H02H3/334

Power supply grounding fault protection circuit
10594131 · 2020-03-17 · ·

The present disclosure relates to a power supply grounding fault protection circuit. A power supply grounding fault protection circuit may include a power supply circuit, a leakage grounding detection circuit, a signal amplifying and shaping circuit, a microcontroller control circuit, a power supply detection and indicator circuit, a tripping mechanism control circuit, a reverse grounding detection and execution circuit, a wireless network circuit, and an automatic resetting circuit. The practice of the present disclosure may permit a user to reset the grounding fault circuit interrupter remotely after a leaking fault of a circuit is eliminated.

Residual current devices
10581234 · 2020-03-03 · ·

A residual current device (RCD) comprises test circuitry which issues intermittent first test pulses each simulating a residual current fault for which a corresponding fault signal is generated. In the case of a fault in which a corresponding fault signal is not received in respect of a first pulse, the RCD attempts to force the load contacts open. The test circuitry further issues intermittent second test pulses at a frequency less than that of the first test pulses, each second test pulse simulating a residual current for which a corresponding fault signal is generated. The duration of each corresponding fault signal is greater than the response time of the load contacts to allow the load contacts to open. If the test circuitry detects that the load contacts do not open, the RCD attempts to force the load contacts open.

Ground fault circuit interrupter using frequency recognition and measurement

A wiring device including an interrupting device, a fault detection circuit, and a testing circuit. The interrupting device electrically connects a line terminal to a load terminal when the interrupting device is in a reset condition and disconnects the line terminal from the load terminal when the interrupting device is in a tripped condition. The fault detection circuit is configured to detect a fault condition and generate a fault detection signal in response to detecting the fault condition, the fault detection signal is provided to the interrupting device to place the interrupting device in the tripped condition. The testing circuit is configured to determine a frequency of an input voltage at the one or more line terminals, perform a first test of the interrupting device at a first period of the frequency, and perform a second test of the fault detection circuit at a second period of the frequency.

Universal ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) device and printed circuit board package
10497529 · 2019-12-03 · ·

A universal ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) device for interrupting the flow of current through a pair of lines extending between a source of power and a load. The GFCI device is easily adaptable to fit into a plurality of enclosure types and includes a top surface having a stationary assembly. The stationary assembly includes a load section a GFCI circuit section, and a power source section, wherein the components of the device are arranged to minimize space, maintain arcing and dielectric prevention distances, and allow for peripheral load and source connections facilitating easy adaptability into a variety of GFCI enclosures.

Methods and apparatus to disable a trip circuit during self test in ground fault circuit interrupters
10498132 · 2019-12-03 · ·

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) having an automatic self-test feature is configured to disable a trip circuit therein during a self test, yet still allow the trip circuit to respond during the self test to detection of a large ground fault by tripping a main contact switch of the GFCI. The GFCI includes circuitry that overrides the disablement of the trip circuit during a self test in response to detection of a ground fault that exceeds a predetermined threshold. Methods of disabling a trip circuit of a GFCI during a self test while still allowing the trip circuit to respond during the self test to detection of a large ground fault are also provided, as are other aspects.

A LIQUID SYSTEM TOOL HAVING AN INTEGRATED RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICE
20190348831 · 2019-11-14 ·

Disclosed herein is a liquid system tool having an integrated residual current device, RCD. The liquid system tool comprises a current circuit having a power input for receiving an alternating electrical current, AC, a rectifier for rectifying the AC into a direct current, DC, a voltage booster for increasing a DC voltage and a motor unit connected to an output of the voltage booster for driving the liquid system tool. The RCD comprises a sensor element connected to an output of the rectifier and an input of the voltage booster and being configured to collect an analog current signal and an analog to digital, A/D, converter configured to convert the analog current signal into a digital current signal. The integrated RCD further comprises a logic unit connected to the A/D converter, wherein the logic unit is configured to evaluate the digital current signal and compare it to a current requirement, and wherein if the logic unit determines that the digital current signal does not fulfill the current requirement, it is further configured to break the current circuit so that no current can flow in the liquid system tool. Also disclosed is a method for detecting residual current in a liquid system tool, and a computer program product.

ADVANCED GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS (GFCI) AND METHODS OF OPERATION THEREOF
20190341767 · 2019-11-07 · ·

In one example, a ground fault circuit interrupter is provided. It may include a current imbalance detection circuit configured to provide a leakage signal and a main processing circuit including a processor. The leakage signal may correspond to a current imbalance between a supply path and a return path. The processor may be configured to receive the leakage signal, analyze a time pattern of the leakage signal, determine whether a ground fault exists based on analysis of the time pattern, and generate a first trigger signal if the ground fault is determined to exist. The ground fault circuit interrupter may further include a back-EMF detection circuit configured to provide a back-EMF detection signal. Methods for detecting and responding to a ground fault are also provided.

Universal Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Device Incorporating A Water and Flame Barrier Button Assembly
20190341766 · 2019-11-07 ·

A water and flame barrier button assembly is incorporated into an electrical enclosure such as a GFCI housing to provide water and flame resistant set and reset buttons. The buttons are contained within flexible sealing frames that allow one end of the buttons to extend through the top portion of the GFCI housing while the opposite end of the button is exposed within the base portion of the sealing frame. The base portion of the sealing frame attaches to the interior of the housing with the exposed button end positioned inward of the sealing frame base. The base of the sealing frame contacts the GFCI circuit board while providing a rebound force to return either the set or reset button exposed end from a position depressed and in contact with the circuit board to a position not in contact with the circuit board and returning inward of the sealing frame base.

Advanced ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and methods of operation thereof
10439387 · 2019-10-08 · ·

In one example, a ground fault circuit interrupter is provided. It may include a current imbalance detection circuit configured to provide a leakage signal and a main processing circuit including a processor. The leakage signal may correspond to a current imbalance between a supply path and a return path. The processor may be configured to receive the leakage signal, analyze a time pattern of the leakage signal, determine whether a ground fault exists based on analysis of the time pattern, and generate a first trigger signal if the ground fault is determined to exist. The ground fault circuit interrupter may further include a back-EMF detection circuit configured to provide a back-EMF detection signal. Methods for detecting and responding to a ground fault are also provided.

Protective wiring device

A protective electrical wiring device including: a plurality of line terminals including a first line terminal and a second line terminal; a plurality of load terminals including a first load terminal and a second load terminal, wherein the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals are configured to be coupled to an AC electrical distribution system; a pair of contacts including a first contact and a second contact; and a latch block being configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the latch block permits the first line terminal and the first load terminal to be in contact with the first contact and the second line terminal and second load terminal to be in contact with the second contact, wherein, when moving from the first position to the second position, the latch block advances at least one of the first line terminal and the first load terminal away from the first contact and at least one of the second line terminal and the second load terminal away from the second contact.