Ground fault circuit interrupter (gfci) latching apparatus

Abstract

A GFCI latching apparatus and circuit is provided. The latching apparatus includes a solenoid; a solenoid plunger, wherein the solenoid plunger comprises a groove; a conical spring disposed at one end of the solenoid plunger; a forked latch, wherein the forked latch engages the groove with its forks. The latch also includes a bevel surface. Also included is a contact carrier having a first position when the solenoid is energized and a second position when the solenoid is deenergized. The contact carrier includes a bevel surface for mating with the latch bevel surface when the solenoid is energized. Also included is a GFCI configured to deenergize the solenoid upon the occurrence of a fault to disengage the latch, the latch thereby disengaging from the contact carrier, causing the contact carrier to move from the first position to the second position. The GFCI circuit detects ground faults and deenergizes the solenoid when a ground fault is detected. The GFCI includes GFCI detection circuitry, wherein the GFCI detection circuitry includes an SCR switch for controlling energizing current for the solenoid; SCR Test Bias circuit for biasing the SCR switch; Self-Test Fault circuit for testing the operation of the GFCI detection circuitry; an Isolation circuit for isolating GFCI detection circuit while self-test is preformed; and power supply circuits for powering the GFCI circuit.