Square D Company

Robert E Dietz

Darrell P Ophaug

Henry J Zylstra

Lynn B Steve

A ground fault circuit interrupter which utilizes one trip coil to perform the combined functions of interrupting a circuit on occurrence of a ground fault as well as an under voltage condition. An electronic module supplies continuous current to the trip coil until a ground fault or under voltage condition occurs. The armature is spring biased in a direction away from the trip coil, with tension of the spring adjusted to pull the armature away from the trip coil when voltage in the coil decreases below a selected amplitude.

Portable ground fault circuit interrupter

An electric receptacle for ordinary household or trade size junction boxes having a complete ground fault circuit interrupter incorporated in the receptacle, including electronic components to detect a ground fault on the load side of such receptacle, and a coil and trip mechanism which is actuated when a ground fault is detected. On occurrence of a ground fault, the coil and trip mechanism opens the protected circuit. Means to test the interrupting mechanism, means to indicate the interrupter contacts are open, means to reset after testing or occurrence of a ground fault, and means to provide an audible signal if improperly wired, are included.

Ground fault receptacle

An electric receptacle for ordinary household or trade size junction boxes having a complete ground fault circuit interrupter incorporated in the receptacle, including electronic components to detect a ground fault on the load side of such receptacle, and a coil and trip mechanism which is actuated when a ground fault is detected. A number of the components are utilized in this invention in ways that enable them to perform multiple functions eliminating the need for separate components and the space they would require, thereby making it possible to install a complete ground fault circuit interrupter in a smaller space within a receptacle.

Multiple duty components of a ground fault receptacle

A circuit interrupter to trip on occurrence of ground faults or the like in which the neutral and electrified contacts are mounted to open and close in a pre-determined sequence when being reset. When closing to reset the mechanism, the neutral contacts make first and the 'hot' or electrified contacts can only make after the neutral contacts have closed. On pushing the reset button to open, the converse is true. The hot or electrified contacts break first and the neutral contacts can break only after the electrified contacts have separated and interrupted the hot conductor. This sequential operation protects the circuit from an inadvertent making of the hot contacts while the neutral contacts were still open. Under such condition, the circuit would be electrified but there would be no ground fault protection. The ground fault interrupter would not be powered as long as the neutral contacts remain open. A resistor is connected between the ground terminal and the neutral conductor on the load side of the breaker to protect against cross wiring the line conductors to the ground fault interrupter terminals. If the hot or electrified line conductor is mistakenly cross-wired to the neutral terminal of the ground fault interrupter, the resistive connection between neutral and ground simulates a ground fault condition and causes the mechanism to trip. It cannot be reset as long as the hot wire is connected to the neutral terminal of the interrupter.

Growing community of inventors

Cedar Rapids, IA, United States of America

Robert E Dietz