Patent ID: 7528507
Filing Date: 2009-05-05
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for supplying AC Power to a load, comprising: a pair of output terminals; a primary circuit electrically coupled to a source of AC power and to the output terminals for selectively providing power at a low voltage at the output terminals or electronically coupling the source of AC power directly to the output terminals, the primary circuit for providing power at the low voltage at the application of the load, the primary circuit including a mechanical switch for detecting application of the load; and, a load sensing circuit coupled to the primary circuit and the source of AC power for determining a resistance associated with the load at initial application of the load and controlling the primary circuit to electronically couple the source of AC power directly to the output terminals if a proper load is detected, the load sensing circuit including an RC circuit having a capacitor which supplies an inrush current to the load during application of the load, the amount of time required to discharge the capacitor to a predetermined level being indicative of one of a proper load and an improper load.