Systems and Methods for Detecting Unsafe Thermal Conditions in Wiring Devices
First Claim
1. A system for detecting unsafe thermal conditions in wiring devices comprising:
- a wiring device having a plurality of terminals for attaching electrical wires to the wiring device;
a plurality of temperature sensors, at least one temperature sensor being in close proximity to each terminal; and
circuitry configured to monitor the temperature sensors and to interrupt power to the wiring device when a first temperature of one or more of the temperature sensors differs from a second temperature of at least one other of the temperature sensors more than a reference temperature differential.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods that provide improved detection of series fault and other localized unsafe heating conditions are described. The systems and methods provide an increased range of response possibilities upon detection of such conditions. Multiple temperature sensors are located in close proximity with the location of potential over-heating events, and differential temperature sensing is used to detect over-heating events. Electronic sensors in accordance with implementations of the present invention detect overheating conditions at lower temperatures and more quickly because of the close proximity of the sensors to locations of potential overheating and because of the differential temperature sensing, thereby improving the safety of electrical wiring devices and fixtures.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for detecting unsafe thermal conditions in wiring devices comprising:
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a wiring device having a plurality of terminals for attaching electrical wires to the wiring device; a plurality of temperature sensors, at least one temperature sensor being in close proximity to each terminal; and circuitry configured to monitor the temperature sensors and to interrupt power to the wiring device when a first temperature of one or more of the temperature sensors differs from a second temperature of at least one other of the temperature sensors more than a reference temperature differential. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for monitoring unsafe temperature conditions in a wiring device, the system comprising:
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a wiring device comprising; a plurality of terminals for attaching electrical supply wires to the wiring device; and a plurality of electrical contact points for providing supply of electricity from the wiring device to other electrical devices; a plurality of temperature sensors, at least one temperature sensor being in close proximity to each terminal and at least one temperature sensor being in close proximity to each electrical contact point; and circuitry configured to monitor the temperature sensors and to interrupt power to the wiring device when a first temperature of one or more of the temperature sensors differs from a second temperature of at least one other of the temperature sensors more than a reference temperature differential. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. In a wiring device having a plurality of terminals for attaching electrical supply wires to the wiring device, a method for detecting and responding to unsafe thermal conditions in the wiring device comprising:
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monitoring temperature information from a plurality of temperature sensors that are in close proximity to each terminal; determining, from the temperature information, a temperature differential for each temperature sensor in comparison to each other temperature sensor; comparing each of the temperature differentials to a reference safe temperature differential; and interrupting electrical power to the wiring device when any one of the temperature differentials exceeds the reference safe temperature differential. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification