al.
patent: 6246558 (2001-06-01), DiSalvo et al.
patent: 6522510 (2003-02-01), Finlay et al.
patent: 6674289 (2004-01-01), MacBeth
patent: 6697238 (2004-02-01), Bonilla et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Reverse wiring detect in circuit interrupting devices does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Reverse wiring detect in circuit interrupting devices, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Reverse wiring detect in circuit interrupting devices will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3475743