Trip indicators for circuit protection devices
US5847913A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H1/0015
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A trip indicator for a circuit breaker in an electrical distribution system. The trip indicator provides a visual indication of the activation of a trip signal caused by arcing fault detector (AFD) or ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuitry. The trip indicator comprises one or more light sources, one or more plungers having a colored tip or one or more bimetal disk having a colored top. In response to activation of a trip signal by the AFD or GFI circuitry, the light source(s) illuminate, the plunger(s) move from a retracted position to an extended position and the bimetal disk(s) move from a generally flat position to a convex position. A conduit is provided within the housing of the protective device for conveying light or the reflection of light between the light source(s), plunger(s) or bimetal disk(s) and an opening of the housing. Where the circuit breaker includes both GFI and AFD circuitry, each generating a respective trip signal in response to the detection of a ground fault or arcing fault, the trip indicator is designed to indicate which of the respective fault conditions activated the trip signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.