Patent ID: 6356426
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
A circuit breaker having a load control feature, comprising:a power conductor connected between a line terminal and a load terminal; a current sensor configured to sense current in said power conductor; a transformer for sensing communications transmitted via power line carrier; a trip unit receptive to output of the current sensor and the communications, said trip unit generating a trip signal upon sensing an overcurrent fault condition, and a load control signal in response to a load control message encoded in said communications; a separable pair of overcurrent circuit breaker contacts connected to said power conductor; a first actuator mechanically linked to said pair of overcurrent circuit breaker contacts, said first actuator causing said overcurrent circuit breaker contacts to separate, thereby electrically disconnecting said load terminal from said line terminal, in response to said trip signal; a load control switch connected in series with said overcurrent circuit breaker contacts; and a second actuator mechanically linked to said load control switch, said second actuator causing said load control switch to open in response to said load control signal.