Arc fault circuit interrupter

摘要

An arc fault circuit interrupter is disclosed. This arc fault circuit interrupter can include any one or more of three different sensors such as a high frequency sensor, and any one of lower frequency sensors such as a current sensor or a differential sensor. The arc fault circuit interrupter can be configured as an in line arc fault circuit interrupter installed in a wall box. In addition, the arc fault circuit interrupter can include a processor configured to determine any one of a series arc fault, or a parallel arc fault.

主权项

1. An arc fault circuit interrupter, comprising:
a high-frequency sensor configured to detect high frequency components of a differential electrical current flow between a phase conductive path and a neutral conductive path, wherein the high frequency sensor is configured to provide a first signal representative of the high frequency components; a current sensor configured to measure the electrical current flow and provide a second signal representative of the electrical current measurement; a processor including:
an input structure configured to receive a third signal representative of a filtered version of the first signal and a fourth signal representative of a filtered version of the second signal;logic configured to determine based on the third signal and the fourth signal that an arc fault has occurred; andan output structure configured to generate a trigger signal; and a reset lockout circuit configured to:
receive the trigger signal;in response to the trigger signal, cause a circuit interrupt switch to open; andprevent the circuit interrupt switch from closing until a reset signal is received from the processor.