Patent ID: 6038115
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: H01R,H02H

Abstract:
A safety system for a socket-outlet, the socket-outlet having a supply side and a load side, the supply side coupled to a first voltage source, the load side connectable to a load, comprising:a switching device for coupling the supply side to the load side; anda measuring device coupled to the load side and including a D.C. test circuit, the D.C. test circuit for driving a current across the load and for measuring a first impedance of the load using a low test voltage, the measuring device further including an A.C. test circuit for measuring a second impedance of the load using a frequency that is high compared to a line voltage, the measuring device further for controlling the switching device to not couple the supply side to the load if i) the first impedance is greater than 500 ohms, and ii) a relation:1.3.ltoreq.first impedance/second impedance.ltoreq.15 is satisfied.