Adtran Gmbh

International Broadband Electric Communications, Inc.

Barry C Zitting

Steven M Robinson

John S McGary

Brett R Zitting

In one embodiment, a system for coupling a communications signal to a medium-voltage power line includes a surge arrester electrically coupled to a medium-voltage power line and a disconnect device electrically coupled to the surge arrester. The disconnect device is electrically coupled in parallel with a communications device and has a resistance of at least one thousand ohms and a capacitance between one picofarad and twelve picofarads. Furthermore, the disconnect device is electrically coupled to a ground without the use of ferrites.

Coupling of communications signals to a power line

A ground fault detection and line power supply control system protects telecommunication service personnel working on line-powered telephone circuits from ground faults, without requiring that the line power supply be disconnected or shut down prior to a technician working on the line. A ground fault loop sensing current is sourced from an auxiliary DC voltage source that is separate and distinct from the line power supply. This auxiliary DC voltage source is coupled through a ground fault current sense resistor to one side of the powered line, so that detection of a ground fault condition is not dependent upon the supply of current from the potentially hazardous line supply. If a ground fault occurs through either or both of the powered lines, the current flow through the sense resistor will exceed a prescribed threshold, and initiate operation of a switching circuit within the line-powering equipment, thereby rapidly reducing power to the telephone line until the ground fault is cleared or the loop power supply is reset.

Growing community of inventors

Huntsville, AL, United States of America

Barry C Zitting