Patent ID: 7323878
Filing Date: 2008-01-29
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A ground-current isolating circuit for providing a low voltage barrier between a service neutral conductor and an associated grounding system of an electrical utility service, comprising: a first circuit arrangement to permit current in a first direction; and a second circuit arrangement to permit current in a second direction opposite said first direction, each of said first and second circuit arrangements having a positive pole and a negative pole, and a characteristic threshold voltage for biasing at least one unidirectional element in each circuit arrangement to a conductive state, and current in a forward biased direction being blocked by the at least one element for forward biased voltages less than or equal to the threshold voltage; wherein the first circuit arrangement positive pole is directly connected to the service neutral conductor and the first circuit arrangement negative pole is directly connected to the grounding system; and the second circuit arrangement positive pole is directly connected to the grounding system; and the second circuit arrangement negative pole is directly connected to service neutral conductor; wherein the first and second circuit arrangements each comprise at least two diodes, the at least two diodes being connected directly in series.