Advanced ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and methods of operation thereof
US11165240B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 2019 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H3/04
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In one example, a ground fault circuit interrupter is provided. It may include a current imbalance detection circuit configured to provide a leakage signal and a main processing circuit including a processor. The leakage signal may correspond to a current imbalance between a supply path and a return path. The processor may be configured to receive the leakage signal, analyze a time pattern of the leakage signal, determine whether a ground fault exists based on analysis of the time pattern, and generate a first trigger signal if the ground fault is determined to exist. The ground fault circuit interrupter may further include a back-EMF detection circuit configured to provide a back-EMF detection signal. Methods for detecting and responding to a ground fault are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.