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AFCI which detects and interrupts line side arcing

  • US 6,633,467 B2
  • Filed: 02/02/2001
  • Issued: 10/14/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/03/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An arc fault detector operatively connected to first and second lines of an AC electric power distribution system, comprising:

  • first means for determining a first width of a voltage pulse of a line voltage across said first and second lines in an absence of an arc fault on a line side of said arc fault detector;

    second means for determining a second width of a voltage pulse of said line voltage across said first and second lines in a presence of said arc fault on said line side of said arc fault detector;

    comparison means for comparing said first width to said second width; and

    means for producing a signal when said first width exceeds said second width for a predetermined number of line cycles of said line voltage.

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