Patent ID: 6683768
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: H02H,H02N,H04M

Abstract:
A system for protecting a switching device against damage resulting from an electrical power fault, wherein the switching device is positioned in a subscriber loop in a telecommunication system, the system comprising:means for sensing a current in the subscriber loop after the electrical power fault; means for comparing the sensed current with a reference value to determine if the sensed current is greater than the reference value; means for energizing a relay coupled to the subscriber loop if the sensed current is greater than the reference value, the energizing of the relay reducing the value of the sensed current in the subscriber loop, thereby protecting the switching device against damage; means for limiting an electrical power fault voltage that is exposed to the switching device, wherein the means for limiting includes an over voltage protector that is positioned between a first pair of resistors and the outside plant; and a second pair of resistors coupled to the subscriber loop, wherein the second pair of resistors is used to reduce the value of the sensed current in the subscriber loop.