Patent ID: 7800873
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: H01H,H02H

Abstract:
1. A ground fault circuit interruptor (GFCI) device for detecting an end-of-life condition, comprising: line side terminals adapted receive an input power signal; load side terminals connectable to a load; hot and neutral conductors for connecting respective line side terminals to corresponding load side terminals; a ground fault detecting circuit for detecting a fault and controllably operating a switching device to energize a circuit interrupting device to open at least one of the hot and neutral conductors upon detection of a fault; and an end-of-life detecting circuit for detecting a failure of the circuit interrupting device to open after detection of the fault, and for activating a secondary circuit to energize the circuit interrupting device on every other half cycle of AC power to open at least one of the hot and neutral conductors if said failure is detected.