Leakage current detection interrupter with open neutral detection
First Claim
1. A leakage current detection interrupter (LCDI) comprising:
- a circuit interrupter means for breaking a conductive path between line side phase and neutral conductors and load side phase and neutral conductors; and
a tripping means coupled to the circuit interrupter means to break the conductive path in response to detecting an opening of the line side neutral conductor using a line side ground conductor as a return path.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A leakage current detection interrupter (LCDI) having open neutral detection. In one embodiment, the LCDI is formed in a plug and includes a circuit interrupter means for breaking a conductive path between line side phase and neutral conductors and load side phase and neutral conductors. A tripping means is coupled to operate the circuit interrupter means to break the conductive path upon the detection of the opening of the line side neutral conductor referred to as open neutral condition. The tripping means, which uses the neutral path as a return path if leakage current is detected, will, with this invention, use a line side ground conductor as a return path if the neutral path is broken anywhere between a service panel entrance and the plug. In response to the opening of the line side neutral conductor or leakage current, the LCDI interrupts the flow of current to a load such as a window air conditioner.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A leakage current detection interrupter (LCDI) comprising:
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a circuit interrupter means for breaking a conductive path between line side phase and neutral conductors and load side phase and neutral conductors; and
a tripping means coupled to the circuit interrupter means to break the conductive path in response to detecting an opening of the line side neutral conductor using a line side ground conductor as a return path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An electrical extension cord comprising:
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an electrical cable including separate, insulated phase, neutral and ground conductors;
an electrical plug connected to a line side of the phase and neutral conductors and to a ground conductor;
a circuit interrupter means electrically connected to the line side phase and neutral conductors, and load side phase and neutral conductors; and
a tripping means coupled to operate the circuit interrupter means to electrically disconnect the line side phase conductor from the load side phase conductor upon detecting the opening of line side neutral conductor where the tripping means uses the ground conductor as a return path. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification