초록 ▼

An arc fault detector embodied as both a stand alone device and in combination with a circuit interrupting device such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. The device utilizes line side and load side pickup coil

An arc fault detector embodied as both a stand alone device and in combination with a circuit interrupting device such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) functions to provide protection from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. The device utilizes line side and load side pickup coils to permit distinguishing between arc faults occurring on the line side and the load side of the device. The arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) circuitry portion of the device shares components from the GFCI circuitry portion as an integral part of its functionality. The AFCI utilizes the electromechanical power carrying, portion of the GFCI, including the AC line disconnect circuitry, the power supply and the physical housing. In addition, the AFCI employs quantitative detection using variable gain control in combination with either a load disconnect or audible/visual alarm indication. The device also includes a timer circuit, which permits the user to temporarily inhibit or disable the arc detection, and selective frequency filtering permitting arc detection in the presence of power line carrier communications. In addition, the device includes communication means to permit the device to communicate the occurrence and location of an arc fault to a centralized monitoring station.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device electrically connected to an electrical wiring system between a source of electrical power including line side phase and neutral conductors and a load including phase and neutral conductors, said device comprising:first arc fault circu

[ We claim:] [1.] An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device electrically connected to an electrical wiring system between a source of electrical power including line side phase and neutral conductors and a load including phase and neutral conductors, said device comprising:first arc fault circuit means for detecting arc faults occurring on said line side of said electrical wiring system and outputting an arc fault indicative signal of a line side arc fault;second arc fault circuit means for detecting arc faults occurring on said load side of said electrical wiring system and outputting an arc fault indicative signal of a load side arc fault;means responsive to said arc fault indicative signals for distinguishing between arc faults occurring on said line side and said load side of said device, and for generating an arc fault trigger signal in response to the detection of an arc fault at least for arc faults occurring on said load side;trigger means for generating a switching signal upon receipt of said arc fault trigger signal; andswitching means electrically connected in series between said line side phase and neutral conductors and said load side phase and neutral conductors, said switching means for disconnecting said source of electrical power to said load side phase and neutral conductors in response to said switching signal.