Solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices include improved arc-less switching capability and overcurrent protection, improved terminal assemblies and improved thermal management features that reduce or eliminate ignition sources for hazardous environments. The solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices are ignition protected and avoid possible explosions and therefore obviate a need for conventional explosion-proof enclosures to ensure safe operation of an electrical power system in hazardous locations.

Modular circuit protection devices and configurable panelboard systems include arc-free operation, thermal management features providing safe operation in hazardous environments at lower cost and without requiring conventional explosion-proof enclosures and without entailing series connected separately provided packages such as circuit breaker devices and starter motor contactors and controls.

The circuit breaker according to the present invention comprises: a pair of contact mechanisms for switching a pair of circuits; a switching mechanism for driving the pair of contact mechanism to a circuit opening position or a circuit closing position; a trip bar rotatable to a first position for latching the switching mechanism or to a second position for releasing the switching mechanism; and an instant trip mechanism for pressing the trip bar to rotate to the second position, wherein the instant trip mechanism comprises a pair of armature assemblies and movable to a position for pressing the trip bar to rotate to the second position; and a pair of electromagnets provided to face the pair of armature assemblies and applies a magnetic attractive force to the pair of armature assemblies in response to the fault current on the circuit requiring an instant trip.

An overvoltage protection device includes: input terminals; output terminals; at least two overvoltage protection elements for forming staggered protection levels; and at least one longitudinal element electrically connecting an input terminal and an output terminal to conduct an operating current. In order to form a first protection level, a first overvoltage protection device is connected to two input terminals on an input side upstream of the at least one longitudinal element, and, in order to form a second protection level, a second overvoltage protection element is connected to two output terminals on an output side and downstream of the at least one longitudinal element, the at least one longitudinal element influencing a response of the at least two overvoltage protection elements in case of an overvoltage. The at least one longitudinal element is provided with a thermal overload protection device for reducing a possible current flow.

A circuit breaker includes an interrupter configured to selectively prevent a flow of electrical current through the circuit breaker, and an assembly. The assembly includes a housing, an interrupter mechanism, and an arc protection mechanism. The housing includes an opening configured to channel an arc fault discharge generated during an arc fault into the housing. The interrupter mechanism is coupled to the housing and the interrupter, and is configured to move the interrupter between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position prevents a flow of electrical current through the circuit breaker and the second position permits a flow of electrical current through the circuit breaker. The arc protection mechanism is within the housing and is configured to receive the arc fault discharge through the housing and to cause the interrupter to move to the first position in response to the arc fault discharge.

A circuit breaker includes an interrupter configured to selectively prevent a flow of electrical current through the circuit breaker, and an assembly. The assembly includes a housing, an interrupter mechanism, and an arc protection mechanism. The housing includes an opening configured to channel an arc fault discharge generated during an arc fault into the housing. The interrupter mechanism is coupled to the housing and the interrupter, and is configured to move the interrupter between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position prevents a flow of electrical current through the circuit breaker and the second position permits a flow of electrical current through the circuit breaker. The arc protection mechanism is within the housing and is configured to receive the arc fault discharge through the housing and to cause the interrupter to move to the first position in response to the arc fault discharge.

A description is given of an apparatus for disconnecting a connection between solar modules of a photovoltaic string. A circuit breaker, a band-stop filter and a supply circuit are arranged in a series circuit between a first and second terminal. The series circuit is configured to conduct a current that includes a DC string current flowing through the photovoltaic string and a high-frequency control signal modulated onto the DC string current. The supply circuit is configured to generate energy to power the apparatus from the DC string current. An AC bypass circuit bridges the circuit breaker in parallel and is configured to conduct the high-frequency control signal. A control unit is configured to operate the apparatus based on the high-frequency control signal. A reverse current diode oppositely polarized relative to an operating current flow is connected in parallel with the circuit breaker or the circuit breaker and the band-stop filter.

An electronic device includes a housing having a battery installed within. A spatial orientation detection unit installed within the housing generates signals indicative of spatial orientation of the housing. The electronic device further includes a timer circuit, and a controller. The controller is communicably coupled with the battery, the spatial orientation detection unit, and the timer circuit. The controller periodically receives signals indicative of spatial orientation of the housing through the spatial orientation detection unit. The controller periodically determines spatial orientation of the housing based on the received signals. The controller determines whether spatial orientation of the housing corresponds to particular spatial orientation profiles at particular periodic intervals, and switches on the electronic device accordingly for a pre-determined time period.

A leakage current detection and interruption (LCDI) device for power cord, and power connector and appliance employing the same. The LCDI device includes a switch module coupled on the power supply lines to control electrical connection between input and output ends of the device; a leakage current detection module including a leakage current detection line, for detecting a leakage current on the power supply lines and outputting a leakage current fault signal accordingly; a drive module, for driving the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection in response to the leakage current fault signal and/or an open circuit fault signal, the open circuit fault signal representing an open circuit condition of the leakage current detection line; and a test module including a test switch, coupled to the leakage current detection module, where the leakage current detection module outputs the leakage current fault signal when the test switch is closed.

Solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices include improved chemical, static discharge and impact resistant housing construction, arc-free switching operation, secure terminal assemblies and thermal management features. The solid state and hybrid circuit protection devices are ignition protected and avoid possible explosions and therefore obviate a need for conventional explosion-proof enclosures to ensure safe operation of an electrical power system in a potentially explosive environment.