Power controller with voltage-controlled circuit breaker

Abstract

A power controller comprises a manually-on circuit breaker having an electrically-actuatable trip coil which enables the circuit breaker to be tripped-off electrically. The circuit breaker is connected to a voltage source and provides operating voltage to a power outlet. A line voltage monitor provides a voltage indication to a logic control circuit when operating voltage moves outside a predetermined range established by setting upper and lower operating voltage limits. In response to receiving such a voltage indication, the logic control circuit deenergizes a relay, thereby connecting a charged capacitor to the tripping coil of the circuit breaker to cause the breaker to be tripped-off even when the voltage to the circuit breaker drops to zero volts. Other signals provided to the control logic circuit also cause the deenergizing of the relay controlling the circuit breaker tripping capacitor. A logic control timing circuit enables the circuit breaker to latch on when it is manually turned on and while the operating voltage is stabilizing in the line voltage monitor. The power controller apparatus may include at least one switched power outlet connected for receiving operating voltage from the circuit breaker and includes a switch for enabling the switched power outlet to be selectively turned on and off while the circuit breaker is tripped on.