Patent ID: 6226161
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
A ground fault circuit interrupter device electrically connected between a source of electrical power and a load for interrupting a flow of electrical current from said source of electrical power to said load when a ground fault condition is present comprising:a) a first selectively operable switch in a hot line leading from said power source to said load, said first switch operable in a first condition to permit the flow of current from said power source to said load in said hot line and operable in a second condition to prevent the flow of current in said hot line from said power source to said load;b) a second selectively operable switch in a neutral line leading form said power source to said load, said second switch operable in a first condition to permit the flow of current from said power source to said load in said neutral line and operable in a second condition to prevent the flow of current in said neutral line from said power source to said load;c) a ground fault detector coupled between said hot line and said neutral line on a line side of said first and second operable switches to detect ground faults and produce a first output signal indicative of the detection of a ground fault condition;d) a power supply for producing a power signal;e) first connecting means interposed between said ground fault detector and said first and second selectively operable switches, wherein an absence of said first output signal from said ground fault detector permits said first and second switches to remain in their first condition and a presence of said first output signal from said ground fault detector causes said first and second selectively operable switches to switch to their second condition to prevent the flow of current between said power source and said load;f) a sensing device coupled between said hot line and said neutral line, said sensing device providing an inhibit output signal when current is flowing in both said hot line and said neutral line and providing an operating output signal in the event of the interruption of current flow in at least one of said hot and neutral lines;g) an alarm generator coupled to said sensing means and responsive to said operating output signal and coupled to said power supply and responsive to said power signal to produce an alarm signal when both said operating output signal and said power signal are present and responsive to said inhibit output signal and power signal when both said inhibit output and said power signal are present to prevent the production of said alarm signal; andh) said power supply is coupled to said hot line before and after said first selectively operable switch and is coupled to said neutral line before and after said second selectively operable switch.