초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for electrical shock protection and electrical arc fault protection in an electrical distribution system. The invention consists of a current interrupting circuit that impedes electrical current flow during short time intervals in each half cycle of an AC source. If a shock h

An apparatus and method for electrical shock protection and electrical arc fault protection in an electrical distribution system. The invention consists of a current interrupting circuit that impedes electrical current flow during short time intervals in each half cycle of an AC source. If a shock hazard or electrical arc fault condition occurs during this short time interval, it results in current flow that is sensed at a load center, causing a circuit interrupter to open and preventing current flow to the distribution system for a period of time as short as one half cycle. When the fault is removed, that event is detected within one half cycle and power is restored to the load thus implementing an automatic reset. The invention is well suited for the retrofit of existing electrical distribution systems using the existing wiring.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electrical shock and arc fault protection apparatus for an alternating current electrical distribution system comprising a load center, at least one load, and no more than two current-carrying conductors connecting said load center with each of said at least one load;

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electrical shock and arc fault protection apparatus for an alternating current electrical distribution system comprising a load center, at least one load, and no more than two current-carrying conductors connecting said load center with each of said at least one load; said apparatus comprising:means for bidirectionally blocking substantially all of the electrical current flow to the one or more loads for predetermined time intervals;means for detecting electrical current in one of said two conductors; andmeans for interrupting said electrical current in said two conductors if an appreciable current in one of said two conductors is detected during one of said predetermined time intervals.