Heat sensor responsive to electrical overloads
US8605402B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H3/26
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for detecting an overheating condition at an electrical power device and automatically breaking the circuit when the temperature exceeds a setpoint value. In various configurations the device is a receptacle adapted to be used in a wall mounted box or a receptacle unit that is plugged into an existing receptacle. A temperature sensor is wired parallel to a normally open test switch on a ground fault circuit interrupter or other circuit interrupting device. The temperature switch is responsive to the temperature local to the receptacle, such as is caused by poor connections to or in the receptacle or a near-overload condition. The temperature setpoint is less than the melting temperature of the insulation of the electrical wiring. The temperature sensor is a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient that allows current to flow thereby latching the interrupting device in a tripped position until the device is reset for reuse.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.