Patent ID: 6292337
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
An electrical system of alternating current having an unshielded power line and an unshielded neutral line and including arc protection comprising:an unshielded sensing lead located between the power line and the neutral line within an insulating sheath of a cord conveying energy to a load;insulating means to normally electrically isolate said sensing lead from the power line and from the neutral line;sensing lead integrity checking means connected from said sensing lead to the power line for conveying a current sufficient to indicate that said sensing lead is capable of conducting leakage current, said integrity checking means limiting the current therethrough to a value sufficiently low that it is not detected as an undesired leakage current;circuit opening means to break the power line when actuated; andcurrent responsive means connected between said sensing lead and the neutral line, said current responsive means actuating said circuit opening means when a leakage current in excess of a predetermined magnitude flows through said sensing lead as a result of a failure of said insulating means; and a test circuit connected to said sensing lead.