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Power line communication over disconnected service lines

  • US 10,354,520 B2
  • Filed: 12/17/2012
  • Issued: 07/16/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/17/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method performed by an electricity meter comprising a network communication device, a switch, a service switch and a leakage capacitor, the method comprising:

  • opening the service switch to disconnect an electricity service provided by a service provider to a site, metered by the electricity meter, by opening a circuit used to provide the electricity service to the site;

    setting the switch to a first position;

    receiving a power line communication passing through the leakage capacitor sent from a device internal to the site, wherein a first lead of the leakage capacitor is connected through the switch when set in the first position to a first terminal of the service switch that is internal to the site, and a second lead of the leakage capacitor is connected through a power line communication coupler to a neutral conductor, and wherein the leakage capacitor leaks current past the service switch when the switch is in the first position;

    setting the switch to a second position; and

    sending a second power line communication from a power line communication device connected to the power line communication coupler, wherein the first lead of the leakage capacitor is connected through the switch, when set in the second position, to a second terminal of the service switch that is external to the site.

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