Schneider Electric Usa, Inc.

Other

Jeremy D Schroeder

Joseph R Beierschmitt

Juan Ignacio Melecio

Joseph Beierschmitt

Brett E Larson

Randall James Gass

Joseph Hall

Kenneth Riehl

Jacob B Guelff

Ryan James Moffitt

Issa V Drame

Robert Erger

Juan Ignacio Melecio Ramirez

Skylar Frances Wetzel

Robert Isaacson

John K Mackenzie

Gregory S Wiese

Brian Patrick Grove

Timothy J Watts

Robert B Isaacson

Randall Gass

A circuit breaker assembly can include a mechanism configured to be actuated by an operator toward a first position. The mechanism can be configured to move between the first position and a second position to change a state of a contactor between a closed state and an open state. The assembly can include a position sensor system configured to sense a position of the mechanism between the first position and the second position.

Circuit breaker systems

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) can include a current transformer (CT) comprising a single core, a first winding wound around the single core, and a second winding wound around the single core. The GFCI can include a ground fault (GF) detection module operatively connected to the first winding to receive signals from the first winding and configured to determine whether a line-to-ground fault exists. The GFCI can also include a GN stimulus operatively connected to the second winding to provide a GN stimulus signal to the second winding. The GFCI can also include a grounded neutral (GN) detection module operatively connected to second winding and configured to receive signals from the second winding to determine whether a neutral-to-ground fault exists.

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices, systems, and methods

A ground fault sensing circuit system includes a current transformer having a first winding and a second winding on opposite halves of the current transformer, outputting first and second signals, each winding coupled to a processor that determines information about respective currents in conductors monitored by the current transformer, based on a combination of the first and second signals. In another embodiment, the current transformer has a third winding wrapped continuously around both halves of the current transformer, overlapped with the first and second windings, the third winding outputting a third signal coupled to the processor, which determines information about respective currents in conductors monitored by the current transformer, based on a combination of the first, second, and third signals.

Multifunction single core sensor for ground fault application

A diagnostic device includes electrical connectors, load, power supply, switching circuitry, sensors, and processor. The connectors include first and second sets of terminals for connecting to the conductors of a branch circuit in an upstream and downstream direction, respectively, at an outlet location along the circuit. The switching circuitry can isolate the upstream and downstream sections of the circuit from the outlet location, and selectively connect or disconnect the power supply or the load to the upstream or downstream section. The sensors measure electrical characteristics on the conductors of the circuit to monitor load currents, such as on power, neutral and ground lines, of the upstream and downstream circuit sections. The processor controls the switching circuitry, and obtains diagnostic information corresponding to the monitored load currents on the upstream and downstream sections of the branch circuit, from the measurements performed by the sensors.

Residential fault diagnostic tool

An autonomous adaptive arc fault detection device includes a memory for storing data of arc fault tripping events detected on a circuit over a period of time. The device also includes a processor, in communication with the memory, for determining whether a newly detected arc fault tripping event is an unwanted tripping event based on a number of times a same type of tripping event, as the newly detected arc fault tripping event, has occurred, and inhibiting interruption of the circuit if the newly detected arc fault tripping event is determined to be an unwanted tripping event. The memory can store data, such as sensed or calculated electrical characteristic parameters defining a signature of a detected arc fault tripping event as well as a number of times a stored tripping event has occurred over a period of time.

Adaptive arc fault detection trip decision buffer

The disclosed methods and systems employ a nonprobability-based detection scheme that measures conditions (e.g., voltage or current) at multiple locations on a circuit, such as a branch circuit, to detect for a presence of an arc fault condition. A centralized processing system, such as a controller (), receives information corresponding to a branch origin voltage or current measurement sensed by a sensor () at a branch origin upstream of the plurality of end-use devices () on the branch circuit (e.g. at a circuit breaker defining the branch), and receives information corresponding to a downstream voltage or current measurement at each of the end-use devices sensed by a corresponding downstream sensor ().

Distributed arc fault protection between outlet and circuit breaker

A system and method to detect arc faults in branch wiring. The system includes a line conductor and a neutral conductor. A circuit breaker is connected to an alternating current source via the line and neutral conductors. Electrical outlet devices are coupled to the circuit breaker via the line and neutral conductors. Each of the electrical outlet devices has a neutral shorting switching element coupled between the line and neutral conductors, and a load control switching element in the line conductor. The electrical outlet devices also each include an outlet controller to control the switching elements. The outlet controllers close the neutral shorting switching elements and the master controller determines if high impedance is present to detect a series arc fault. The outlet controllers open the load control switching elements and the master controller determines if any current is flowing on the line conductor to detect a parallel arc fault.

Method to detect arcing faults using switched elements at outlet

An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlet is disclosed which detects and interrupts upstream parallel arc faults. The example AFCI outlet includes a switching element coupled between the line and neutral conductors at the outlet. The outlet also includes a voltage sensor and a current sensor. A parallel upstream arc fault is detected from a sensed voltage drop and no corresponding increase in current. On detecting the arc fault, the switching element is closed and current flows through the relatively lower resistance switching element interrupting power through the arc fault. The closed switching element results in an overcurrent condition causing an upstream conventional thermal-magnetic circuit breaker to trip.

Upstream parallel arc fault outlet protection method

An apparatus () and method are provided for translating diagnostic information provided by a circuit protective device, such as a circuit breaker, to a graphic display format. The apparatus and method monitor through a sensor () a trip sequence implemented by the circuit protective device as a function of time during a read out operation to indicate a type of fault condition from a plurality of fault conditions for a prior occurrence of a trip event or diagnostic information. The apparatus and method then determine a time period of the monitored trip sequence, and determine the type of fault condition based on the determined time period. Information concerning the determined type of fault condition is outputted.

Circuit protective device fault diagnostic translator

An electronic circuit breaker includes controllable mechanical contacts adapted to connect a primary power source to at least one load; and control circuitry for monitoring the flow of power from the primary power source to the load, detecting fault conditions and automatically opening the contacts in response to the detection of a fault condition. A primary power source supplies power to the control circuitry when the contacts are closed, and an auxiliary power source supplies power to the control circuitry when the contacts are open, whether by a trip or by manual opening.

Electronic circuit breaker with alternate mode of operation using auxiliary power source

An electronic circuit breaker includes controllable contacts adapted to connect a power source to at least one load, and a microcontroller for monitoring the flow of power to the load, detecting different types of fault conditions and automatically opening the contacts in response to a fault. A primary power supply of the breaker receives power from the line source when the contacts are closed, and supplies power to the control circuitry. Fault indicators in the microcontroller indicate the type of fault that caused the contacts to open. A secondary power supply provides power to the control circuitry when the contacts are open and a switch is closed.

Circuit breaker with fault indication and secondary power supply

An AC to DC power supply for small heat sensitive electronic device. The power supply being dynamically controlled to operate symmetrically about the lowest point of the AC source voltage waveform for minimum excess heat production.

Microcontroller operated current limited switching power supply for circuit protective devices

An arc fault demonstrator device for testing the efficacy of an arc fault interrupter (AFI) circuit breaker. The device includes a motor that moves a movable electrode relative to a stationary electrode under microprocessor control. A relay switches the electrodes connection between an arc voltage measurement circuit and an electrode close circuit. When current is applied to the electrodes, the measurement circuit provides voltage measurements to the microprocessor, which instructs the motor to move the electrodes closer or apart. When the arc voltage is below a low threshold, the electrodes are moved apart until the arc voltage exceeds a medium threshold. When the arc voltage exceeds a high threshold, the electrodes are moved closer until the arc voltage falls below the medium threshold. A switch switches between the AFI circuit breaker or a conventional circuit breaker to confirm that the AFI breaker will trip upon detection of the arc whereas the conventional breaker will not.

Continuous series arc generator

A multiple pole arc-fault circuit breaker includes a first pole assembly, a second pole assembly, a microprocessor, and a single test button. At least one of the first pole assembly and the second pole assembly has a trip mechanism. The microprocessor is electrically coupled to the first pole assembly and to the second pole assembly, and, in response to receiving a single test signal, is operative to perform electrical tests for both the first pole assembly and the second pole assembly. In response to successful completion of the electrical tests, the microprocessor is further operative to actuate the trip mechanism. The single test button is mounted to the housing and includes a single test position which causes the sending of the single test signal for initiating the electrical tests.

Growing community of inventors

North Liberty, IA, United States of America

Jeremy D Schroeder