IDCI with reset lockout and independent trip

• US 6,693,779 B2
• Filed: 03/21/2001
• Issued: 02/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company Incorporated
• Inventors: DiSalvo, Nicholas L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Leja, Ronald W.
• Application Number:
  US09/813,683
• Publication Number:
  US 20020003686A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,063 Days
• Field of Search: 361/42-50, 335/18, 335/21, 335/24, 335/26, 335/202
• US Class Current: 361/42
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2083/045 Auxiliary switch opening testing circuit in synchronism with the main circuit
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2083/201 the other abnormal electrical condition being an arc fault
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 71/524 the contact arm being pivoted on handle and mechanism spring acting between cradle and contact arm
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 71/62 with means for preventing resetting while abnormal condition persists, e.g. loose handle arrangement
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 83/04 with testing means for indicating the ability of the switch or relay to function properly
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 1/0015 Using arc detectors
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/335 the main function being self testing of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/338 also responsive to wiring error, e.g. loss of neutral, break
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 5/083 responsive to the entry or leakage of a liquid into an electrical appliance moisture alarm G08B21/20

Abstract

Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as an IDCI, are provided having a reset lockout and independent trip.

Claims

1. A circuit interrupting device comprising:

a housing at least partially housing a circuit interrupting sensor, a circuit interrupting sense circuit, a line conductor and a load conductor; and

a double pole double throw center off switch selectably activated by a user to power the circuit interrupting sense circuit from the line conductor without powering the user load for testing of the circuit interrupting sense circuit.