Distribution cutout condition sensor
First Claim
1. In a fused cutout for a power distribution system, which cutout includes an insulating member having two opposed ends and a recess located between the two opposed ends, a fuse defining a current path having two ends and having an element for interrupting the current path when current flowing through the path exceeds a selected value, a first conductive support structure connected at a first end of the insulating member, conductively connected to a first end of the current path and connectable to a source of electrical power, a second conductive support structure connected at a second end of the insulating member, conductively connected to a second end of the current path and connectable to a consumer of electrical power, each conductive support structure producing an electric field when connected to the source of electrical power, and a mounting bracket assembly for supporting the fused cutout and including a conductive member secured in the recess of the insulating member, the improvement comprising:
- electric field detector means including electrode means disposed in said recess and spaced from said conductive member for generating a voltage dependent at least on the intensity of the electric field originating from said second conductive support structure; and
a monitoring circuit connected to said detector means for monitoring the voltage generated by said detector means and providing an output signal when the value of that voltage corresponds substantially to that produced when an electric field originates at said first conductive support structure and no electric field originates at said second conductive support structure.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fused cutout for a power distribution system, which cutout includes an insulating member (2) having two opposed ends and a recess located between the two opposed ends, a fuse (12) defining a current path and having an element for interrupting the current path when current flowing through the path exceeds a selected value, a first conductive support structure (6) connected at a first end of the insulating member (2), conductively connected to a first end of the current path and connectable to a source of electrical power (14), a second conductive support structure (8) connected at a second end of the insulating member (2), conductively connected to a second end of the current path and connectable to a consumer of electrical power (16), each conductive support structure (6,8) producing an electric field when connected to the source of electrical power, and a mounting bracket assembly (4) for supporting the fused cutout and including a conductive member (30) secured in the recess of the insulating member (2). An electric field detector including at least one conductive electrode (42) is disposed in the recess and spaced from the conductive member (30) for generating a voltage dependent at least on the intensity of the electric field originating from the second conductive support structure (8), and a monitoring circuit (70-84) is connected to the detector for monitoring the voltage generated by the detector and providing an output signal when the value of that voltage corresponds substantially to that produced when no electric field originates at the second conductive support structure (8).
-
Citations
8 Claims
-
1. In a fused cutout for a power distribution system, which cutout includes an insulating member having two opposed ends and a recess located between the two opposed ends, a fuse defining a current path having two ends and having an element for interrupting the current path when current flowing through the path exceeds a selected value, a first conductive support structure connected at a first end of the insulating member, conductively connected to a first end of the current path and connectable to a source of electrical power, a second conductive support structure connected at a second end of the insulating member, conductively connected to a second end of the current path and connectable to a consumer of electrical power, each conductive support structure producing an electric field when connected to the source of electrical power, and a mounting bracket assembly for supporting the fused cutout and including a conductive member secured in the recess of the insulating member, the improvement comprising:
electric field detector means including electrode means disposed in said recess and spaced from said conductive member for generating a voltage dependent at least on the intensity of the electric field originating from said second conductive support structure; and
a monitoring circuit connected to said detector means for monitoring the voltage generated by said detector means and providing an output signal when the value of that voltage corresponds substantially to that produced when an electric field originates at said first conductive support structure and no electric field originates at said second conductive support structure.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Specification