Patent ID: 7639461
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
1. A fault circuit interrupter device having a current detection circuit for providing an overcurrent protection, where the current detection circuit comprises: at least one input conductor; at least one output conductor; a switch coupled across a neutral terminal and a phase terminal of the device, said switch configured to cause an imbalance; and a comparator electrically connected to said switch via said at least one input conductor and said at least one output conductor; and wherein said comparator is an overcurrent comparator coupled at a first end to a first section on a neutral line, and is coupled at a second end to a second section on said neutral line to read a voltage drop across a continuous line segment, wherein when a current flowing through said continuous line segment of said circuit interrupter is greater than a predetermined magnitude, along said netural line said comparator is disposed to cause said switch to close causing said switch to conduct, creating a current imbalance causing the device to be tripped.