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Electrical system with arc protection

DC
  • US 6,292,337 B1
  • Filed: 07/18/1996
  • Issued: 09/18/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/05/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An electrical system of alternating current having an unshielded power line and an unshielded neutral line and including arc protection comprising:

  • an unshielded sensing lead located between the power line and the neutral line within an insulating sheath of a cord conveying energy to a load;

    insulating means to normally electrically isolate said sensing lead from the power line and from the neutral line;

    sensing lead integrity checking means connected from said sensing lead to the power line for conveying a current sufficient to indicate that said sensing lead is capable of conducting leakage current, said integrity checking means limiting the current therethrough to a value sufficiently low that it is not detected as an undesired leakage current;

    circuit opening means to break the power line when actuated; and

    current responsive means connected between said sensing lead and the neutral line, said current responsive means actuating said circuit opening means when a leakage current in excess of a predetermined magnitude flows through said sensing lead as a result of a failure of said insulating means; and

    a test circuit connected to said sensing lead.

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