Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Safety and protection of systems and devices – With specific current responsive fault sensor
Patent
1997-02-21
1998-12-08
Gaffin, Jeffrey
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Safety and protection of systems and devices
With specific current responsive fault sensor
361 42, 361 79, 361115, H02H 300
Patent
active
058479139
ABSTRACT:
A trip indicator for a circuit breaker in an electrical distribution system. The trip indicator provides a visual indication of the activation of a trip signal caused by arcing fault detector (AFD) or ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuitry. The trip indicator comprises one or more light sources, one or more plungers having a colored tip or one or more bimetal disk having a colored top. In response to activation of a trip signal by the AFD or GFI circuitry, the light source(s) illuminate, the plunger(s) move from a retracted position to an extended position and the bimetal disk(s) move from a generally flat position to a convex position. A conduit is provided within the housing of the protective device for conveying light or the reflection of light between the light source(s), plunger(s) or bimetal disk(s) and an opening of the housing. Where the circuit breaker includes both GFI and AFD circuitry, each generating a respective trip signal in response to the detection of a ground fault or arcing fault, the trip indicator is designed to indicate which of the respective fault conditions activated the trip signal.
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Dvorak Robert F.
Fleege Dennis W.
Turner Duane L.
Wiese Gregory S.
Gaffin Jeffrey
Golden Larry I.
Irfan Kareem M.
Jackson Stephen W.
Square D Company
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