Device, System and Method For Automatic Self-Test For A Ground Fault Interrupter
First Claim
1. A self-test circuit, comprising:
- a signal circuit adapted to periodically output a circuit inhibitor signal to inhibit a breaking signal from a ground fault detector, the signal circuit also adapted to periodically output a test signal simulating a ground fault; and
an alarm circuit adapted to receive an output signal from the ground fault detector in response to detecting the ground fault, and adapted to output an alarm when the ground fault detector is not operative.
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Abstract
A self-test circuit is provided that includes a signal circuit adapted to periodically output a circuit inhibitor signal to inhibit a breaking signal from a ground fault detector. The signal circuit is also adapted to periodically output a test signal simulating a ground fault. The self-test circuit also includes an alarm circuit adapted to receive an output signal from the ground fault detector in response to detecting the ground fault, and adapted to output an alarm when the ground fault detector is not operative. The signal circuit may be further adapted to periodically output a second test signal simulating a grounded neutral condition. A ground fault circuit interrupter system and a method are also provided.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A self-test circuit, comprising:
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a signal circuit adapted to periodically output a circuit inhibitor signal to inhibit a breaking signal from a ground fault detector, the signal circuit also adapted to periodically output a test signal simulating a ground fault; and an alarm circuit adapted to receive an output signal from the ground fault detector in response to detecting the ground fault, and adapted to output an alarm when the ground fault detector is not operative. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A ground fault circuit interrupter system, comprising:
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a ground fault detector; a signal circuit electrically coupled to the ground fault detector and for outputting a circuit inhibitor signal to inhibit a breaking signal from the ground fault detector, the signal circuit also for outputting a test signal to the ground fault detector; and an alarm circuit electrically coupled to the ground fault detector and for receiving an output signal from the ground fault detector in response to the test signal. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method, comprising:
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periodically outputting a circuit inhibitor signal to a ground fault detector to inhibit a breaking signal from the ground fault detector, the circuit inhibitor signal being output at a first period; outputting a test signal to the ground fault detector only if the circuit inhibitor signal is output, the test signal testing the ground fault detector; receiving from the ground fault detector an output signal in response to the test signal when the ground fault detector is operative; and activating an alarm if the output signal is not received after a second period longer than the first period. - View Dependent Claims (26)
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Specification