초록 ▼

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, o

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A circuit breaker for interrupting electrical power in a branch circuit of an electrical distribution system in response to detecting electrical hazards in said branch circuit, said branch circuit having line and neutral conductors for connecting a power source to a load,

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A circuit breaker for interrupting electrical power in a branch circuit of an electrical distribution system in response to detecting electrical hazards in said branch circuit, said branch circuit having line and neutral conductors for connecting a power source to a load, said circuit breaker comprising, in combination:a line terminal electrically connected to the line conductor of said branch circuit and defining a line side of said circuit breaker;a load terminal electrically connected to the line conductor of said branch circuit and defining a load side of said circuit breaker, an electrical signal being carried between said line terminal and said load terminal;an arcing fault detector for monitoring said electrical signal for the occurrence of arcing faults and generating a trip signal in response thereto;a line interrupter for disconnecting said electrical signal in response to the generation of said trip signal by said arcing fault detector; anda trip indicator comprising a light source adapted to illuminate in response to the generation of said trip signal by said arcing fault detector, activation of said trip indicator being accomplished independently from activation of said line interrupter.