Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Charles W Leah

Nicholas A Tomasic

Roger D Moates

A low energy mechanically driven and electromagnetically actuated ground fault trip indicator is taught. The ground fault trip indicator utilizes the magnetic flux of a permanent magnet in a first flux path to maintain a movable armature biased against a spring. An electromagnet is disposed to provide magnetic flux in opposition to the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet. The electromagnet is not energized for providing the opposing flux until a pulse is received from an appropriate ground fault trip detecting circuit. When the appropriate pulse of energy is applied to the electromagnet, a portion of the flux of the permanent magnet is cancelled allowing the spring to force the armature into a new position. In this position the flux of the permanent magnet is reestablished in a second flux path. When the indicator is in the latter position indication of the occurrence of a ground fault is given.

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Washington Township, PA, United States of America

Charles W Leah