Patent ID: 7468876

Claim:
A method for protecting a circuit having a source of electrical power connected to an electrical load through a series connected circuit breaker switch and a load power switch having a control input, for de-energizing the load in response to an excessive load current, the method comprising: (a) continuously sensing the current from the source of electrical power to the electrical load to provide a sensed load current value; (b) continuously monitoring the control input of the load power switch to detect whether the load power switch is commanded to be closed or open; (c) if the load power switch is commanded to be open, continuously comparing the sensed load current value to a first maximum current value and opening the circuit breaker switch if the sensed current value exceeds the first maximum value; and (d) if the load power switch is commanded to be closed, continuously comparing the sensed load current value to a second maximum current value which is greater than the first maximum current value and opening the circuit breaker switch if the sensed load current value exceeds the second maximum value.