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Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) with a secondary test switch contact protection

  • US 20020145838A1
  • Filed: 12/31/2001
  • Published: 10/10/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/02/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for an AC electrical receptacle, comprising:

  • first and second input terminals for connection to the line and neutral sides, respectively, of an AC source;

    first and second output terminals for connection to the line and neutral sides, respectively, of an AC receptacle outlet;

    a fuse disposed between said first and second input terminals and said first and second output terminals;

    first and second conductive paths extending, respectively, between said first input terminal and said first output terminal and between said second input terminal and said second output terminal;

    a first set of electrical relays connected in said first and second conductive paths, respectively, in order to selectively connect said input terminals to said output terminals when said relays are closed and to selectively disconnect said input terminals from said output terminals when said relays are open;

    a control circuit for causing said relays to open in response to an imbalance in current flow through said first and second conductive paths that is indicative of a ground fault condition at an AC load connected to said AC receptacle outlet;

    a test switch for selectively connecting one of said first and second input terminals to one of said second and first output terminals, respectively, in order to simulate an imbalance in current flow through said first and second conductive paths and thereby cause said control circuit to open said relays;

    a primary test switch contact for creating an imbalance in current flow for said GFCI when contact is made between said test switch and said primary test switch contact; and

    a secondary test switch contact for serving as backup in case said contact between said primary test switch contact and said test switch does not result in an imbalance, wherein contact between said test switch and said secondary test switch contact results in said fuse being blown when said test switch and said primary contact fail to result in an imbalance of the current flow.

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