A power switching device includes a primary power source, a backup power source, and a power switching circuit, and the power switching circuit can switch rapidly between the two or more power sources. The power switching circuit includes a first switching module, a second switching module, and a control module. The first switching module includes first through fourth relays, and first through fourth driving units. The first switching module also includes a first bidirectional thyristor and a second bidirectional thyristor. A power switching circuit is also provided.

A switch device includes first and second switch units that are coupled respectively to first and second output terminals. Each of the first and second switch units includes a plurality of diodes and at least one semiconductor-controlled rectifier (SCR), where at least one of the diodes and one of the at least one SCR cooperatively permit a current to flow therethrough to a corresponding one of the first and second output terminals when each thereof operates in an ON state, and where at least one of the diodes and one of the at least one SCR cooperatively permit a current to flow therethrough from a corresponding one of the first and second output terminals when each thereof operates in an ON state.

In the field of power distribution networks, a digital output circuit, for controlling an item of equipment within a power distribution network, comprises a switch element openable and closeable to selectively permit the flow of current to an item of equipment being controlled in use by the digital output circuit. The digital output circuit also includes a current acquisition circuit to measure the current flowing through the switch element. In addition, the digital output circuit includes a condition monitoring circuit that is arranged in communication with the current acquisition circuit. The condition monitoring circuit is configured to record the measured current flowing through the switch element as the switch element closes and thereby establish a switch element closing signature.

Methods, systems, and apparatus for circuit breakers with integrated safety, control, monitoring, and protection features. In one aspect, a circuit breaker includes an input and an output, a switch coupled between the input and output, a communications device configured to communicate on a data communications network, and a control system coupled to the switch and the communications device, wherein the control system is configured to perform operations including opening the switch as a consequence of detecting an overcurrent condition in a circuit downstream from the circuit breaker, opening and closing the switch based on one or more instructions received by the communications device from the data communications network, and monitoring the power consumption of the circuit downstream from the circuit breaker.

An intelligent switch for automotive application. In particular, a resettable and/or programmable fuse comprising at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and a switch circuit electrically connecting the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet. In order to provide an intelligent switch for automotive applications that provides more than one switching function, the switch circuit comprises at least two switching submodules selected from an electromechanical switching submodule and an electric switching submodule. The intelligent switch further comprises a control unit for controlling an operating state of the at least two switching submodules.

A circuit breaker protecting an electrical low-voltage circuit includes a housing with grid-side and load-side connections for the circuit. A mechanical isolating contact unit is series-connected to an electronic interruption unit. The isolating contact unit is paired with the load-side connections. The interruption unit is paired with the grid-side connections. The isolating contact unit is switchable by opening contacts preventing, or by closing contacts allowing, current flow in the low-voltage circuit. Semiconductor-based switch elements of the interruption unit are switchable to high-ohmic state preventing, or to low-ohmic state allowing, current flow in the low-voltage circuit. A current sensor unit ascertains current level of the low-voltage circuit and a control unit is connected to the current sensor unit, isolating contact unit, and interruption unit. Exceeding current and/or current/time thresholds prevents current flow in the low-voltage circuit.

Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for a selectivity device for a circuit breaker. The invention includes a modular assembly adapted to be coupled to a load conductor assembly. The modular assembly includes a tripping plunger including a cam surface adapted to interact with a breaker tripping mechanism; an armature coupled to the tripping plunger; a yoke adapted to generate a magnetic field in response to an electric current in the load conductor assembly and disposed to apply a magnetic force proportionate to the electric current on the armature; and a spring assembly adapted to counter-balance the magnetic force up to a predefined tripping current in the load conductor assembly. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

A disconnecting device for interrupting the direct current between a direct current source, in particular in the direct voltage range between 300VDc and/or in the nominal current range between 4 A and 250 A, and a load. The device has at least one protection switch with a protection switch arrangement having a magnetic trigger, and has semiconductor electronics which are connected in parallel to the at least one protection switch and which block the current when the protection switch arrangement is in a current-conducting state and which conducts current at least temporarily when the protection switch arrangement is triggered. A current, in particular an electric arc current generated as a result of an electric arc, is switched, when the protection switch arrangement is triggered, from the at least one protection switch to the semiconductor electronics.

A circuit breaker for protecting a low-voltage electric circuit for an AC voltage, ascertains the level of an instantaneous differential current of conductors of the low-voltage circuit. If an instantaneous differential current quantity has been overshot, a prevention of current flux in the low-voltage circuit is initiated by a high-ohmic state of switching elements of an electronic interruption unit in the closed state of break contacts. A method for using a circuit-breaker for protecting a low-voltage electric circuit for an AC voltage, is also provided.

A hybrid circuit breaker includes a primary trip/isolation relay component and a primary trip/isolation relay component driver coupled to the primary trip/isolation relay component and structured to interrupt current from flowing to the load in an event of fault; a sensing mechanism structured to sense at least current, voltage, and power flowing to the load; a metrology component coupled to the sensing mechanism and structured to monitor and measure at least the current, voltage and power; a controller structured to detect the event of fault based on data received from the sensing mechanism and the metrology component and communicate with a user device; and a hybrid secondary switching device coupled to the controller and the primary trip/isolation relay component, the hybrid secondary switch device including secondary contacts, a miniaturized electromechanical relay and a power electronics circuit connected in parallel with the miniaturized electromechanical relay.