Abstract:
An exemplary coil actuator for an associated switching device which can be actuated during its operation from an open position to a closed position to allow a current to flow therethrough and from the closed position to the open position to interrupt such flowing from flowing therethrough. The coil actuator includes a coil electromagnet arranged to move between a rest position and an actuating position, wherein movement from the rest position to the actuating position is suitable to cause the actuation of the switching device; and an electronic component arranged to count an operation time which is indicative of the duration of the actuation of the switching device.
Abstract:
A unitary housing including an electrical plug with externally extending prongs for insertion into an outlet or receptacle, an electrical switch in connection therewith, and an indicator of the presence or absence of electrical power applied to the prongs of the plug, with the electrical switch being of an amperage rating greater than that of a circuit breaker protecting the electrical power supply system, such that turning the switch nullonnull, increases the supplied electrical power to overload the circuit breaker, before overloading the switch.
Abstract:
A miniature circuit breaker with quick current breaking capability which includes a miniature circuit breaker body, a current transformer CT1, a zero-sequence current transformer CT2 and a smart controller module. The miniature circuit breaker body is internally provided with a main arc extinguishing chamber, a fixed contact, a movable contact, a tripping mechanism, and a magnetic tripping push rod. The tripping mechanism includes a lock catch, a movable contact rocker arm, a jump pin, a connecting rod, and a tension spring. A rotated-hinge repulsive force structure is applied between the fixed contact and the movable contact. The tripping mechanism is further provided with a torsional spring to press the movable contact close to the fixed contact. A shunt tripping device controlling the miniature circuit breaker switch to be turned off is arranged in the smart controller module.
Abstract:
A circuit breaker is disclosed that has a neutral lock-out mechanism that prevents electrical connection between a power source and a load when a neutral rail is disconnected from the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker has a line connector, a load connector and a plug-on neutral line connector. A trip mechanism has an on position allowing electrical connection between the line connector and the load connector. The trip mechanism has a tripped position interrupting electrical connection between the line connector and the load connector in response to detection of a fault condition such as a short circuit. The trip mechanism also has an off position which is required before resetting the trip mechanism to the on position. A trip link is coupled to the trip mechanism. The trip link has a first position that prevents the trip mechanism from being reset to the on position. The trip link has a second position allowing the trip mechanism to be reset to the on position. A neutral lock mechanism is coupled to the plug-on neutral line connector. The neutral lock mechanism has a tension spring that retains the trip link in the first position when the neutral rail is disconnected from the neutral line connector. When the neutral rail is inserted into the neutral line connector, the tension spring is compressed and the trip link may move to the second position allowing the circuit breaker to be reset.
Abstract:
A protection apparatus for a circuit breaker disposed in a circuit to be protected uses a solenoid configured to operate the circuit breaker on command, an undervoltage release (UVR) sensing apparatus configured to produce an UVR signal in response to a line voltage of the circuit to be protected falling below a predetermined level, and a shunt trip (ST) sensing apparatus configured to produce a ST signal when it senses a ST command. A controller operably connected to the UVR sensing apparatus, the ST sensing apparatus, and the solenoid, is configured to receive the UVR and ST signals when produced and controls the solenoid to open the breaker in response to receipt by the controller of either of the UVR and ST signals.
Abstract:
A circuit interrupter trip apparatus operably connected to an operating mechanism of a circuit interrupter includes a sensor and a switch operably connected and responsive to the sensor. The switch is positioned such that the sensor changes the operating state of the switch in response to detection of a predetermined electrical condition, such as an electrical fault. A controller is operably connected to the switch and is configured to activate the operating mechanism in response to a change in the operating state of the switch.
Abstract:
At least one embodiment of the invention relates to an auxiliary release for a circuit breaker. The auxiliary release includes an undervoltage release for mechanically actuating an actuating element, and a connection point for connecting a voltage release is arranged in the circuit of the undervoltage release.
Abstract:
An encapsulated medium voltage vacuum circuit interrupter includes a line terminal, a load terminal, a vacuum interrupter, an operating mechanism and an elongated, insulated, generally cylindrical encapsulating housing. The vacuum interrupter includes a vacuum envelope containing a fixed contact assembly and a movable contact assembly movable between a closed circuit position in electrical communication with the fixed contact assembly and an open circuit position spaced apart from the fixed contact assembly. The fixed contact assembly is electrically interconnected with the line terminal. A flexible conductor electrically connects the movable contact assembly with the load terminal. The operating mechanism moves the movable contact assembly between the closed circuit position and the open circuit position. The housing includes a first end supporting the line terminal and an opposite second end supporting the load terminal. The housing encloses the vacuum interrupter, the flexible conductor and the operating mechanism.
Abstract:
A self-powered circuit interrupter arrangement for interrupting current in a circuit path uses a current-blocking component to ensure that an insufficient amount of accumulated power for actuating and completing interruption of the circuit path is not misused in an unwarranted attempt to interrupt the current path. The arrangement includes a current inducer circuit for providing a current signal having a magnitude corresponding to the current in the circuit path and a power supply operating from the current signal to provide a voltage signal of a predetermined value relative to common. A trip command circuit, in response to a fault detected in the circuit path, sends an electrical signal commanding that the circuit path be interrupted by using the voltage signal. The electrical signal is sent to an electrical latch located electrically in series with a coil of a solenoid mechanism. Current from the power supply passing through the coil of a solenoid mechanism causes the interruption of current in the current path. A prevention circuit is constructed and arranged to prevent the electrical signal from engaging the latch, or current from the power supply from passing through the coil until the voltage signal exceeds the predetermined value.