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Leakage current detection and interruption circuit with improved shield

  • US 7,623,329 B2
  • Filed: 07/07/2006
  • Issued: 11/24/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/04/2005
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A circuit for disconnecting a power source upon the detection of a leakage current, comprising:

  • a power cable comprising an insulated first wire and an insulated second wire;

    said power cable having a conductive shield surrounding said insulated first wire and said insulated second wire;

    a drain wire having a first and a second portion;

    said first portion of said drain wire being non-insulated and in electrical contact with said conductive shield;

    an outer insulating layer molded about said conductive shield;

    a disconnect switch interposed between the power source and said power cable;

    said disconnect switch defining a primary side of said disconnect switch adjacent to said power source and defining a secondary side of said disconnect switch adjacent to said power cable;

    a primary circuit including a photoconductive switch located on said primary side of said disconnect switch for controlling said disconnect switch;

    a secondary circuit located on said second side of said disconnect switch comprising a light emitting device being connected in series with a resistor between said drain wire and both of said insulated first wire and said insulated second wire for actuating said light emitting device upon a leakage current flow between said conductive shield and one of said insulated first wire and said insulated second wire; and

    said photoconductive switch optically coupled to said light emitting device for interconnecting said primary circuit and said secondary circuit for opening said disconnect switch upon said secondary circuit sensing a leakage current between said conductive shield and one of said insulated first wire and said insulated second wires.

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