Patent ID: 6373150
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: H02J,Y02B,Y04S

Abstract:
An electric service load limiter for limiting the level of electric current received by a consumer from a utility power line and flowing through the consumer's electric power circuit, comprising:a sensor responsive to the power circuit for producing a sensor signal proportionate to the level of current flowing from the utility power line and through the consumer's electric power circuit; a logic circuit coupled to said sensor and responsive to the sensor signal to produce a logic signal when the sensor signal indicates the level of current being drawn through the consumer's electric power circuit which is equal to or greater than a desired maximum level; an automated power switch connectable between the utility power line and the consumer electric power circuit and coupled to said logic circuit, said automated power switch being operable to couple current from the utility power line to the consumer electric power circuit and responsive to said logic circuit to interrupt the flow of current from the utility power line to the consumer electric power circuit when a logic signal is produced; and a reset circuit coupled through said logic circuit to said automated power switch to produce a single reset signal, which is limited in duration, each time said reset circuit is operated after the interruption of current flow from the utility power line so as to cause said automated power switch to couple current from the utility power line to the consumer's electric power circuit.