General Electric Company

Henry Hall Mason, Jr

Craig Benjamin Williams

Raymond K Seymour

Cecil Rivers, Jr

Michael C Guerrette

Sean Dwyer

Douglas B Tilghman

Sohaib Uddin Shaikh

Roger N Castonguay

John James Dougherty

John Kenneth Hooker

Marcelo Esteban Valdes

Robert Joseph Caggiano

Brent Charles Kumfer

Michael Sullivan Tignor

George William Roscoe

Joseph G Nagy

Michael Paul Lafond

Geoff F Butland

Heather Ellen Pugliese

Michael B Bradley

Narayansamy Soundararajan

Frederic W Glabau

Frederick W Glabau

Brenda Zhang

Greg Lavoie

Megan Dalene Bardolph

Joseph L Desormeaux, Jr

Douglas Tilghman

Murali Magham

A power equipment protection system is provided. The power equipment protection system includes a first trip unit configured to monitor a first circuit, a second trip unit configured to monitor a second circuit that is downstream from the first circuit, an arc-flash (AF) sensor configured to detect an arc flash, an AF mitigation device, at least one current sensor, and a controller. The power equipment protection system is operable in a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode, the controller is configured to activate the AF mitigation device based on signals generated by both the AF sensor and the at least one current sensor, and wherein in the second mode, the controller is configured to activate the AF mitigation device based on signals generated by at least one of the at least one current sensor and the AF sensor.

Method, system, and apparatus for providing arc flash mitigation

A power circuit protection system includes a current sensor configured to measure a first current level through a conductor of the circuit, a voltage sensor configured to measure a first voltage level across a plurality of conductors of the circuit, and a controller communicatively coupled to the current sensor and to the voltage sensor. The controller is configured to receive a first signal from the current sensor, wherein the first signal is representative of the first current level, and receive a second signal from the voltage sensor, wherein the second signal is representative of the first voltage level. Based on the first signal and the second signal, the controller is configured to determine whether to activate a first circuit protection device or a second circuit protection device.

Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting arc flash events using current and voltage

A hub for use with a circuit protection system includes a first input port configured to communicatively couple to at least one sensor device, wherein the at least one sensor device includes a light source and at least one light sensor. The hub also includes a first output port configured to communicatively couple to at least one controller, and a processor communicatively coupled to the first input port and to the first output port. The processor is configured to receive a sensor status signal from the at least one light sensor via the first input port in response to a test pulse emitted by the light source, and transmit a hub status signal to the at least one controller via the first output port based at least in part on the sensor status signal.

Redundant systems, methods, and apparatus for use in arc flash prevention systems

An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a solenoid in a circuit breaker includes a control circuit configured to receive an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition. The control circuit, in response to said activation signal, provides a first energizing signal to the solenoid for a first predetermined period, and cuts off the first energizing signal for a second predetermined period. The control circuit further provides a second energizing signal to the solenoid for a third predetermined period.

Apparatus and method for controlling a circuit breaker trip device

An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a solenoid includes a control circuit configured to receive an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition. The control circuit, in response to said activation signal, provides a first energizing signal to the solenoid for a first predetermined period, and cuts off the first energizing signal for a second predetermined period. The control circuit further provides a second energizing signal to the solenoid for a third predetermined period.

Apparatus and method for controlling a solenoid

A device for testing for a wiring fault condition is disclosed. The device includes an electrical connector, a first signal generator, a second signal generator, and a user interface. The electrical connector includes first and second contacts that are configured to establish an electrical connection to the wiring. The first signal generator is in signal communication with the electrical connector, and is configured to generate a signal on the wiring and to receive a reflected signal therefrom. The second signal generator is in signal communication with the electrical connector, and is configured to generate a radio frequency signal on the wiring. The user interface is in signal communication with either or both of the first and second signal generators.

Device and method for testing for a wiring fault condition

A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated by a controller is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism, a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism, and a control circuit in operable communication with the main contacts. The drive system includes a motor, and a primary drive responsive to the motor and in operable communication to open and close the main contacts. The control circuit indicates a closed main contact state in response to the operating mechanism being in an on position and the main contacts being closed, and an open main contact state in response to the operating mechanism being in an on position and the main contacts being held open via the drive system.

Circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated

A method and system to improve efficiency and performance of a power supply by providing a consistent voltage level into a multiple-pole circuit breaker () to improve efficiency, reduce heat generation and increase the speed and consistency of 'turn-on' times. A power supply () for changing waveform comprises circuitry for receiving at least one waveform having first and second components. Circuitry is provided for changing the first component and means for outputting a waveform comprising the outputs from the changing circuitry are also provided.

Method and system for providing power to circuit breakers

A method and apparatus for a circuit breaker having an arc fault detection circuit, a ground fault detection circuit, a signal indicative of an arc fault in a corresponding pole of the circuit breaker; and a trip mechanism including a pair of separable contacts. The trip mechanism is in operable communication with the ground fault detection circuitry so than in response to receiving the signal from the ground fault detection circuitry, the arc fault detection circuitry causes the ground fault detection circuitry to generate a trip signal causing the trip mechanism to separate the pair of separable contacts.

Circuit breaker with single test button mechanism

An arc fault current interrupting (AFCI) circuit breaker includes a pair of electrical contacts for stopping the flow of electrical current in a protected portion of the distribution circuit. A low pass filter is configured to receive a signal indicative of a voltage across a resistance in the distribution circuit. The low pass filter amplifies the signal and provides the signal to an arc fault detection circuit. The low pass filter includes an input resistance and a feedback resistance. In one embodiment of the invention, the input resistance has a positive temperature coefficient. In another embodiment, the feedback resistance has a negative temperature coefficient. In yet another embodiment, the input resistance has a positive temperature coefficient and the feedback resistance has a negative temperature coefficient. In any of the embodiments, when temperature decreases, the gain provided by the temperature compensation circuit increases due to the temperature coefficients of the input and/or feedback resistors. As a result, the arc fault detection circuitry will maintain a constant sensitivity to arc faults throughout the entire operating temperature range of the AFCI circuit breaker.

Temperature compensation circuit for an arc fault current interrupting circuit breaker

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a dual test mechanism is presented for use in a circuit breaker. More specifically, the dual test mechanism includes a dual test button which comprises a single switch for testing both the AFCI and GFCI circuits of the breaker. The test mechanism includes a circuit board, which forms a part of the circuit breaker, and a test button assembly which includes a test button and signaling components which are electrically connected to the circuit board.

Circuit breaker with a single test button mechanism

Single pole arc fault circuit breaker

An arc fault circuit breaker comprising an electronics portion that is interconnected with a mechanical portion is presented. A plunger arm affixed to the end of a plunger shaft of a solenoid connects the electronics portion with the mechanical portion. A protrusion is provided to assist in assembly of the circuit breaker. The protrusion depends from the plunger arm. An assembler applies a light downward force with one finger on the protrusion and the plunger arm tends to assume a position at right angles to the surface of the printed circuit board. When the electronics portion is connected with the mechanical portion, the plunger arm is properly aligned and it enters into the slot. If the electronics portion is slightly offset, the assembler's finger on the protrusion can move the plunger arm slightly to align the plunger arm. Thus, the invention enables an assembler to hold and guide the plunger arm into the correct position with one hand while assembling the circuit breaker.

Arc fault circuit breaker

An arc fault circuit breaker (,) conducting an electric current to a protected load is presented. The circuit breaker (,) has a first (mechanical) compartment (,) and a second (electrical) compartment (,). A bimetal resistor (,) is disposed within the first compartment (,) and conducts the current therethrough. The bimetal resistor (,) has a stud (,) extending into the second compartment (,). A single sense line (,) is electrically connected to the bimetal resistor (,) and routed into the second compartment (,). The sense line (,) and said stud (,) conduct a voltage signal indicative of arcing of the current. A circuit board (,) is disposed within the second compartment (,) and is connected to the sense line (,) and stud (,) within the second compartment (,) to process the voltage signal. The circuit board (,) has a first conductive path (,) electrically connected to the stud (,), and a second conductive path (,) electrically connected to the sense line (,). The first and second conductive paths (,) run substantially parallel and proximate to each other such that electromagnetic interference of the voltage signal is substantially reduced.

Growing community of inventors

Farmington, CT, United States of America

Henry Hall Mason, Jr