Patent classifications
H01H2083/148
Circuit interrupters with ground fault modules and related methods
Circuit interrupter devices have a first housing with a circuit interrupter, a second housing coupled to the first housing, a ground fault circuit and current transformer in the second housing. The current transformer has an open channel. The circuit interrupter devices also include at least one power conductor having a rigid or semi-rigid body with opposing first and second end portions extending between the first and second housings. The second end portion of the at least one power conductor extends through the open channel in the current transformer and terminates in a breaker load collar(s).
Self-test mechanisms for end-of-life detection and response for circuit interrupter devices
A circuit for a circuit interrupter is provided. The circuit may in include a first SCR configured to receive a first trigger signal at a gate of the first SCR, a second SCR configured to receive a second trigger signal at a gate of the second SCR, and a third SCR configured to receive a third trigger signal at a gate of the third SCR. A cathode of the first SCR may be connected to an anode of the third SCR. A cathode of the second SCR and a cathode of the third SCR may be connected to a ground. Methods of operating a circuit interrupter and a circuit are also provided.
MODULAR CIRCUIT BREAKER AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING
A modular circuit breaker includes a module assembly coupled to a primary assembly. The primary assembly includes a primary housing, separable contacts disposed therein, a first terminal conductor electrically connected to one of the separable contacts, a conductive tab electrically connected to another one of the separable contacts and which extends outward from a first end of the primary housing, an operating mechanism disposed in the primary housing for selectively opening and closing the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism disposed in the primary housing cooperative with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The module assembly includes a module housing having a second terminal conductor positioned therein and electrically connected to the conductive tab, a third terminal conductor structured to be electrically connected to a neutral conductor of a load, and a fourth terminal conductor structured to be coupled to a neutral bus.
SELF-TEST MECHANISMS FOR END-OF-LIFE DETECTION AND RESPONSE FOR CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER DEVICES
A circuit for a circuit interrupter is provided. The circuit may in include a first SCR configured to receive a first trigger signal at a gate of the first SCR, a second SCR configured to receive a second trigger signal at a gate of the second SCR, and a third SCR configured to receive a third trigger signal at a gate of the third SCR. A cathode of the first SCR may be connected to an anode of the third SCR. A cathode of the second SCR and a cathode of the third SCR may be connected to a ground. Methods of operating a circuit interrupter and a circuit are also provided.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITH SHAPED NEUTRAL BUSBARS AND/OR LOAD TERMINALS AND RELATED METHODS
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI), Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or AF/GF circuit breakers which may optionally have relatively small or compact bodies that have shaped neutral busbars and/or load terminals with an arm that extends through a window of a current transformer in a circuit breaker housing. The neutral busbar and/or load terminal can have a rigid or semi-rigid shaped body with a first segment that extends through the window of the current transformer and a second segment that extends behind the first segment about a printed circuit board. A plug-on, pigtail or bolt-on neutral can engage an electrical pad of the neutral busbar.
Hybrid arc/ground fault circuit interrupter and methods of operation thereof
In one example, a hybrid circuit interrupter may include a three-coil architecture, first coil circuitry, leakage detection circuitry, and a main processing circuit including a processor. The three-coil architecture may include a coil housing, three coils, and a plurality of coil assembly conductors. The coils may be disposed within the coil housing. The coil assembly conductors may be at least partially disposed within the coil housing. The first coil circuitry may be connected to the first coil and may generate first coil signals. The leakage detection circuitry may be connected to the other two coils and may generate a leakage signal. The processor may receive the first coil signals, receive the leakage signal, determine whether an arc fault exists based on the first coil signals, determine whether a ground fault exists based on the leakage signal, and generate a first trigger signal if a fault is determined to exist.
Circuit breakers with shaped neutral busbars and/or load terminals and related methods
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI), Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or AF/GF circuit breakers which may optionally have relatively small or compact bodies that have shaped neutral busbars and/or load terminals with an arm that extends through a window of a current transformer in a circuit breaker housing. The neutral busbar and/or load terminal can have a rigid or semi-rigid shaped body with a first segment that extends through the window of the current transformer and a second segment that extends behind the first segment about a printed circuit board. A plug-on, pigtail or bolt-on neutral can engage an electrical pad of the neutral busbar.
Circuit breakers with shaped neutral busbars and/or load terminals and related methods
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI), Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or AF/GF circuit breakers which may optionally have relatively small or compact bodies that have shaped neutral busbars and/or load terminals with an arm that extends through a window of a current transformer in a circuit breaker housing. The neutral busbar and/or load terminal can have a rigid or semi-rigid shaped body with a first segment that extends through the window of the current transformer and a second segment that extends behind the first segment about a printed circuit board. A plug-on, pigtail or bolt-on neutral can engage an electrical pad of the neutral busbar.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITH SHAPED NEUTRAL BUSBARS AND/OR LOAD TERMINALS AND RELATED METHODS
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI), Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or AF/GF circuit breakers which may optionally have relatively small or compact bodies that have shaped neutral busbars and/or load terminals with an arm that extends through a window of a current transformer in a circuit breaker housing. The neutral busbar and/or load terminal can have a rigid or semi-rigid shaped body with a first segment that extends through the window of the current transformer and a second segment that extends behind the first segment about a printed circuit board. A plug-on, pigtail or bolt-on neutral can engage an electrical pad of the neutral busbar.
Differential current sensing bussing method
The line power and neutral conductors for a circuit interrupter such as a miniature circuit breaker, using ground fault sensing via a current transformer, are arranged as a rigid conductor formed from a flat plate and surrounding and holding an insulated flexible conductor when passing through the Ground Fault Interrupter current transformer. The rigid conductor can provide a shaped current path to maximize the effectiveness of the current transformer.