Patent ID: 6094329
Filing Date: 2000-07-25
Classification: G01R,H02H

Abstract:
A residual current operated circuit breaker being functionally dependent on a mains voltage, comprising:a totalizing current transformer for detecting fault currents in a phase conductor line and a neutral conductor line;a switching stage;a circuit breaker-guard switch; anda detecting means for detecting fault conditions of a protective earth conductor line, said detecting means receiving signals on said phase conductor line, neutral conductor line and protective earth conductor line, respectively, said detecting means being connected to said switching stage for controlling said circuit breaker-guard switch,wherein said fault conditions of said protective earth conductor line comprise as a first fault condition the interruption or disconnection of the protective earth conductor line and as a second fault condition the presence of a phase or mains voltage on the protective earth conductor line which is detected by detecting a potential difference generated relative to a sensor made of a conductive material, when said sensor is touched by an operator.