Patent ID: 6433977
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
A combination arc fault circuit interrupter and ground fault circuit interrupter having a self test feature activated by a single button comprising:a circuit interrupter; a ground fault detector connected to the circuit interrupter for activating the circuit interrupter when a ground fault is detected; an arc fault detector connected to the circuit interrupter for activating the circuit interrupter when an arc fault is detected; a steering circuit for disconnecting the output of one of the ground fault and arc fault detectors from the circuit interrupter and connecting it to the other of the arc fault and ground fault detectors; and a test button connected to one of the arc fault detector and ground fault detector, and to the steering circuit, in which activation of the test button activates one of the arc fault detector and ground fault detectors, which in turn activates the other of the arc fault detector and ground fault detector which in turn activates the circuit interrupter; in which the steering circuit comprises a transistor connecting the ground fault detector to the circuit interrupter when the transistor is turned on, and disconnecting the ground fault detector from the circuit interrupter when the transistor is turned off.