Electric energy service apparatus with tamper detection
First Claim
1. A method for detecting tampering with an electrical service apparatus including an electrical power socket with a ground circuit and at least two power distribution conductors and at least two power service conductors connected to jaw contacts in the socket and an electric power metering apparatus with blade terminals mountable in the jaw contacts, the electric power metering apparatus having a ground member releasably engageable with the ground circuit in the socket when the electric power metering apparatus is mounted in the socket, the method comprising the step of:
- detecting a time period between the opening of the ground circuit and the ground member and when the load current through one of the electric power distribution and service conductors equals zero, the time period indicating a tamper event signature.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting a tamper event in an electrical power metering apparatus having power distribution and power service conductors connected to jaw contacts in a socket housing, the jaw contacts receiving blade terminals of an electrical service meter apparatus. A tamper event signature is detected based on a time relationship between separation of the ground circuit between the electrical power metering apparatus and the socket and the separation of at least one of the power distribution and power service blade terminals from the socket jaw contacts due to removal of the electrical service apparatus from the socket.
31 Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A method for detecting tampering with an electrical service apparatus including an electrical power socket with a ground circuit and at least two power distribution conductors and at least two power service conductors connected to jaw contacts in the socket and an electric power metering apparatus with blade terminals mountable in the jaw contacts, the electric power metering apparatus having a ground member releasably engageable with the ground circuit in the socket when the electric power metering apparatus is mounted in the socket, the method comprising the step of:
detecting a time period between the opening of the ground circuit and the ground member and when the load current through one of the electric power distribution and service conductors equals zero, the time period indicating a tamper event signature. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
11. A method for detecting tampering with an electrical service apparatus including an electrical power socket with a ground circuit and at least two power distribution conductors and at least two power service conductors connected to jaw contacts in the socket and an electric power metering apparatus with blade terminals mountable in the jaw contacts, the electric power metering apparatus having a ground member releasably engageable with the ground circuit in the socket when the electric power metering apparatus is mounted in the socket, the method comprising the step of:
-
detecting a first event when the ground current equals zero at the time that the ground voltage is greater than zero;
detecting a second event when the current in the at least one of the electric power service and distribution conductors equals zero; and
determining the existence of the tamper event signature when the second event is later in time than the first event.
-
-
12. An apparatus for detecting tampering with an electrical service apparatus including an electrical power socket with a ground circuit and at least two power distribution conductors and at least two power service conductors connected to jaw contacts in the socket and an electric power metering apparatus with blade terminals mountable in the jaw contacts, the electric power metering apparatus having a ground member releasably engageable with the ground circuit in the socket when the metering apparatus is mounted in the socket, comprising:
-
voltage and current sensors for measuring the voltage and the current of at least one of the service and distribution conductors;
ground voltage and ground current sensors; and
control means for detecting a tamper signature based on the time relationship between changes in the ground voltage and the ground current and the voltage and the current of the at least one of the power and distribution conductors. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
Specification