Patent · US Expired

Ground fault module conductors and base therefor

US5446431A · kind A · utility

46Cited by
2References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 28, 1994
Grant dateAug 29, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 28, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01H2089/005
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A ground fault module is provided for protecting a circuit interrupter connected between the load and line terminals of a phase and neutral power line. The module includes a sensor for detecting a current imbalance between the phase and neutral power lines. A phase conductor having a rigid, elongated body made of solid, electrically-conducting material with a first and second end is adapted for connection to the load and line phase power line. A neutral conductor having a rigid, elongated body made of solid, electrically-conducting material with a first and second end is adapted for connection to the load and line neutral power line. Preferably, terminals are used to clamp the ends of the phase and neutral conductors to the load power line and load neutral line. The phase and neutral conductor are operatively connected to the sensor. The present invention also provides a housing assembly for a ground fault circuit interrupter which includes a base made of electrically insulating material with a plurality of cavities for retaining the ground fault module and terminals therein.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.