Systems and Methods for Reducing Electrically-caused Fires in Wiring Devices
First Claim
1. A system for reducing electrically-caused fires in wiring devices comprising:
- a wiring device having a terminal for attaching a wire;
an electronic temperature sensor in close proximity to the terminal; and
circuitry electrically connected to the temperature sensor, the circuitry being configured to receive temperature information from the temperature sensor and to interrupt power to the wiring device when a reference temperature is exceeded at the temperature sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods that provide improved detection of series fault conditions are described. The systems provide an increased range of response possibilities upon detection of such conditions. Solid-state temperature sensors are utilized and may be connected to a printed circuit board integrated with supply wire terminals, thus providing electronic circuitry controlling the response to over-temperature events while simultaneously keeping the temperature sensors in close proximity with the location of potential over-heating events. Electronic sensors in accordance with implementations of the present invention detect overheating conditions at temperatures more quickly because of the close proximity of the sensors to locations of potential overheating, thereby improving the safety of electrical wiring devices and fixtures. Additionally, the threshold temperature for response can more easily be selected or controlled to be at a variety of temperatures to improve safety.
37 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for reducing electrically-caused fires in wiring devices comprising:
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a wiring device having a terminal for attaching a wire; an electronic temperature sensor in close proximity to the terminal; and circuitry electrically connected to the temperature sensor, the circuitry being configured to receive temperature information from the temperature sensor and to interrupt power to the wiring device when a reference temperature is exceeded at the temperature sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for monitoring over-temperature conditions in a wiring device, the system comprising:
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a wiring device having a terminal for attaching an electrical supply wire to the wiring device; a printed circuit board physically connected to the terminal; a solid-state temperature sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board in close proximity to the terminal; and a circuit configured to receive temperature information from the temperature sensor and to interrupt power to the wiring device upon detection of an over-temperature event indicative of a series fault between the terminal and the electrical supply wire. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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19. A system for detecting series faults in a wiring device, the system comprising:
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a wiring device having a plurality of terminals for attaching electrical supply wires to the wiring device; a printed circuit board physically and electrically connected to the terminals; a plurality of solid-state temperature sensors electrically connected to the printed circuit board in close physical proximity to the terminals; and a circuit configured to receive temperature information from the temperature sensors and to interrupt power to the wiring device upon detection of an over-temperature event indicative of a series fault between one of the terminals and one of the electrical supply wires. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification